STRONG YOUNG HANDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1940, Page 4

STRONG YOUNG HANDS

R.S.A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS OF FIGHTING SERVICES WARM EXPRESSION OF GOOD WISHES. DOMINION PRESIDENT ; TO BROADCAST. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association has dispatched the following message to New Zealanders serving in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the Navy and Air Force (those training in Canada, and those in the Royal Air Force), and also those serving in the Pacific Islands:— “Christmas, 1940 —In years to come, when you look back on this Christmas Day, may your recollections of it be very happy. In every returned soldier’s home in New Zealand, the toast will be: 'To the boys overseas.’ At the outbreak of war we declared our faith in our successors —our younger brothers. 1940 has shown the world what ‘strong young hands’ can do with the weapons the Empire is forging for them. To all of you our warmest good wishes—make it a Merry Christmas and a victorious New Year.” Recently advice was received from Brigadier-General Alex. Ross, chairman of the Canadian Legion, of War Services, intimating that the above message is to be issued, in conjunction with Group-Captain L. M. Isitt, New Zealand liaison officer in Canada, on a special card bearing the New Zealand .Returned Soldiers’ Association badge, to every member of the R.N.Z.A.F. at the proper time. In addition, arrangements are being made for the Hon. W. Perry (Dominion president of the R.S.A.), to broadcast a message of goodwill and greetings for Christmas and New Year to the returned soldiers of previous wars and those now serving.