MANY BENEFITS

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20689, 27 December 1938, Page 9

MANY BENEFITS

! DOMINION’S PROGRESS STRENGTH OF DEMOCRACIES PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Conditions in New Zealand were compared with those in some other countries by the Prime Minister the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, in a broadcast Christmas message on Saturday night. He said the greatest needs throughout the world to-day were peace, social happiness and religious and political freedom. There was no cause for pessimism for New Zealand. The Prime Minister expressed to the people of the Dominion his best wishes for their happiness during Christmas-tide and for continued prosperity throughout the r.ew year. “ One has only to join the throngs of Christmas shoppers everywhere to learn how happy the people are in their ability to give joy to their families and friends,’’ said Mr Savage, “and what can one adequately say about the happiness of New Zealand children this year? It is a delight to observe their joy and complete confidence in Christmas kindness. Pessimism Unjustified “ Life is still pleasant for the majority of our citizens,” continued the Prime Minister. “ Here and there a note of discontent is heard, with occasional exaggerated references to economic difficulties. There is no cause for pessimism, and there can be no excuse for trying to create a spirit of pessimism. Conditions are always relative, and under a comparative test the people of New Zealand are very fortunate in their Christmas experiences. “It 'will be conceded, 1 think, that the greatest needs throughout the world to-day are peace, social happiness and religious and political freedom. All sane people are in search of peace, and the blessings of peace might well be the core of their prayers. This does not altogether mean peace represented by freedom from ■war. It also means tranquility of mind, which is associated with lack of anxiety in sickness and old age. These boons are enjoyed by a large section of people in New Zealand to-day, and will be extended in the very near future. Protection of Freedom “ Just now, it is fashionable to belittle the efficiency of democracy, and say it will not work,” said Mr Savage. “ We do not agree with that criticism here, and 1 believe that, no matter what hard knocks democratic institutions may suffer abroad, we will always cherish and maintain our own. There is no portion of the Commonwealth where the traditions of British freedom are more jealously regarded than in New Zealand. These benefits and precious privileges and opportunities are in sharp contrast to circumstances in other lands. “Conditions in some countries indeed, are so disordered and precarious as to he mockery of the Divine Christmas message for peace on earth and goodwill toward men. If there is any political conflict in New Zealand just now, it represents a test between the welfare of the people as a whole and big profits for a few. Need I say again that the Government is on the side of the people, and will do everything humanly possible to protect them against poverty and social security. “ Count our Blessings ’» “ But this is not the time for political controversy. It is the season for goodwill and the practice of kindness to one another. One would wish that these qualities could be maintained throughout the new year. 1 l'eel sure that if we all were to devote only part of Christmas Day lo counting the blessings of New Zealanders there would be no gloom or pessimism throughout this favoured country. “ To all those laid aside by sickness or infirmity and temporarily deprived of the joyous activities of New Zealand people during a midsummer Christmas, I offer my sympathy and best wishes for their quick recovery.”