THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1866.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 149, 25 December 1866, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1866.

Cm; istmas, with all its old associations and home reminiscences, lias again com< . Not with the clear sharp fiost or wreathing snow, -—the piling up of fires and the close sealing of doors and windows, but with tlie bright summer sui'i, and nature, in all her meridian "freshness and beauty. Looking back on the Christinas of our bygone days it appears difficult to realise that this uni versa] ly festive soason is to us attended with such altered and opposite surrounding conditions. ]3ut if we have not the attendant circumstances of Christmas in our old dear Fatherland, we j can at least cherish their remembrance, and realise the kindly fellings and joyous sentiments which Chr'stmastide should always arouse in the breasts of Christian men. In heart we can sit-any rate participate with our friends and relatives at Home in the mutual interchange of good wishes and deeds of kindness, and many of us can in fancy's fairy fight picture, and, to a certain extent, enjoy the celebrations with which the Christmas of past days was always associated. May be a quiet sad pang of regret will find a place in the hearts of some of vs — some who, perhaps, are conscious that in all probability they will never gaze upon the countenance of tlieir venerable grey headed father or mother again, nor receive the affectionate grasp of the hand of brother or sister more. Others again will find source of pleasure.in anticip iting their reunion at no distant day with all they most love and for whom years of absence have only served to .strengthen the bonds of ail'ection. How many long existing feuds — how many enduring animosities seem to melt before the genial influence of Christmas ] Who amongst us that to-day could refuse the grasp of friendship or the kindly greeting even to his enemy ] Still less is it in the nature of Christian men to let the season of rejoicing pass without each doing his share towards the promotion of the general good feeling and happiness. Thus it is that, albeit our old associations are wanting, and although we have to feed our 'imaginations greatly on the rich garner of the past, Christmas comes j to us as a season of rejoicing and is properly regarded as such. A 'merry and a happy Christmas then' to all — from the rich to the poorest amongst us! And may the influences of this festive day pervade through every hole and corner of our community and make themselves felt in mutual happiness and prosperity. And here let us say a word in season in behalf of the sick and suffering, who, ou their weary couches, may probably listen with weary heart and dimmed eyes to the mirth they are unable to share. Let its not forget that there arc many so circumstanced, but although unable to join, in the festivity of the season, most of them are at least cared for anil comfortably lodged, iu-J stead of lying desolate and perishing in the inhospitable bush. To the iustitu. tion which makes this possible the whole community owe a deep debt of gratitude, and one that should be discharged with appropriate liberality at this season. We say to every pleasure seeker to-day — do not forget the Hospital. Spare a little of your means, towards the relief of your suffering fellows, and you will be all the better antpAll the. merrier for ; :\ ■-■ >| .

Ketrospection is inevitable at Christinas time, nnd whilst our first thoughts, may fiy to our old homes, we must not 'forget the land' we live, in., And we think that the past year affords ample reasons for congratulations. A 3*ear's ■work has not been for nothing : we see around us the evidences of a sound prosperity and rapid progress, which augur well for the future. The lesson this teaches us is that energy, perseverance, Jind industry will surely reward those who employ these elements of success and direct them to proper objects. When we add that to the. possession of these sterling qualities this community as a whole enjoys large natural resources and means of advance ment, it would be strange indeed if it did not prosper. That it may continue to do so is our heartfelt wish, and we as heartily wish every one §1 £tUvnj <£hrijstmas and n -itoppa