The Timaru Herald SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1932. THE SEASON OF GOOD WILL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19374, 24 December 1932, Page 8

The Timaru Herald SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1932. THE SEASON OF GOOD WILL

For some considerable time, the hearts of the people of nearly every country have been buoyed up by assurances that there is substantial historical support of the belief that in the affairs of nations, just as in the rotation of the Earth, the darkest hour comes before the dawn. For many months the world has faced some of the most difficult days on historical record. The pages of history show that dark and bewildering days have not been unknown in the years that have gone into the past. Even in richly endowed New Zealand, with its comparatively short history, depressions have come and gone without the violent disruption of the economic and financial affairs of the whole nation. Other countries have been similarly affected, but the indomitable spirit and inflexible determination of the people have invariably carried them through the stormiest seas. It is now generally admitted that the world wide depression which swept across the face of the globe, extending to the remotest haunts of the human race, upsetting preconceived ideas, breaking down hitherto invulnerable barriers, and throwing existing systems into the melting pot, is without parallel in the history of the human race. The highest authorities in the financial world, however, have confessed their inability to fathom the problems which confront all nations and bewilder the leaders of economics and finance in all countries. “The times through which we are passing,’’ declared the chairman of the Associated Banks of New Zealand, in a carefully considered statement, a day or two ago, “are such that all must help to the very best of their ability.” So much has been said within recent years on the staggering problems that call for solution, that the peoples of the world can at least derive consolation from the fact that there is no lack of advice; indeed, it is fervently hoped that wisdom may ultimately come to the world through the multitude of its counsellors. “We have never, in all the history of the world as we know it,” added this distinguished banking expert, “experienced such difficult and desperate times, but I do appeal to all in these days to do their very utmost for the common weal. We are at times apt to criticise the Government, probably justly at times, but I think, though, that we ought to try to make our criticism helpful, but not merely destructive. The spirit to help is the spirit we want in New Zealand to-day,” Mr Grose pointed out, however, with regard to conditions overseas that they are beyond the reach of New Zealand; but consolation can be derived from the realisation that the greatest minds of the world have set themselves to try to find a plan of betterment.” The eve of the festive season this year reveals the people of many lands undaunted by painful scars that have been suffered in the grim economic war that has swept the world like a scorching tornado. It is therefore not surprising that the deepest concern is felt by thoughtful people who make no secret of their inability to see the way very far ahead. Nevertheless, the race has by no means lost its spirit, and it is obvious that hope, which springs eternal in the human breast, to inspire the courageous ones to take the lead in the struggle against the human family’s worst enemy—loss of confidence amounting almost to fear—is still the dynamic force that moves the world. Great and staggering crises have been faced by this young country. The most shattering of all, saw the armed foes of civilisation battering at the outer gates. But the quality of the race inspired the people to face the ordeal, and victory was inevitable. Leading bankers, who invariably take the conservative view of financial questions, are now saying that they think the hour before the dawn is very close; The considered judgment of the men in authorrity will inspire hope and create confidence in the hearts and minds of the people. The carefully weighed words of encouragement voiced by the financial experts eame most appropriately on the eve of the festive season; more particularly as they are in tune with the Christmas and New Year messages of the churches (published in this issue), breathing hope and inspi ration to the people of South Canterbury. The fundamental fact of Christian idealism, stressed by the spokesmen of the Churches, is that the spirit of fellowship which binds men together comes from a stupendous fact in history, and it is fervently hoped that at this most difficult cross road in the affairs of the world, the listening ear of the human family will tune into the angelic message calling all nations to seek that peace on earth which radiates good will to men.