Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, JANUARY 6th, 1920. PRIDE OF RACE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, JANUARY 6th, 1920. PRIDE OF RACE.

Thebe is every reason why we should take a pride in our race. Apart from the traditions of old, we have thejiewer history of the years of the war to fill us -with pride and gratification for the great feats accomplished. In prewar days there was the feeling abroad that the race was deteriorating; that when the testing time of war or national crisis came, the newer generation would not be equal to the tasks put upon them. The prophets were wrong. They were wrong as to the estimate of the race, and they were equally wrong as to the tests which were far more exacting than most people could have dreamed of. In the hour of test the nation rose superior to the greatness of the occasion. There was the tragic moment when Britain had to choose between peace and war, and resolved to enter the ‘war for the defence of the weak. Then when the die was cast, came the realisation of the tremendous proposition which had to be faced. In the testing time of those first weeks there were no signs qf race deterioration. The “Contemptibles” set a standard which had jto be equalled, but could never be excelled. The way of the war passed swifjtly, and brought difficulties a»d dangers in its train. But whether on land or sea, W the air, or under water, neither terror nor defeat deflected the nation from its set purpose. In the great struggle which spread over the world, our Island Dominions played its part manfully. The overseas foijces emulated in .serving in the common cause, and won high renown by the greatness of their actions. The war brought out all that was best in the British nation, and that best wuu the victory now being entered upon, if i4i the face of the great conflict which had to be overcome, a victorious peace could be won, how much more easily now should the samp popple conquer and r«W themselves so that out of the turmoil a lasting domestic peace might bt> won. There arp the same people to do the task, and surely the organising of ourselves Is easier far than dragooning an unwilling enemy. To our own selves we require to he true, We must trust our leaders and help tineiii sympathetically,, not try and clog their action# .\vith destructive efforts. There are those e-'bo are trying to prey upon the weaknesses or human nature, and by sowing seeds of discontent, unsettle the people, and jeopardise the industrial lujture. These guilty agents require to be read a lesion at the outset, Jf they have no pride in their race, let them seek some other country more congenial to their warped views. New Zealand will be what t-he people care to make it, but- if the people allow themselves to be led by those who are antagonistic to race and country, the outcome will be sad disaster. Now is the change to redeem mistakes and //lake amends, and all working together pur country can he made brighter, better /and happier than ever.