Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1940. LOOKING FORWARD.

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 December 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1940. LOOKING FORWARD.

IF happy is the year that has no history,—to alter a familiar quotation,—l94o must be estimated as one of the saddest in civilised annals. The only comfort that may be extracted from a retrospect is that a very difficult and anxious period has been passed through, and that the prospects for the new year show cause for British hopes and confidence. When the present year started, . few predicted the actual happenings. The war had scarcely got into stride and there was a general complacency about / the probable course of events. Little had occurred since the previous September to suggest the sensational developments from April onwards, belief in French

strength and the impregnability of the Maginot line being domih ant factors. Neither the Allies noi Germany appeared anxious t( launch serious military attacks and there was some truth behinc the U.S.A. Press gibe that it waf a “phoney” war? The Nazi drive against Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France, shattered these misconceptions, and from then onwards, there was no question of the seriousness of the struggle.. So much has happened since, that realisation of the dramatic and historic events is almost impossible. Britain, with her Overseas partners, more or lejss unprepared for so gigantic a struggle, had to face the well-armed and numerous Axis forces, and even' to friendly

outsiders, such as the Americans, jt seemed as if the Empire’s de- , could not be avoided. Aerial ; onslaughts on Britain developed with an intensity and ferocity that must have vanquished a nation less courageous and tenacious. The possession of the Channel ports and many miles of coastline, gave important advantages to the enemy, huge toll having to be paid in British lives, ships and material. The events are too recent to be able to be comprehended properly, to-day, but it is certain that future historians will thrill those who come after with the accounts of Britain’s great fight for the preservation of freedom and human rights. There is no need to recapitulate now, the events of the year, but all will realise that despite the losses, Britain has come through the ordeal with strength unimpaired, and that the experience will stand her in good stead during the coming months. The Empire has not yet won the war, but it is well on the road to victory, and it must persevere to the end, no matter how painful the journey. The enemy’s heavy losses and privations must not be overlooked.

Many speeches and messages are delivered at the ending of a year, each striking some special note. There is little doubt that, to-day, Mr. Roosevelt’s stirring address to his own people overshadows all other utterances. In candid bold language he reviewed the present situation and the possibilities of the future. Not a word was unjustified. Recognition that Britain is U.S.A, ’s first line of defence must inspire a proud self-reliant nation to do its utmost to help its defender, —and the Americans may not be content with industrial aid alone. Mr. Roosevelt’s broadcast will further encourage Britain, especially his belief that an Axis defeat is probable. The American Administration has been remarkably well-informed throughout the war of the internal position in European lands. It is in a spirit of resolve and confidence that the Empire enters the new year, which may bring happy surprises as its predecessor brought tragic shocks. New Zealand, scarcely wartouched, has much cause for thankfulness, and the least her people can do is to endeavour to deserve this gratifying state of affairs. We wish all oui' readers A HAPPIER NEW YEAR.