SINCERE GREETINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 10

SINCERE GREETINGS

VICEREGAL MESSAGE

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

A plea for co-operation was made by his Excellency the Governor-General, Viscount Galwajr, in a broadcast address he gave on Thursday night when he conveyed his greetings to the peopla of the Dominion. "Once again it is New Year's Eve," said his Excellency, "and -it is my pleasure to send sincere and friendly greetings to the people of New Zealand. Twelve months ago I expressed the relief and satisfaction which wa felt at the indications then apparent of the lifting of a depression which had clouded this young country for five long years. The fact that the improvement then evident has continued steadily during the past 12 months is a matter for greater satisfaction and rejoicing, especially as there are sounder reasons for optimism during the coming year than there have been for many a long day. The noticeable improvement in the prices- obtaining for our primary produce, the industrial revival throughout the country, and the spirit of renewed confidence now apparent among the trading community and the public generally will undoubtedly do much to brighten the outlook for 1937. DEATH OF THE KING. "But the old year had hardly begun before we were to learn that there was also sorrow in store—sorrow at the passing of a deeply-respected Sovereign who had guided the destinies of our Empire wisely and justly for a quarter of a century; and our heart-felt sorrow went out to a beloved Queen in the loss of her lifepartner. "In January last, when the then Prince of Wales ascended the Throne, we all hoped that his accession would mark the beginning of another long and beneficent reign. But it was not to be. The difficult days through which we have just passed have, however, borne good fruit. They have made it clear to the world, beyond shadow of doubt, that in times of crisis the Governments and peoples comprising the British Commonwealth of Nations are capable of uniting to a degree difficult of comprehension by the peoples of the other nations. The crisis is now past. A new King and a new Queen have ascended the Throne. The accession has come at a critical period in the world's history, and we all earnestly pxay that their Majesties may bo blessed with Divine guidance in the difficult task that lies before them, and that their reign may be a long, peaceful, and happy one. AN ERA OF PEACE. "The old year is ending, we are entering a new year—and it is my sincere hope that it will be but the commencement of an era of peace, content* ment, and happiness for the inhabitants of this Dominion. But such a happy state can only be attained with the genuine co-operation of all. Let each of us, therefore, on this, the eve of 1937, make a firm resolve that in the future we will do our best by ourselves, by our neighbours, and by our country, in an endeavour to live up to the best ideals of citizenship, and so increase the status and prestige of that Empire to which, especially in days like the present, we are all so proud to belong. "On this New Year's Eve I should like to express the deep thanks of Lady Galway and myself for the many courtesies and kindnesses which we have received in all parts of the country, and at the same time to convey to the peoples of New Zealand and the New Zealand Dependencies—European and Native alike—our very best wishes for a bright, happy, and prosperous New Year."