Prime Minister’s Greetings

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 30, 11 December 1942, Page 4

Prime Minister’s Greetings

It gives me great pleasure to contribute a Christmas Message of congratulation and goodwill to “The Observation Post,’’ the official journal of the Second Field Regiment, N.Z.A. Its editor and staff have done good work in promoting comradeship and regimental determination to attain the highest possible * standard of efficiency. i Christmas this year is marked by happier circumstances and more favourable prospects of solid success than any previous occasion since the outbreak of war. The part which our own forces have played in the attainment of this welcome change is a matter of the greatest pride to New Zealand. As General Freyberg has written:

“The courage and tenacity of our fighting soldiers remain of the highest order. The training, equipment and - efficiency of the force have stood the test of a most exacting campaign, and we look to the future with confidence.” No country has finer troops than ours, nor greater determination to devote all its energies and strength towards the prosecution of the war. As a young nation with great resources behind a resolute policy to provide a high level of social welfare and industrial prosperity for all sections of the community, this Dominion has had to make great efforts and real sacrifices. To-day New Zealand is indeed in the forefront of the war effort of the United Nations. Even the most prosaic story of performance could not fail to be inspiring in its impressive evidence of unity of purpose, of service and of the will for victory. This Dominion has indeed played its full part nobly and well in the fight against

the destroyers of true progress and human freedom. The issues at stake are fully realised by all New Zealanders, especially by those who have taken ’ up arms and are ready and waiting to join their comrades overseas in the task for which they have trained themselves. .

Though we rejoice to-day in the splendid successes which have been obtained, there is no denying the fact that strenuous days still lie ahead. The task is, nevertheless made easier by the turn of events in recent days, and by the growing feeling of confidence that the resolute efforts of the peopled of the United Nations are building a firm road to complete victory. I wish you all good fortune, a cheery Christmas, and a victorious New Year.. P. FRASER, Prime Minister.