‘SUPREME FESTIVAL’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30943, 27 December 1965, Page 3

‘SUPREME FESTIVAL’

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 26 People in other parts of the world involved in turmoils and conflict were remembered by Mr Kirk in his first Christmas Day message as Leader of the Opposition.

The text of Mr Ki. ..’s message is: “Christmas is the supreme festival of children aud of every human family. Spiritually and materially it is a day of new beginnings, of life,

warmth and revival of hope, Edgar Guest states:— Man is ever in a struggle. and is oft misunderstood. There are days the worst that’s in him is the master of good. But at Christmas, kindness rules him and he puts himself aside, And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide. “My messages, then - may all of us this Christmas open wide our hearts to all around us, to friends, both near and far, and to the peoples of other lands who need our help and sympathetic understanding. “Christmas is a time of holiday and rejoicing. It is a time when families gather together, and we give thanks for the. rich heritage that is ours.” Mr Kirk said. “Christmas, too, is a t’.ne when we remember those who are not so fortunate as ourselves. In particular, we think [ of the aged who have, in their [lifetime, contributed so much, of those in hospitals or with ill health, those serving our country overseas in the Army, the Air Force and the Nt.vy, those who serve in lonely stations, such as Raoul and the Campbell Island 0 , and those in Antarctica. ESSENTIAL SERVICES “We remember, too, those who must work at Christmas time to provide us with the services essential! to our care and comfort, and I would ask you all to spare a special thought for those engaged in transport and communications, in our police and fire services, our nurses and doctors, and the many others whose Christmas will be spent

in service to others. To all these folk we would express our grateful thanks and good wishes.

“At this happy time we remember, too, the peoples in other parts of the world involved in turmoils and conflict. Our thoughts and good wishes go to the men of goodwill everywhere who are striving to achieve a peaceful solution to the many problems that must be resolved, and 1 am sure that everyone in this country will share with me 'the earnest prayer that their hopes and endeavours will speedily be realised and that peace and prosperity will soon be established for the peoples of these unhappy lands.

“To everyone in our towns and cities, in our beautiful countryside, and in the far distant places like the Chatham Islands, I wish you one and all a very merry Christmas, a good holiday, and a happy New Year,” Mr Kirk said.