A NEW YEAR MESSAGE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17342, 31 December 1921, Page 8

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE.

♦ - FROM PRIME MINISTER TO THE PEOPLE. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEC BAM) AUCKLAND, December 30. The following is a New Year message from the Prime Minister (Mr Massey) to the citizens of New Zealand: — Daring the latter part of the year which has just closed, New Zealand h;vs experienced her share of financial and commercial depression, which inevitably follows every great war, but the trouble has been faced in most cases with that courage and determination which the people of this country have always shown when difficulties of anv kind have occurred in the past. On this occasion we have the consolation, such as it is, of knowing that the present financial stringency is not of our making, but has arisen mostly from the falling off in the purchasing capacity of our best customers, especially in Great Britain, a state of things which, according to the latest Press crbles, is slowly but surely showing indications of improvement, and wnich we all hope will soon pass away. Unemployment in New Zealand so far has not been serious in comparison with other countries, but the outlook requires to be very carefully watched, so that provision may be made for maintaining a strong financial position, and so being able to absorb in public works any surplus labour unable to find employment in other directions. With foresight and inthere need be no occasion for pessimism. The Dominion has experienced depressions on previous occasions, and as these have been successfully surmounted, so it will be this time. The clouds will pnss away, and the sun of prosperity will again shine out from a clear and cloudless sky. But as a people, we must do our part. There must be unselfish and united effort. Every section of the community must do its share of the nation's work, either by hand or brain, so that when we have got through the present crisis, we shall be able to look back and think that our experience has not been an unmixed evil, and that we shall probably be all the better citizens for the lessons we have had. We shall have learnt that there is ho royal road to prosperity or happiness, and that whether as a nation or as individuals, whether wo live in country or town, we must apply ourselves with energy and industry, and take advantage of the opportunities that, in this glorious young country, are ready to our hand. The period of reconstruction after a great war is always difficult, and during the year upon which we are entering, our courage and determination may be further tested, but we can look the future in the face with confidence, if, under any circumstances that may arise, we do our jjuty promptly and fully to our country, to our neighbours, and to ourOne' consolation for which we cannot be too thankful is that the world as a whole, is looking for peace anj endeavouring to avoid the possibility of war in the future. So far as it is possible to judge, the Washington Conference is likely to have most, important results, and be the means of keeping peace in the Pacific for many years to come. If an amicable arrangement between Britain, America, Japan, and France can be maintained, it will be the best guarantee ,of peace that the world has ever made. No nations have more to gain by p4ace than the young British nations in the Pacific—Australia and New Zealand —tftit whatever agreement is reached between the present Great Powers, none of their representatives thinks that the world has seen the last war. Bearing this contingency always in mind, therefore, the British Empire must not be allowed to lapse into a statd of absolute unpreparedness. Its security must be maintained. The Empire is one o£ the strongest factors for, and one of the best safeguards of, the peace of the world to-day. Four hundred and fifty million subjects of the King look to it for protection, and consequently it is the duty of its citizens, Whilst striving for peace bv every honourable method, to see that our enemies are not given the opportunity for Wnich they seek, namely, that of breaking up, either by insidious practices or by open warfare—and the former is more dangerous—the great Empire whioh haß done so much for humanity, and which has cost so much blood and treasure to build up through the centuries. The question of Dominion status was raised in connexion with the Washington Conference, and I admit its importance, but it is even more important that at any international conference, the Empire as a whole should speaw with one voice, and with no uncertain sound. United it will stand, divided it may fall, and in the interests of humanity as well as in the interests of its own citizens. nothing should be left, undone which will assist in keeping it together. We have a duty to the Empire as well as to our own country, and, judging by our record in the past. .New Zealand will never fail in this respect. We know not what may be in store for us. either from the point of view of the Empire or our own country, but we can earnestly and sincerely express our gratitude to divine Providence for the blessings vouchsafed to us in years that are past, and take courage for the yell's that are to come. -o my fellow-citizens I express most cordially the hope that 1922 will be a year of happiness and prosperity to each and every one W. F. MA'SSEY Prime Minister.