TIMES OF STRESS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20086, 15 November 1930, Page 14

TIMES OF STRESS.

SOLID FRONT NEEDBD. LORD BLBDISLOe»S ADVICE. Words of cheer and advice as to how they should meet the economic conditions of to-day -were spoken to members of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association by the Governor-Gen-eral (Lord Bledisloe) last evening at the reception in his honour. "Times are not too bright, either in this country or in any other in the world," said his Excellency. "There is a certain amount of pessimism about, but I think there is less ground for it in New Zealand than in any other part of the Empire. I hope the men who are members of the Returned Soldiers' Association will do their best to be optimists, and to encourage optimism. "You live in a fair land, with a glorious climate, in spite of its occasional winds, and with a remarkably fertile soil and a population, on the whole, remarkable for its physique, and, thanks to the large amount of sunshine, with a happy and joyous heart, prepared to look on the bright side of things. If you men represent anything, you represent the spirit of sacrifice and comrade--Bhip, and I rejoice in the fact that your branch has .the largest membership in. the Dominion, and that its strength is growing. You can be a nucleus for developing in these days of pe&ce these same qualities, and, above, all, the spirit of comradeship. "I believe, in looking at the somewhat chaotic conditions of the world, that those countries which are going to preserve themselves best and survive ! their existing difficulties are those which present evidence of internal solidarity, a solid front, and unanimity of aim the maximum degree of sympathy, and* the greatest determination to succeed. Those will be the nations which will hold their own in the struggle which is going on_ in the world." Class Contention Deprecated. I He hoped he would not offen'd the I feeling of any violent political partisan who might be present when he said that it was never more necessary [ in the history of the world for politicians to try to seek points of contact, instead of those of difference, and for all classes to_ endeavour to co-operate, > rather than waste their energy and strength in fighting one with another. "It is all very well in times of stress," continued his E—cellency, "and when you are faced with extreme danger, to console yourselves by singing some of those delightful songs you have been singing, but do let some of them apply to the days of peace. Let us 'pack up our troubles in our old bit bag,' and look on the brighter side of things." "As the representative of his Majesty the King I feel I am only interpreting his wishes when I Bay that no organisation exists in the Dominion in which he has a greater interest than yours. You have among you leaders of men who are likely to point the way in things courageous and good. I shall do everything I can to, endeavour to support your Association."