FEW MARKS OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21304, 24 December 1940, Page 4

FEW MARKS OF WAR

New Zealand’s good fortune in being so far away from the immediate battle zone has been demonstrated particularly during the early part of the Christmas season. The towns and the countryside bear so few of the indications of war that they would seem a paradise to the millions of people who have suffered the ravages of war in Europe and elsewhere. Here and there, it is true, war has left its mark in a bereavement, the absence of a soldier son or an economic loss; many have had their usual mode of life upset, and all are paying the costs o" war, but outwardly the Dominion has the appearance of peace and prosperity. It is well that some of the far-flung British Dominions are left to make their contributions to the common effort unimpeded by physical contact with the enemy. It is the privilege and the duty of such Dominions to make certain that they are taking full advantage of their opportunity. If, consistently with the complete discharge of that duty they can still find happiness in Christmastide festivities, that is an additional reason for gratitude.. Yet the contrast with Britain is striking. There the only “ holiday ” to be enjoyed at Christmas will be, with luck, the briefest respite from the continuous toil in the industries of war, from fire-fighting, demolition and decontamination, and from all the other services. There the people will be fortunate if for a moment the destruction and the terrible cacophony of war allow them even to sleep. New Zealand can enjoy Christmas with strong hopes of physical security even while it remembers that it is necessary always to be on guard, and even though it knows only vigilance and work and armed strength can prevent war spreading to the southern seas. For the time being there is an extraordinary measure of happiness in buying and selling and giving, and in the general preparation for the Christmas week. Trade has not stagnated nor have spirits been crushed by the prospect of great tasks ahead. New Zealanders will enter the New Year in good heart and ready for whatever the year may bring forth, and proud in the fact that its soldiers overseas are nobly upholding the honour of the Empire.