A NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22907, 2 January 1940, Page 6

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Governor-General's Broadcast

SHORT EXTENSION OF TERM POSSIBLE •' ■--■£<

References to War and Centennial

CPBI3SS ASSOCIATION TELEOHAM.) i AUCKLAND, January 1. "On the occasion of my broadcast last New Year's Eve, I referred to the spirit of nationalism prevailing throughout the world, and to the shadows of enmity and fear which were clouding the horizon of the old world,.and I suggested that, in spite of the crisis from which we had just then emerged, it would be prudent for us to prepare .for ' emergencies," said the Governor-General (Lord Galway) in a New Year messagebroadcast from IYA. "The • sequence of events of the following few moifths went to show that there was good reason for anxiety. ' ' '-

"In three hours' time the bells will ring in the New Year, 1940, New Zealand's centennial year. At the dawn of our new century we cannot help thinking of our cherished hopes, now disappointed, that New Zealand's centennial year was to be for us one of joy, happiness, and prosperity. Instead, ! we are called upon to face the most j serious situation ever forced upon the Empire. All our thoughts are concentrated on this war in which we are engaged, a fight for' our liberty against the worst form of tyranny ever known. Civilisation hangs in the balance. Everything we hold most precious is jeopardised by the aggression of powerful nations, - ruled by unscrupulous dictators. "Already Bright Moments" "We have not taken up the sword without just cause, and we will not sheathe that sword until the powers of evil are subdued, and justice once again established. There can be no question that our enemy may be allowed to call off'the war which they commenced in order to recommence it later when conditions ara more favourable, to them. The war machine of Germany must be broken, and the German people made to realise that war does not pay; but there are already bright moments. Germany could only win the war- if she could achieve a smashing victory within a few months. She has failed.v and now she cannot win. With every passing month more and more strength pours ; into the! Mother Country from the Empire overseas. ' "None of us can tell how this war will develop; but we do know that if we are to retain our freedom,.we-must concentrate immediately on Tioyr best to make all-our energies and resources available for the prosecution of the war. The navy has borne and is bearing the chief brunt of the struggle, and has achieved wonders; but alas hot Without loss. German ships have been swept from the seas, U-boats are proving no longer a menace, and the glorious exploit of three British cruisers off the South. American coast, which recently brought about the end of one j of Germany's most powerful commerce | raiders, will go ddWn to history as one of the finest actions ever fought The participation of the New Zealand cruiser Achilles in that action must have caused a thrill of pride to every true New Zealander. . "Particularly gratifying to. the people of the Dominion has been the part already olayed in the war by her sons in the Royal Air Force. New Zealand's quota of man-power for service overseas is a- most important factor, and I hope early in the New Year manv more thousands of her young men will be offering their services in answer to the nation's call. The Dominion troops are most fortunatr* in the appointment, as their commandiPT officer overseas, of Major-General Freyb°rg, one already well known in New Zealand, whose proved dualities as a leader. Whose interest in the welfare of. his men. and •whose splendid military record will imbue all with a spirit of confidence. * . Patriotic Fund "The first echelon has now completed, training, and is ready for service; but before the troops leave these shores it is essential that arrangements should be made to provide for their comfort and well being while away from their homeland, as well as for the welfare o£ those who leave in later drafts. The National Patriotic Fund Board has been established to this end, and some magnificent individual contributions already have been made. The scheme for the collection j of money by the sale of seals has produced splendid results to date; but we

shall require more if we are to do our share towards those who leave on active service. "The whole of the funds subscribed for patriotic purposes will be administered not by the Government, as many people seem to believe, but by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and by the various provincial councils. Those gentlemen who have most generously given their services in this connexion are known throughout New Zealand for their integrity, patriotism. and honesty of purpose. Members of the Central board and provincial councils have gone to great pains to obviate that overlapping which took place on the occasion of the last war, and to ensure that the value of every shilling subscribed will reach those for whom it is intended in the best and most acceptable form. I would ask all to be as generous as they can when subscribing to this fund, and to remember that after all it would be a very small contribution to make for the comfort of those who are risking their lives for the safety and liberty of many who are unable to take an active part in the conflict. Dominion's Progress "This New Year's Eve represents an important milestone in the history of the Dominion, marking as it does the dawning of a new century. New Zealanders have indeed good reason to be proud of the progress made by their country during the first 100 years of its existence, but • when congratulating themselves on their happy position they should not fail to remember those who have gone before them, those men and women of splendid physique, character, and foresight who laid that solid foundation of our present structure. Too much cannot be said of the sacrifices which they made, of the privations which they,endured, and of the spirit and courage which they displayed in the earlier days of the settlement. It Us indeed unfortunate that % our new century, is •S9 k t*~* ushered in at a time when the n«or> is at war. Nevertheless,, arrangement*. to commemorate such an important occasion had been so far advanced be-V fore the outbreak of war that the re- ; sponsible authorities deemed it advis-able-to proceed with the major functions. One of the most important of; these, as you know, is"the Centennial; Ey.hibitioo in Wellington, an exhibition of which any country may well] feel proud, presenting as it does a clear,; unified and comprehensive picture of! a century of modern progress and! civilisation. It depicts all branches ox.' our national life, and affords a splen-; did opportunity to New Zealanders to; acquire valuable knowledge in rela-* tion.to their own country. All whoi possibly can should see this exhibition, and parents in particular are urged! to make a special effort for their; children to visit it as often as possible.; Term of Office "Most of- you aware that I ami now nearing the end of my term as; Governor-General. Were it not fon. the war. Lady Galway and I wouldi be leaving the Dominion in a few; weeks' time; but in the present cuv cumstances my time in New Zealand: may be extended for a short pericdJ However, this will probably be the; last New Year's Eve on which we shall be in the Dominion, and I should likes to take the opportunity of expressing! once again cur heartfelt "gratitude.fon the many acts of kindness and itospi-s" tality which have been accorded to usj and to our children, in all parts on the country. We- have greatly enjoyed our stay here in New Zealand. It wilT always remain with us as a happyperiod of cur lives. To one and ailthroughout the Dominion and in ,the New Zealand dependencies, pakeha and Maori alike, we send our best wishes for a very happy New Years We prav that it may bring peace to our Empire, and that the new era will be one of still greater progress to New Zealand. Good night;" . j