INSPIRING PLEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 22, 23 December 1944, Page 4

INSPIRING PLEA

MR HOLLAND'S MESSAGE

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

(Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Dec 22. A plea for co-operation, tolerance and unselfishness in order that New Zealand may march forward as a united nation through the coming days of peace is the keynote of the Christmas message addressed to the people of the Doininioll bv the Leader of the Oppo- .. sition (Mr Holland)

"Jt is only by showing these finalities that we can die worthy of the sacrifices of our fighting men and their relatives who have carried the heaviest burden of the war," he savs"Todav we come to our sixth war Christmas, and we have much cause for jiratitude and rejoicing. Difficult years lie behind us—years in which our very existence as a nation was in iconardv During these yertrs New /enland played her part well and today we look forward to the comma year in the hoye of early and certain vie-

"But the war has left scars and ■raps in our community which even victory cannot efface. Let us not forget, especially at this time of-.family reunions and goodfellowship, the sufferings and sacrifices of those who fought and Med to make victory possible. Let us not forget the brave women—the mothers and wives of our fighting men—who have endured years of separation and sometimes the loss of loved ones. tNor should we forget the thousands of children who have been deprived of the strength and comradeship of their fathers during several years of their young lives. SECURITY FOR FIGHTING MEN. "However encouraged we may feel at the brightening of the horizon during the past year we should acknowledge in all humility the great sacrifices that have been made. As we look forward in the hope of victory in Europe in the coming year we must all resolve to take inspiration from the courage and steadfastness of the fighting men. Let us see to it that we express our gratitude in the right way by creating conditions that will assure "them of happiness and security in the years ahead. This can be done it we p.uil together in peace as we have done during the war. "Never was New Zealand more united than in the days when invasion threatened us. Surely we can apply the same singleness of purpose to the ]>eace-t:me problems so that the 'new order' will be a reality and not an illusion. "'

"To achieve this will demand hard work and hard thinking. It cannot be achieved by mere wishing. There will have, to be high and sustained effort to create more production without which a higher living standard cannot be had. The theory of something for nothing is a delusion as most New Zealanders now realise. Everyone wants a better New Zealand and a fuller life, but these things cannot be built by politicians. They must be the product of intelligent and concerted effort; by the people as a whole. "Meanwhile, as we plan for peace we must spare no effort for victory. Until the last throb of the war drums dies away the war effort must remain paramount. Our country has built up a grand record both on the battlefied and on the home front in the past five years. 'Let us continue the task, confident in the outcome and clear and steadfast in our purpose. "To every New Zealander, I wish a Merry Christmas.,May the New Year bring happiness to.till and joyful reunions to those who have been separated from their loved ones and friends."