Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th., 1920. DEPENDING UPON OURSELVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th., 1920. DEPENDING UPON OURSELVES.

The New Year messages issued by the Prime Ministers of the Dominions within the British Empire, strike a high—in fact a spiritual note. It is well that it should be so, for it is but right to lead the nation’s thoughts into a groove which reaffirms the Christian faith of the people in all that is good and best. It is necessary, too, in these days of unbelief and worse, to hold fast to the faith which was so dear to our fathers, and upon which is founded the cause of righteousness from which is drawn the justice and freedom of our constitution. In his particular message, Mr Lloyd the truism that it depends upon ourselves whether the new year is rich with promise or laden with despair. We are at the cross roads, as it were, and it depends on the path selected as to whether our way will pass through pleasant places. The British Prime Minister aptly says that as concentrated effort, which is essential to the rebuilding of the world by united effort, inspires the spirit of general goodwill, so will the nation add to the glory achieved'by her sons in battle. It is the building up process which is required. The peace so hardly won can be made more enduring by a real union of our own people bent upon construction within. The fruits of the war will be lost or soured if the people go on warring among themselves, pulling down and bent upon destruction. The present is a time of great opportunity, and it is only by pulling together that the great difficulties to.be surmounted can be overcome. There must be loyai co-operation, and all things will be possible, If fair words and generous promises count for anything, the Governments within the Empire are prepared to do their part to regenerate the social world within British territory. This attitude requires a backing from the people, so that the way to reforms and rehabilitation will bo titjuL; easier and more assured. There must be fair dealing as between class and class, the one pa-pp,crating with the other. The three essential things fbr prosperous times are capital, labor a'wj brains. One is not more mnterinl than the otlfcr, for each is dependent on the other to produce prosperity. How essential it is then for oaplj. f-o co-ordinate with one another, and by a ready linking of the three forces achieve results in which each jyill participate. While the future depends upo.q ourselves, our dependability upon each other is manifest if success is to be assured, 'J’he present calls for n hearty spirit of cooperation, and a gennrojjs desire to see the opportunity made the mo.st of. If

tlm people giye this seryice, they mgy demand rather titan expect those improved social conditions which have been promised. They will have earned them by right, and placed the Govern* ment under a compliment to grant them. The times call for reason in all things, and that exercised, it will be for the Government to meet the wishes of -the people readily and generously for the betterment of all.