CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 29, 2 February 1917, Page 2

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

FOR THE TROOPS

MR, MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . . LONDON, 15th December. The Prime Minister has.given, the following Cliristmas message- for New Zealand soldiers on active sei-vice, to be included in Army Orders :—"ln their own country New Zealanders are now enjoying the blue skies and" bright sunshine which come witli the festive season. Their hearts and' thoughts, however, are with their boys, who, in response to the call of King and country, and far from home apd kindred, are spending Christmas defending the Empire, of which they are citizens, against deadly enemies who are seeking to overthrow it., Anxious -as they are for their gallant sons, New Zealanders have the satisfaction and consolation' of knowing that wherever the enemy has been met with, whether on the bleak heights of Gallipoli, in the historic land, of France, or elsewhere, her soldiers have been, responsible for deeds of heroism unsurpassed in British history. In field and camp they have done credit to their country, and will continue to do so while the war lasts. At this Christmastide, New Zealand wishes her boys every possible pleasure and comfort, arising from the consciousness of duty well and faithfully done, and hopes •tbafc the lime may soon come when, with victory and Ipnqur, they will be able to return to their own country and their owii friends. Kia Ora." ■ ' Sir Joseph Word has also drawn up a message in the following terms: —"May your Christmas be as happy as possible in tho trying circumstances under which you are serving your King and country. New Zealand, is proud of you, you have worthily upheld the best traditions of tho race, and the glory of your deeds will live for ever in the history of this greatest of wars. . The splendid heroism you displayed on tho rough Gallipoli Peninsula, and your cheerful sacrifices m France, ma.keapage of history which the whole world'has marvelled at. In sending you Christmas greetings, I can only express the hope that tho New.Year will bring victory to our armies. This can only be attained by a strenuons and united effort, and from my knowledge of what the New Zea!anders_ have accomplished, I have no misgivings as to the future part you will pjay., Good luok to you all and a speedy return to the Land of the Moa."