CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 307, 29 December 1942, Page 4

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

(To -the Editor)

For quite some time we have been reading many articles about Americans in New Zealand. I propose for once, to turn the tables and see the New Zealanders through the eyes of an American. On December 24, late in the afternoon, while stand, ing on Queen Street I watched the faces of men, women and children of New Zealand. On those thouL sands of faces were smiles as peoDl* hurried to and fro in last-minutl! shopping. Truly each individual reflected the Christmas spirit On Christmas Day I had the good for tune of being hospitably entertained by one of the finest families I haw ever met anywhere at any time This family, like my own, has a son serving overseas, yet the Christmas spirit prevailed in full. Aside from the fact that I missed my home and family on Christmas Day, I raj, think of no finer tribute to my host than to say that I could not possiblv have enjoyed my day at home more than I did here. When a whole people can still smile after readine day after day, long casualty lists for a period of three years; when they can take, without complaint deprivation in the form of rationing of petrol, sugar, tea, clothing; when women, undaunted, unafraid with children and homes, sacrifice all the little pleasures of life to work and maintain the unity of their home while those they love, husbands brothers and sons, are serving overseas, then those people are a nation united who will survive. What fools are Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo and Hirohito to think they can conquer a spirit so completely indomitable Too often we Americans are thoughtless and unappreciative, but to you New Zealanders who have opened your hearts and your homes to us with profound gratitude we say thanks. It's a pleasure and a- privilege to fight side by side with our ally of the stout heart. May the New Year bring peace and the return of those you love so dearly that once more you shall live-in freel dom and security with the right to the pursuit of happiness. YANKEE BLUEJACKET.