The Clutha Leader BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, DEC 23. 1881.

Clutha Leader, Volume VIII, Issue 428, 23 December 1881, Page 5

The Clutha Leader BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, DEC 23. 1881.

CfißiSTins season, with all its hallowed associations and pi asing memories has again come round. While, no doubt, each ■individual hns his or her own peculiar fcWekiand burdens to contend with, wo ■-fegHe*e%fO 5 ; community has greater cause j for gratitude and cheerfulness than have ptKe> ;^Mb^^^|^ New Zealand. A ! healthftfrcltmatev a^ltetful soil, liberal laws, and in'silOTiTOihajlOiThded on models furnished by the- irreate^.hatipnirpn .the 11 Pi -V, A«Bf.*3Ji^X^, *I J . ¥^"" ft v 4* -4J "lobe, our future must berprtiSnerQUSianjai nappy, if so we win it. Herei T <}T i removed from thesurroVindingsofj||^||t% I and misery, so frequently met with insider

established and less favoured countries. It

might prove beneficial to many were they to devote a little time to recount what their position was in the Old Country, what it would still havo continued to be had they remained there, and compare it with their present circumstances. Here at Christmas season we enjoy the long summer day, the bright sunshine, the

green fields ; all Nature clad in its gayest hues and pervaded with life, energy and joyousness. In the Old Country there is the bleak aspect, the frost and snow, the rude blasts of winter and geneval external discomfort ; and, worst of all,

the poverty to be met with at every step. Not greater is this contrast than is that between the position of many hero with what it was in the land of their birth, while their prospects now are infinitely more hopeful. It would be well occasionally, and especially at such a season as the present, to think of these things. It would encourage a spirit of contentment, gratitude and benevolence in Borne degree in consonance with the mind of Him whose nativity is intended by Christmas Day to be celebrated. The season is essentially a joyous one, regard it in any view we will, and neither in this community nor throughout the land is there any distracting influence to prevent a cheerful and hear'y enjoyment of the approaching holidays. We trust that peace and goodwill will prevail, that 11 old sores," if any exist amongst US, will be healed up, that many seeds of kindness will be scattered, that lasting friendships will be established, and that all and sundry may enjoy