“LET US WORK TOGETHER”

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 4

“LET US WORK TOGETHER”

Seasonal Message From Mr S. G. Holland Building Up “New Order” (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 22. A plea for co-operation, tolerance and unselfishness in order that New Zealand may march forward as a united nation through the coming days of peace is the keynote of the Christmas message addressed to the people of the Dominion by the Leader of the opposition (Mr S. G. Holland). “It is only by showing these qualities that we can be worthy of the sacrifices of the fighting men and their relatives, who have carried the heaviest burden of the war. To-day we come to our sixth war Christmas and we have much cause for gratitude and rejoicing. Difficult years lie behind us, years in which our very existence as a nation was in jeopardy. During these years New Zealand played its part well, and to-day we look forward to the coming year in the hope of an early and certain victory. “But the war has left scars and gaps in our community which even victory cannot efface,” Mr Holland continued. “Let us not forget, especially at this time of family reunions and goodfellowship, the sufferings and sacrifices

of those who fought and bled to make victory possible. Let us not forget the brave women —the mothers and wives of our fighting men—who have endured years of separation and sometimes the loss of loved ones, nor should we forget the thousands of children who have been deprived of the strength and comradeship of their fathers during several years of their young lives. “However, encouraged we may feel at the brightening of the horizon during last year, we should acknowledge in all humility the great sacrifices that have been made. As we look forward in the hope, of victory in Europe in the coming year, we must all resolve to take inspiration from the courage and steadfastness of the fighting men. Let us see to it that we express our gratitude in the right way by creating the conditions that will assure them of happiness and security in the years ahead. This can be done if we pull together in peace as we have done during the war. Never was New Zealand more united than in the days when invasion threatened us.

“Surely we can apply the same singleness of purpose to peacetime problems so that the ‘new order’ will be a reality and not an illusion. To achieve this will demand hard work and hard thinking. It cannot be achieved by mere wishing. There will have to be high efficiency and sustained effort to create more production, without which a higher living standard cannot be had. The theory of something for nothing is a delusion, as most New Zealanders now realise. Everyone wants a better New Zealand and a fuller life, but these things cannot be built by politicians. They must be the product of intelligent and concerted effort by the people as a whole. “Meanwhile, as we plan for peace, we must spare no effort for victory until the last throb of the war drums dies away. The war effort must remain paramount. Our country has built up a grand record, both on the battlefield and on the home front in the last five years. Let us continue the task, confident in the outcome and clear and steadfast in our purpose. “To every New Zealander I wish a Merry Christmas. May the New Year lying happiness to all and joyful reunions to those who have been separated from their loved ones and friends.”