GREETINGS FROM MR SAVAGE

Southland Times, Issue 23392, 27 December 1937, Page 6

GREETINGS FROM MR SAVAGE

BROADCAST ON CHRISTMAS DAY (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 24. Christmas greetings and a message of friendship for the New Year were broadcast from Auckland to the people of the Dominion on Christmas Day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) as leader of the Government. Mr Savage wished his listeners a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. “That is the traditional greeting,” he said, “but it has lost nothing of its fresh purpose by being old. It is the first thought in the minds and 'hearts of people today all over the Christian world and a full expression of it everywhere will make for peace and goodwill. “It matters ijot to whom I am speaking over the air. It matters not the nationality, religion or politics of my hearers. One impression is pre-eminent and only one message is needed to explain everything. Joy and encouragement are the two great features of life in New Zealand today. My message is an appeal to every citizen to share in the joy and to exercise encouragement.

“Is it not the duty of us all to carry the blessings of Christmas into the new year and make them a part of everyday life, so that where encouragement is there will be joy also? Surely that is not an impracticable ideal. I have not seen greater evidence of general happiness in New Zealand than the extent of the prosperity which is so plainly evident this Yuletide, but after all material prosperity is not everything. There must be something more if a nation is to become great in human achievement. Each one of us must give to citizenship some unselfish service and some quality of character. These can best be given, I think, in ail the year round practice of friendship and in constant encouragement of one another to do better things for our country. “To young and old, and particularly to those whose ailments or other disabilities deprive them of an active share of national holiday making amid the midsummer attractions of New Zealand I extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous Christmas and a New Year rich in well being and happiness.”