THE NEW YEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23542, 30 December 1939, Page 9

THE NEW YEAR

MESSAGE FOR 1940 MR. SAVAGE'S HOPES , FAITH IN THE FUTURE DOMINION'S I'IiOSPERITY [nv TKLKC n.U'II—OWN CO it respondent] WELLINGTON, Friday fn a New Year message to the people of New Zealand, the Prime Minister, tlio Kt. Hon, M. .T. Savage, says:— Lot us all resolve with sincerity of purpose to work together in goodwill to maintain the benefits of freedom and a progressive social and industrial life. That, briefly, is my message to the people of New Zealand at the close of Ail eventful year. If more should bo added, in the same spirit 1 would urge tlioin to refuse firmly to be stampeded into fear about the coming new year. It is true that turbulence rocks the world, but neither the actual conditions nor the outlook is nearly so bad as the pessimists' and fainthearts make tliein out to l/e. Ruthless tyranny ean- // not prevail against the defenders of liberty, fairness and peaceful progress. There arc difficulties to he overcome mul great tasks to be done. We shall win through if true co-operation be the driving force' in national effort. An end should be made to political bickering and that kind of criticism which discourages people from giving of their best in the interests of their own coirtitry and the commonwealth of Uritish nations. ■Blessings and Woes We are on the threshold of a new year. This is/the time for good resolutions. May I urge again that all sections of the community resolve to cooperate in harmony and work and fight as a united nation to retain the democratic freedom rind those social conditions. which/,to-day make New Zealand one of the best countries in a world of turmoil. It would be wrong for me or anyone else to' ignore difficulties. At the same time, however, it would be equally erroneous and more foolish to inn unify tliom. Difficulties do exist, but none of them is (insurmountable. After all, they are / in the main the results of an unparal- ' leled period of substantial prosperity. Hard times for the people as a whole are unknown, and hard times need not come at all if le.v> attention be given to party politics and more constructive thought applied by ali the people to national effort. There has been far too much political outcry about temporary •"difficulties and sectional economic hardship. A counting of blessings would -- yield a sum more impressive than a tally of woes. Evidence ol Good Times The majority are able for the fourth time in succession to enjoy a merry Christmas. Where is this evidence of good times? The answer is to be plainly seen' in the great number of Yuletido gifts, the crowded shops, the throngs .of holiday-makers all over the Dominion and the wide range of social comforts. 'Perhaps it will be said by critics that ;1 am merely taking a politically optimistic view of present conditions "throughout New Zealand. Let them l kliow convincing evidence of a marked lack of general prosperity. The last of the first hundred years of New Zealand's history of European settlement and development does not ' close in economic disaster. The centennial new year in this country will not ] open with* a note of despair. If a dispassionate view of everything be taken •it will bo found that the core of •the country is sound and can only bo 1 weakened' by foolish talk about passing problems. Strength and Responsibilities The New Zealand century has been marked by wars, including two conflicts on a destructive scale in Europe. This recurring turbulence has hindered the development of Now Zealand s resources, and, unfortunately, will continue to hinder progress until aggressive Nazism has been scotched. As against the economic effects of war, New Zealand has gained the strength and responsibilities of nationhood. Js it wise to dissipate any of that strength in political conflict simply becauso the policy of the dominant party differs materially from that of the other? Some people have said that the difference Represents a clash between idealism and practical systems, most of them as old as time and none the better for the age. Well, I am on the side of the ideals which make for a better standard of living for the people, ami nothing will convince me that I am in error or wandering in a mist of progressive ideas. The- Needs of To-day What the world needs to-day is the elimination of selfishness, greed and hatred. It is long past time for a deeper comprehension of the rights of men and women, a greater knowledge of international conditions and a wider sympathy. If these are to be kept out of the sphere of practical politics, then there can bo little hope of enduring peace and opportunity for real progress on the line's of true humanity. "The whole world is out of joint." 't No smart cynic need retort that I, in the Shakespearean, phrase, have been cursed with the task of setting it right. ' That is the plain duty of every man and woman. They will fail in their duty if they persist in quarrelling over methods of putting crooked things straight. No Reason for Gloom It is to bo regretted that the joy of celebrating New Zealand's'centennial will be diminished by the anxieties and rigours 'of war. Yet there is no reason for gloom. Let us rejoice that in the first century of our history there has been so much that is good to com- / memorate iind all that has been done, and done so well, can be improved upon in the years to come. Meanwhile, it is a common duty to do our best to merit an answer to tlio people's fervent prayer, "Give peace in our time, 0 Lord.'' I have faith in the future of New Zealand and will .continue to do everything possible to promote tlio welfare of the people. 1 wish cvervbodv a Happy New Year.