NEW YEAR MESSAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 December 1940, Page 5

NEW YEAR MESSAGES

MR. FRASER’S REVIEW

APPEAL FOR UNITY

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, December 30. ’

“There is little I need say to remind the people of New Zealand ,qf ; the series of events which have marked 1940,” states the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in a. New. Year message. “The. grim, progress of the war arid its effects throughout the world; are familiar to all. “Great perils have been sur-_ mounted by’ the British people. At no time, have'; they beeri dishearten-: ed or dismayed. At rio, time have, they faltered in their determination to stand by ; their ideals. The-, peoples of the British Commonwealth are not prepared to accept the socalled new order of tyrannical' dictatorship which the aggressor nations are attempting to impose upon the world in the desperate and powerful attack that has been launched upon democratic civilisation. Some countries have fallen for the time being. Their people are down, but they are not out so Ibng as-they can hope for deliverance. Their whole future is dependent on oul' victory. The British Commonwealth is now the only world Power actively defending those hard-won liberties and institutions built up over 1000 years, and upon which modern civilisation is based. “Our courageous and determined ally, Greece, is waging a victorious campaign crowned by outstanding successes against the Italian aggressor, and the United States of America is rendering magnificent assistance by placing her vast material resources with unprecedented generosity at our service. The people of Britain are carrying on calmly and confidently, building up their defences, increasing their army, and striking back at the enemy in ever-increasing force on land, sea and air. In the last few weeks our forces in Egypt have shown their mettle, and their victory is a splendid tribute to the skilful planning and courage which characterise the British Army of 1941. “Throughout the year, the men and women of the United Kingdom have covered themselves with honour. In the factory, in the field, in the mines, in the shipbuilding yards, and at the docks, they have doggedly stuck to their jobs in the face of danger and death. In towns and cities scarred by constant raids they are carrying on. Their courageous example is beyond praise, and is an inspiration to the people of the whole world.

NEW* ZEALAND’S PART. “Here in New Zealand we can best show our heartfelt admiration and gratitude in deeds rather than words. By organising our own war service as we are doing in accordance with our full strength and our total resources, we are assisting the whole .British Commonwealth effort, and it is important to remember always that it is not Britain that Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy are fighting, but the British Commonwealth of Nations and its peoples, including ourselves, every one of us in New Zealand. During the year much has been done in New Zealand. Men have been trained and sent overseas to the theatres of war. Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen have worthily upheld the best traditions of our armed services. At home we have organised oui- defence forces on a firmer basis than ever before. The Territorials, the National Military Reserve, the Home Guard, the Emergency Precautions Scheme, Women’s War Service Auxiliary—all these have received active support and are performing excellent work. The national, provincial, and local Patriotic Fund organisations have been most creditably active and successful in receiving the full confidence and support of the public. As a result, the lives of our men overseas have been brightened. “On the civil side, farmers, workers, and manufacturers,, and indeed those engaged generally in the production and distribution of our commodities have met the extraordinary needs of war conditions in a most satisfactory manner. More goods are being produced • and more food and raw materials are being made available to Britain. I am proud to say ■that no request which Britain has made, to us has failed to meet with an immediate and favourable response.' We would gladly do more if •we could. While much has been done, the most formidable tasks still lie ahead of us, and we must make 1941 a year of tremendous national effort. There is need for still greater effort, for harder work, and for still greater efficiency. Our shipping losses present formidable difficulties, which can only be met and successfully overcome by the united efforts of all concerned— freezing’companies, cool store workers, transport workers, shipping companies, seamen and waterside workers. “There is the need for unity. I would like to appeal once again to every man and woman to co-operate in the fullest possible way with the Government in the prosecution of the war. To waste time and energy m petty quarrels while the nation is involved in a life and death struggle is shameful and unworthy of a democratic people. This is no time for emphasising political differences. All our combined energies must be concentrated on one object alone —the attainment of victory. The burdens of war are already immense. The estimated cost in money this financial year is £37,500,000. Next year that sum will be increased. We can only meet this huge expenditure now and ultimately by our own efforts, and from our own sources of real wealth. We have the resources. Lei us develop them to the full, even ai the same time at the cost of consuming less ourselves. “Fortunately our standards, of hv-

ing are among the highest in the world, and there are great numbers of our people who can afford temporarily to make the individual sacrifices which are and will be inevitably required., This does not mean that the social advances made in recent years will be lost. On the contrary, we are fighting, for the maintenance of our high social and economic standards as well as for political freedom, and the right as a nation to order our own lives as we ourselves think fit, which is the very essence of liberty. These are principles worth defending, and their full restoration when the war is over is the highest duty devolving upon the Government and the people alike, Those of us who remain at home

1 must see to it that full preparation is made-to look-after.- all; the ; men, who “return from overseas, and to make certain ‘ that the provision made 1 is full and. generous. “As Prime Minister, I would like to take this opportunity of assuring the soldiers, airmen of the Government’s determination to do everything possible to assure their successful return to civil life, and in addition to assist and support all those who because of the effects of war may be unable to take their places again in the civilian ranks. The future of New Zealand depends upon their, efforts, and those of all the armed forces in securing a British victory. Without that victory thei'e could be no return to the ways of social progress and the high level of prosperity which we have enjoyed. Ne realise our debt and we will honour it to the utmost of our capacity. To our men overseas in the. Navy, the Army, the Air Force, and the mer-. cantile marine,, the nurses, and all; other? war?workqrs> apdHo all* oLyoU’; in New-Zealand} F extend; cordial 1 greetings-arid’ every- wish for happi-1 arid’ good-' fortune* in the NewYear.” ' ''

LEADER OF OPPOSITION Mr. S. G. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, says:— . “One’s first thoughts are of the brave men and women who are serving this country and the Empire in the field overseas. From them, we, at home, catch an inspiration and an urge to render the utmost within our power, by way of service, entirely regardless of any sacrifice that such services may entail. Our men are upholding the most glorious traditions of the race' in this fight for the right of nations to live the lives their peoples are accustomed to live. The epic deeds of the Navy, the magnificent feats of our gallant airmen, the dogged determination of our soldiers, plus the indomitable spirit of the British people—all these inspire us to greater and still greater efforts in 1941. “With resolute calm we lived the early days of 1940. With fortitude and courage our people witnessed the overthrow of our ally, and then the battle of Britain exposed the unconquerable spirit of the true Britisher, until now, when we rejoice in the turn in the tide and the noble part our New Zealand men are playing in the defeat of the Italians. Then again we remember with profound gratitude the magnificent assistance being rendered to our cause by the United States of America, who are rendering inestimable aid when and where it is most needed. All these things entitle us to anticipate the coming year with confidence and optimism. Britain is well on the way to equality in equipment, and then the superiority of our personnel, which has already been demonstrated on innumerable occasions, will show itself in no uncertain manner. “For ourselves there, is much we can do. Our capacity to render aid is not limited to those thousands of fine soldiers, sailors and airmen we haye sent overseas or who are training at home. In the field there is much we can do to produce those essential foodstuffs and materials so urgently needed overseas. In our factories, too, and in innumerable other ways, we can render much needed help. The brave people of Britain need materials and food that we are so favourably endowed to produce in abundance—far beyond our. own needs or our ability to consume. We have many thousands of our best young manhood now transferred from production to the armed forces, at the very time that an increased and constant supply of the goods they used to help to produce is required.

“SERVICE AND SACRIFICE” “My New Year message to the people of New Zealand is: Let the measure of our contribution to the Empire’s war effort be in terms of service and willing sacrifice, rather than in the terms and conditions on which 'such contribution is made. To the mothers, wives, and families of our men overseas, I desire to send a special message of appreciation and understanding. New Zealand is justifiably proud of its servicemen whereever they are, but we are equally proud of those at home who have given so much, those who say so little and never complain, those stouthearted people who watch and await the return of loved ones. Let the rest of us fortify those splendid people in the knowledge that we are working harder than ever, that we are permitting no impediments to stand in the way of a maximum contribution to a common cause. “May New Year’s. Day, 1942, find our boys united with their families once more, victorious in the fight for justice, honour, and liberty. In that final victory there cannot be the slightest doubt. I extend my cordial greetings, and those of my colleagues to the people of New Zealand, and pray that our great Empire may soon be delivered from the oppressor, and that peace on earth and goodwill amongst men may be achieved.” MR. J. A. LEE The following New Year message has been issued by Mr. J. A. Lee on behalf of the Democratic Labour Party: 1 “Resurrection is as eternal as death*. In the life q|.human beings, of societies, and of nations there are crises. Yesterday’s hope dies on the same Calvary. Our Empire is emerging from the jaws of death. Truth and courage are winning resurrection. With a purpose still more tenacious we must face 1941. May all help to smash and repel Fascism and enslaving physical and spiritual chains. May the new. world be deserved and won. Good fortune to New Zealanders on active service. May achievement crown their sacrifice. Good fortune to boys and girls and to all patriotic citizens.”