FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 75, 22 December 1920, Page 8

FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE

CHUISTMAS- GREETINGS TO ALL.

(Itoiu tho New Zealand Welfare League.) Before the year 1920 closes, nijd whilst the season of - Christinas good cheer is at hand, the league desires to convf*t to the many renders of its articles its hoarty good wishoa. it o iiuv ua»y 10 openly discuss tho Bcrious problems of to-day without rousing- opposition, but we are happy in believing that even tho worst of Uio opponents wo havo had to contend with are in a sen.se friendly enemies after all. Under the British flag we have undoubtedly great personal freeflom, and it is a blessing wo should at ftH times appreciate and guard. Our association with practically the whole of the Press of tho Dominion leads ns to express our very high appreciation of Its general fairness and high sense of consideration for the .general welfare. In the cour.sc of the year the league has had. published in articles and letters over 200. These have appeared in some 70 separate newspapers, ranging from North Auckland to Southland, and over both tha Last Coast and the West. Papors of all shades of political colour have done us tile honour of publishing our writings, and we fan but tender to each and nil the league's thankw for this courtesy. Howevor much some of our readers disagree with the league, for we jhave these in the great audience addressed as well as numerous supporters, aJ.I may ■""'le in appreciation of the fact thai, f-here lias '.been so much clean publicity 111 tho way of open, honest criticism of public questions. This year of reconstruction -has been a time of special trial and in our reading of the Prass sarily very extensive) we have noted with Pleasure the public spirit manifested by organisations and individuals all over win Dominion.

Our Christinas greetings to all carries with it our expressed hope that 111 the coming year we may see still more active interest m all questions affecting the general welfare. Whilst avoiding the more weakness of sentimentality which is ever crying out "give to everyone evcrvthin" that they desire" the league has during this year advocated the good coloninljireed of mateship. To lie mates in our various enterprises is n sound Christmas text for tills Dominion, the carlv settlers of which overcame many a difficulty and laid the foundations of a sound democratic mi® ■' P" 11 ". 1 ? together as mates, "lie social and industrial problems of our time will, we feel sure, be found easier of solution if the spirit that animated "our boys at the front" is incorporated into the civil life of tlio Dominion. Tthat we each try and do our hit," avoid grouching, be as far as possible candid and fair, and learn the value of discipline and sacrifice. We fear tlint both Capital and Labour makes very serious mistakes by being (00 much selfcentred. Conferences conducted in a spirit of give as well as take, and with due regard to interests other than their own is the policy the league has advocated because wc know of no other policy that is better suited to protect and advance the general welfare of the people. Loyalty lo our country; straight dealing with one another; open, honest inquiry into the vexed problems that demand solution 11ml the spirit of partnership and mateship cementing our whole policy and efforts. 011 t'liftw lines the Dominion can faco many trials mid yet win out to'&uc-ce.-s. To all our readers, and to all who by fair discussion have assisted to bring to light the truth that, lias holped towards tho general welfare the'league sends seasonal greetings and good wishes for the year 1921. The league knows neither party, crecd, or class, and its prayer ig contained in the comprehensive term used by Charles Dickens in tho words of Tny Tim: "God bless all of us." A Merry Christmas.