VICTORY NEARER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21601, 2 January 1945, Page 4

VICTORY NEARER

GOVERNOR’S FAITH NEW YEAjT MESSAGE GREAT TASKS AHEAD (P.A.) WELLNGTON, Jan. 2. The Governor-General’s New Year message states: “As the old yeai passes into history, let us review the achievements of "the past 12 months and consider the reasonable possibilities of tlie coining year in order that we may prepare for the tasks and problems which lie ahead. The pro gress of the United Nations towards the final defeat of our commoi enemies has surpassed the most optimistic hopes of a year ago Stirring events followed so swiftly one upon another that even the mos. outstanding among them are apt t become submerged in the rapid passage of time. It is important, there fore, to recall to mind some of the more notable feats of arms whicl have been performed with gallantrj and fortitude by the fighting force, and the merchant navies of the Empire and our Allies. “Pride of place must undoubtedly be given to the assault from Grea 1 . Britain upon Nazi-enslaved Europe the subsequent liberation of practically .the whole of France and Belgium and part of Holland from the yoke of German occupation am oppression and the pursuit of the enemy to his very frontiers. This was the result of the most momentou. and hazardous combined operation ever undertaken in the history of the world, and demonstrated degrees o organisation, co-ordination and cooperation never before attainedN.Z. Division’s Part “Other great achievements have been the capture of Rome and the continued advance of the vietbriou. Allied armies under the command o Field Marshal Alexander, in whic! the New Zealand Division played a prominent part, the sinking of ,thi rirpitz by the R.A.F.. and .the mastery of the navies and air forces o. the Empire and our Allies over the submarine menace to our shipping The defeat of the Japanese in Burm, by forces under Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten and the consequent removal of the threat to India is a fur ther great success in which the difficulties of overcoming climate, mountains and jungle and distance have not yet been fully appreciated.

“Our Russian allies advanced magnificently from Leningrad, the Dnieper River and the Crimea to East Prussia, the gates of Warsaw, anc oe-yond Budapest. In the Pacific, oui American allies made phenomenal progress, and here again New Zealand made a worthy contribution. There were American assaults on the Japanese Navy in the area round the Philippines.

“For these outstanding victories we are very thankful, but in mentioning only some of the great feats, let us not forget each day and every houi the countless deeds of superb ncroism and devotion to duty being performed at sea, on the land, and in the air wherever our forces are engaged. The past year has indeed been one of many triumphs ,and it is fitting that we should unite in expressing our profound admiration ana deep gratitude to all serving in the Navy, the Army, the Air Force ano ihe Merchant Navy, and to those win .oiied unstintingly in factory aim workshop and voluntary organisationmr all they so successfully accomplished in the defence of our country and to preserve the best in our civilisation. The War —And After

“Let us now endeavour to look forward into the coming year. Clearly, our first task remains to vanauish the enemy and to bear our tull'share in relieving distress ana suffering among those peoples who nave endured tne brutal heel of Nazi oppression for so long. The threat io this much-favoured land has been eliminated; that greatest of ail incentives to unity of purpose—a common danger —has been removed from us; and some signs of war so conspicuous during the past few years are last disappearing. Many of your men are now back with you in their homes. Those responsible are rightly concerned with post-war problems and with readjustment of these men and service-women to conditions of civil life.

“Nevertheless, war with its slaughter and destruction and devastation continues with unabated fury. Grievous suffering and continued sacrifice are yet required in the cause of 1 our Christian civilisation. The final stages of the struggle in Europe will be bitter, and we must be prepared for some disappointments and lor the inevitable ebb and flow of battle and fortune. Nevertheless, we can look forward to the total military defeat of Germany in the coming year. However, we dare not hope lor more than a painful and prolonged aftermath, but we are confident that with God’s help victory over evil will be achieved. As to Japan, her ultimate defeat is as certain as is that, of Germany. The road mav be long and hazardous for the destruction of the barbaric, fanatical enemy presents its own peculiar problems. But even if the day of final victory cannot ye.t be' foretold, we can expect great progress in 1945. “We Will Keep Faith”

“On this New Year’s eve, when we are thinking of all New Zealand men and women serving their King and country throughout the world, let us lonce again resolve that in the coming year we will keep faith with them, remembering constantly that only by unity and individual endeavour can we hasten the days of victory and peace. Lady Newalt and I would like to take this opportunity of expressing our heartfelt, thanks to every man, woman and child in New Zealand, its Isiafid terr.itor.ieis and vVestern Samoa for the great courtesy and kindness which have been shown us during our many visits and travels throughout the Dominion. We send you all every good wish for 1945.”