CONFIDENT NOTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25111, 30 December 1942, Page 2

CONFIDENT NOTE

NEXT YEAR OF WAR MR HOLLAND'S MESSAGE The following message for Christmas and the New Year has been issued by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland):— " One's first thoughts naturally fly to the titanic struggle that is being so heroically waged at such tremendous cost in the struggle for emancipation and freedom of the people of all countries, and one is lost in admiration of the heroism and self-sacrifice of our kith and kin who have rendered such valiant service in the cause of liberty. Wherever the New Zealand Division has been engaged in battle there have the highest traditions of our race been upheld, and while no one wishes to boast of the exploits of our men it is a source of much satisfaction and pride to us all, and of comfort to those brave souls who have borne their burdens with such courage and fortitude, to know and to recall that our men have contributed to so much to the common cause. From those who serve on the foreign battlefields we at home catch something of the inspiration and the devotion that has been so marked a feature wheiever New Zealand men have been engaged. Example of Britain

"We cannot celebrate this occasion without remembering the brave people of Britain who have endured so much, and who have worked in their bombed factories to provide us with the things we need so badly to defend ourselves—the aeroplanes, the tanks, and the innumerable other implements of war. With resolute calm and determination the British people have stuck to theirguns, steadily building up stocks of; war supplies that will eventually destroy our enemies and make it possible for civilised people to live in peace and harmony and without death and destruction continually hovering over them.

" New Year, 1943," is an occasion when we in New Zealand can justifiably look at the coming year with quiet confidence and optimism. The limitless resources of the United States are already making themselves felt in the great struggle, and our own security here in New Zealand has been immeasurably strengthened by the sending of so many men and so much splendid material to this, the Pacific theatre of war.

"Then our thoughts turn to our other gallant Allies. The Russians, by their epic defence of Stalingrad, have kindled the hearts of free men the world over. We are proud to know that these brave people, along with the fighting men of other nationalities, are sharing in the common task of restoring liberty and decency in the world's affairs. No words can express our admiration for those who are fighting with us in this great cause. Brighter Complexion

"While paying these tributes both to our fighting men and to our Allies, we can take great satisfaction in the events of the last three months, which have placed a brighter complexion on' things from our point of view. Last Christmas the outlook was grim, but to-day the initiative everywhere has been wrested from the Axis forces. In the Middle East our own gallant division has played an outstanding part in the greatest victory of the war. With the development of the North African campaign, the Italians are menaced by the air power of Britain and the United States. " In the Pacific American naval victories and the stirring deeds of United States fighting men have halted the Japanese advance and begun to turn it back. It is still far too early for us to let up for a moment,. but we have good grounds for optimism, and can offer a prayer of thankfulness that the danger threatening our homes and our families is less acute than it was a few months ago. "I feel, therefore, that we can look forward confidently to 1943 as a year of hope and fulfilment. Let us take heart from the victories that have fallen to our arms and go forward with renewed strength to victory—and to peace."