AS THE YEAR CLOSES.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15113, 23 December 1921, Page 6

AS THE YEAR CLOSES.

CHRISTMAS GREETING. (New Zealand Welfare League.) Before the end of 1920 we wrote: "Our Christmas greeting to all carries with it our expressed hope that in the coming year we may see still more active interest in all questions affecting the general welfare." It is with pleasure that we now record our opinion that our hope in that respect has been.largely realised:' This has been a year of great trial, especially for the dear old Mother Country, but it has also been one of wonderful activity in grappling with the many serious problems of our age. At times it has seemed as if Great Britain 'was to-be crushed under the burdens of her tremendous economic, social, and political difficulties; yet', ever the old Lion, roused by the fresh call to action, has displayed a vigour, courage, and resource that his inspired the whole world of thinking men and women.

From a reading of events there were indications that special concentration was made upon Britain by the forces that- are seeking revolution, on Bolshevik lines, but the sound, common sense, not only of the average citizen, but also the great leaders of trades unionism, has proved equal to the task of dispelling much of the illusion, and bringing the country to a saner conception of sound national policy. The financial stress of the older lands had had its reflection in our southern isles, so that we have been made to' feel that life is more than a playground, and we, together with our kindred overseas, have the hard facts of economy ■to deal with. It has come -home to all that the general inflation, which in some degree meant a false standard of living, could not, go on.

READJUSTMENT. , Now our setting about '-readjustment, and we have no fear ■but that they will find some means of recovery, and bear with fortitude whatever trials they find incidental thereto. Our lads who went forward in the great war were, after all, but typical of the stock we all belong to, who often growl over trifles, but resolutely face the greater trials with the laugh of unshakeable confidence. .In has been good to be alive in this year 1921. We have witnessed the great meeting of national representatives at Washington for the purpose, if possible, to find some better way, and, though the inspired malcontents •may sneer, it is indeed a victory for the spirit that is seeking a practical expression of the Divine teachers' formula, "Peace on earth, goodwill towards men." Again, with earnest •desire for the general welfare in Britain is to be seen marvellous unity of the great body of Unionist, Liberal and Labour politicians holding out the hand of goodwill to the Irish people. That the little, great man, Lloyd George, may have found a basis of compromise "that will ensure peace and unity is the hope of intelligent humanity. • Here in our home, New Zealand, the activities for welfare are many. That these find good encouragement is due to the Press of our Dominion, which some of the best judges place in the forefront of English-speaking journalism for liberality, and its concern for the public interest. It has been pleasant to note the activity, of private citizens in all our centres in employing the unfortunate unemployed. Such action is "twice blest: it blesseth him who gives and'him who takes." Another year is added to the life of our Welfare League. In it we have found much useful work to do, and the close finds our organisation stronger than ever. Our thanks are given to the old friends and the new, the public men and women who have assisted us; to the Press its liability without regard to party. To our fellow-citizens as a whole we wish a Merry Christmas and a good New Year. With the flag of our liberty-loving British emblem over us all, may we go on seeking an ever increased enhancement of human welfare, making life fuller and brighter for all.