Hamilton’s Christmas Message

Northern Advocate, 22 December 1939, Page 10

Hamilton’s Christmas Message

'[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] WELLINGTON, This Day.

“When Christmas is in your hearts and minds and is expressed by the joy and happiness of celebrations in your homos, think well of the real spirit of Christmas,” comments the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hamilton), in a Christmas message to the people of the Dominion. “This must remain for ever an inspiration to our people. “The greatest lasting contribution to the wellbeing of one’s fellowmen is never achieved by avoiding difficulties or of following the easy path. “This is my message to youth : “ ‘ Set your purpose high, and, regardless of difficulties, work ceaselessly to achieve that purpose.’ Need for High Purpose. “This is not a moment for dismay or despair, although Christmas—our happiest and brightest festival of the year—is overshadowed by the armed conflict of nations and we ourselves are at war. “I know that men and women throughout New Zealand will celebrate this Christmas with an underlying seriousness and earnestness because of the world situation, but this is a moment, testing and anxious though it undoubtedly is, for high courage and high purpose. “At our Centennial Christmas, a test is being made of our country’s new nationhood.

“The challenge to all that we hold dear is bold and desperate. “Christian principles, as well as rules of law, are at stake, and the forces of ruthless might are challenging the forces of right.

“Carry On Into New Year.” “Christmas celebration, based on goodwill, in real Christian fellowship, should be for all a fingerpost pointing up the road to better understanding among both men and nations. “Carry on into the New Year, with all its difficulties and tragedies. “Do not be unnecessarily gloomy, nor despair. Remember that we can look back with some measure of pride to the fact that our forefathers built worthily in this land, and we, and our children, will progress just as we have done in the past if our spirit is willing and our purpose high.

Spirit of Giving.

“That is the spirit of giving rather than receiving, of optimism rather than pessimism, of hope rather than despair.

“In this country, loyalty and cooperation have built a magnificent tradition and these still must be our guiding light.”