“NO LET UP”

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21922, 29 December 1942, Page 4

“NO LET UP”

MR S. G. HOLLAND S VIEW YEAR OF HOPE EXPECTED “It is still far too early for us to let up for a moment,” states the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, in a Christmas and New Year message to the people, “but we I have good grounds for optimism and i ! can offer a prayer of thankfulness i that the danger threatening our homes and our families is less acute. I feel that we can look forward confidently t’o 1943 as a year of hope and fulfilment. Let us take heart from the victories that have fallen to our arms and go forward with renewed strength to victory and peace.” Mr Holland refers to the gallantry and the material contributions of other members of the United Nations, making special mention of the indebtedness of the cause of freedom to America and Russia. Since last Christmas the outlook had become much less grim, for in many theatres of war the initiative had passed to some extent from the Axis Powers to their opponents. “One is lost in admiration of the heroism and self-sacrifice of our kith and kin who have rendered such valiant service overseas,” Mr Holland continues. “Wherever the New Zealand Division has been engaged in battle, there have the highest traditions of our race been upheld. It is a source of much satisfaction and pride to us all and of comfort to those brave souls who have borne their burdens with courage and fortitude to know that our men have contributed so much to the common cause. “We cannot celebrate this occasion without remembering the brave people of Britain who have endured so much to provide us with the things we need so badly to defend ourselves. With resolute calm and determination, the British people have stuck to their guns, steadily building up stocks of war supplies that will eventually destroy our enemies and make it possible for civilised people to live in peace.”