WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1924 ANOTHER YEAR PASSES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 31 December 1924, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1924 ANOTHER YEAR PASSES.

Although it falls during the happiest period of the calendar, the last day of the old year carries with it a touch of sadness, as probably the majority of people feel. On December 31 it is natural to look back and think of the. numerous events that have taken place during the twelve months. Some people can look upon the year as one. of very pleasant memories; to .others 1924 has brought loss and sadness. If the former case, : one is sorry that one cannot linger longer in the diappy year;, in the latter one wiil be glad to welcome the New Year, with its hopes and /its prospects of changed and happier conditions. The year wbic-h has but a few hours left has

been crowded with events of international importance, but above all we think it is notable for a more widespread desire among the nations to fine! the road to peace. A Labour Government had its first turn in office in Britain, later suffering heavy defeat ; in France, M. Poincare’s Government was forced to submit to the electors’ verdict; in Germany, two elections have been held, the main result being that the chances of the Monarchists regaining power have been made ;more remote; in the United States, Mr. Cbolidge secured bis return “as President by a very large 'majority. These are the main political events during 1924, and they may prove very important in international affairs in the coming year. The acceptance of the Dawes Report and the work of the League of Nations during the year appear to liave reduced' .considerably the friction between the chief nations of Europe, but cable messages published this week.make one hesitate to say that the improvement is likely to prove permanent. Again, the disturbances in the Near and Middle Bast indicate that the danger of war breaking out in that part of the world is not at an end. India, has continued to cause British statesmen much thought-; and the internecine strife in China and uneasiness in Japan have appeared prominently in the cable messages on many occasions. Turning to our own country, we iiote that the year has been one of consistent hard work, the most unfortunate disturbance being the railway strike. The Dominion has enjoyed good returns from its produce, and the wool sales have resulted in exceptionally high prices. Dairy farmers have experienced a satisfactory year as far as output and prices are concerned, and no doubt many of them are in a more hopeful position, than they were .in twelve months ago. People who have returned from the Old Country say. without hesitation, that New Zealand is the most fortunate country in the world and that they are glad to- be home again, niuch as they enjoyed the great Wembley Exhibition. As a nation, 1924 can be looked upon as a year in which satisfactory progress has been made, though the unemployment problem in Britain still awaits solution.' As individuals, each person will look upon the departing year from a particular angle. Some will realise mistakes made which might have been avoided; others may regret that they made certain decisions; and others again, be pleased at what they have done. But whatever the individual view, however successful or otherwise one may have been, the year which is about to. open will offer new chances and greater opportunities to everyone who cares to accept them. How should people approach the New Year? Whether they welcome it or not time will continue to pass by, and changes in some form or other will be experienced by each person. New environments and new associations await many people in the New Year; the severance of old connections and loss through death await others. sThe year will bring its joys ami sorrows which are inseparable from life’s journey, but though we all know these things we nevertheless hope for the best, and throughout the land people to-day will ex-press each to other once more the wish for a bright and prosperous. New Year.