THE NEW YEAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10280, 5 January 1922, Page 4

THE NEW YEAR.

MR MASSEY'S MESSAGE TO CITIZENS. Following is a New Year message from the Prime Minister to the citizens of New Zealand : During the latter part of the year which has just closed, New Zealand has experienced her share of the financial and commercial depression which inevitably follows every great war, but the trouble has been faced in most cases with that courage and determination which the people of this country have always shown when difficulties of any kind have occurred in the past. On this occasion we have the consolation, such as it is, of knowing that the present financial stringency is not of our making, but has arisen mostly from falling off In the purchasing capacity of our best customers, especailly in Great' Britain, a state of things which, according to latest Press cables, is slowly but surely showing indications of improvement, and which we all hope will soon pass away. Unemployment in New Zealand so far has not been serious in comparison with other countries, but the outlook requires to be very carefully watched, so that provision may be made for maintaining a strong financial position and so being able to absorb in public works any surplus labour unable to find employment in other directions. With foresight and industry there need be no occasion for pessimism. The Dominion lias experienced depressions on previous occasions, and as these have been successfully surmounted so it will be this time. The clouds will pass away and the sun of prosperity will again shine out from a clear and cloudless sky. But as a people we must do our part. There must be unselfish and united effort. Every section of the "community must do its share of the nation's work, either by hand or brain, so that when we have got througn j the present crisis we shall be able to look back and think that our experience has not been an unmixed evil, and that we shall probably be all better citizens for the lessons we have had. We shall have learnt that there is no royal road to prosperity or happiness, and that whether a« a nation or as individuals, whether we live in country or town, we must apply ourselves with energy and industry and take advantage of the opportunities that in this glorious young country are ready to our hand. The period of reconstruction after a great war is always difficult, and during the year upon which we are entering, our courage and determination may be further tested, but we can look the future in the face with confidence if, under any circumstances that may arise, we do our duty promptly and fully to our country, to our neighbours and to j ourselves. I One consolation for which we can- | not be too thankful is that the world as a whole is looking for peace and endeavouring to avoid the possibility of war in the future. So far as it is possible to judge, the Washington Conference is likely to have most important results, and be the means of keeping peace in the Pacific for many years to come. If an amicable arrangement between Britain, America, Japan, and France can be maintained it will be the best guarantee of peace that the world has ever made. No nations have more to gain by peace than the young British nations in the Pacific —Australia and New Zealand. But whatever agreement is reached between the present great Powers none of their representatives think that the world has seen the last war. Bearing this contingency always in mind, therefore, the British Empire must not be allowed to lapse into a state of absolute unpreparedness. Its security must be maintained. The Einpiie is one of the strongest factors for. and one of the best safe- ] guards of, the peace of the world. To-day 450,000,000 subjects of the King look to it for protection, and consequently it is the duty of its citizens, whilst striving for peace by < every honourable method, to see that our enemies are not given the opportunity for which they seek, namely, that of breaking up, either . by insidious practices or by open warfare—and the former is the more dangerous—the great Empire which has done so much for humanity, and which has cost so much blood and treasure to build up through centuries. The question of dominion statu?* was raised in connection with the Washington Conference, and I admit its importance, but it is even more important, that at any international conference the Empire as a whole' should speak with one voice and with no uncertain sound United it will stand, divided it may fall, and in tlie interests of humanity as well as in :he interests of its own citizens nothing should be left undone which 'will assist in keeping it together. So we have a duty to the Empire as well as to our own country, and judging by our record in the past New Zealand will never fail in this respect. | We know not what may be in store for us. either from the point of view of the Empire or our own country, but we can earnestly and sincerely express our gratitude to Divine Providence for the blessings vouchsafed to us in the years that are past and take courage for the years that are to come. To my fellow citizens. I express ■ most cordially the hope that lfi22 will be a year of happiness and prosperil v to each and everyone. W. F. iVIASSEY, Prime Minister, v