SPIRIT OF PIONEERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 94, 29 November 1939, Page 5

SPIRIT OF PIONEERS

TONIC FOR WAR-WINNING "Without doubt the spirit of the pioneers is the best tonic for New Zealanders now in their co-opera-tion with other defenders of democratic government and personal free dom against the aggressive schemes of ruthless tyrants," states the Hon. W. E, Parry in New Zealand Centennial News. "Therefore, the Centennial activities, which are helping strongly to infuse that indomitable spirit into the public, will have a l'ar-reaching influence for national welfare. "In various ways—in special Centennial publications, in newspaper articles, and in radio talks—New Zealanders are being kept well reminded about the inspiring feats of the pioneers, the sturdy men and women who laid the foundations for prosperity and happiness in this part of the great British Commonwealth. Those lessons of the pasl have enormous value for the people of to-day. Progress of Century. "Looking back on the progress of the past century, New Zeaiander: can see how they have a country which everybody must be eager tc safeguard. That proper 'sense oi country' is the best basis of patriotism, the real patriotism which is willing to undergo any necessarj measure of self-sacrifice, even to tht giving of life itself for the nation. "I feel sure that New Zealanders who have that 'sense of country will be very pleased indeed that tht > National Centennial Council has unanimously agreed with the view ol the Government that the prospective programmes for Centennial celebrations and memorials should be carried out as fully as possible, particularly the historic peagantry which will certainly help to strengthen that national spirit which i; the mainstay of strong defence. Anybody Avho feels inclined to halt oi falter can be well stimulated by th( spectacles in which the pioneering stage will have its worthy part."