Manawatu Daily Times WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1924 A Merry Christmas Indeed.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2565, 24 December 1924, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1924 A Merry Christmas Indeed.

Added heartiness will he given the old time wish, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," from the fact that Die prosperity of the Dominion will make, at least, for most of us, Hie seasonable celebration possible. There is indeed reason for rejoicing as one reviews the achievements of the year of grace 1924 and regards in retrospect the dubious times through which we and the rest of the world have so recently passed. Success, not, only in the material sense, lias been attained in bringing New Zealand a long stride near to that greatness which all patriots believe is its destiny, when it will speak in the councils of the nations with a voice that will carry to the farthest ends of the earth. Idealism is as much in the make-up of the average New Zealander as sturdy independence and keenness of vision. This is obvious from the many instances of Dominion leadership in great movements that have been for the betterment and prosperity of mankind in general. In conveying the season’s greetings to our friends wo can do so with a full sense of their import, knowing that they ring true. From the distressful war years, through the hectic days of post-war prosperity to the inevitable slump, the country this year has again been placed on a sound footing and the coming year, as all believe, will see a further great advance in the commercial and political status of the country. Palmerston and the Manawatu has shared in this advance in a notable degree, not least important aspect being advent of electricity, which, when used to capacity, will increase the wealth of the district many times. It is gratifying, too, that the less fortunate of our fellows should be remembered at this time. There has been a ready response by many to the Mayor’s Christmas appeal, and in other directions private enterprise la planning to give the sick, and the needy a really happy Yuletude. Fortunately, “God's Own Country” is m great measure free from the poverty, distress and suffering that still darkens the lives of millions in the old world, but even there, they are apparently not so acute as they have been. Complaint is often made that prosperity leads to a material view of life and no doubt this is true to some extent, but on the other hand, poverty acts In the same direction and with even greater strength. Much of the Improvement

that we may note in international and domestic affairs is due to no higher motive a perception that things arc better than they were, but kindly feelings grow by exorcise. We must cultivate ohr Christmas garden.