The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1932. CHRISTMAS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1932. CHRISTMAS.

Once again we are on the threshold of Christinas, the outstanding milestone of the year so arresting to the human race. Christmas has come down to use through th e ages with its undying story of love and sacrifice, and is respected all round the globe for the import- of its meaning. The first Christmas season laid the foundations of Christianity, and upon it has been built a great superstructure which has meant so much to the world. Human nature in the main lias been moulded upon the Christmas message, and the peace of mind which the world enjoys springs eternally from the promise and hope which Christmas implies. Even though the world to-day is greatly stressed, the observance of the Christmas season is not likely to be neglected. The spirit of the occasion pervades old and young, and though the celebration- may lie curtailed perforce of circumstances, the observance in some form inoi> or less appropriate, and in keeping with the message will not he neglected seriou-ly. Christmas will give a brief breathing space in an atmosphere which should ho helpful to -traders* of thought and action bent on the betterment- of their country. Internationally, relatives hav. s been greatly strained of kite. In the Far East there is a state almost of war. The Old World and t.he New World have their financial problems l —the settlement of which might lift the present shadows darkening the outlook, but international rivlaries are the bugbear. Still, it may he accepted that the international debt situation is reaching a climax. The unfinancial conn-tries cannot pay, and the drain is on the willing financial. This situation is to be reviewed at the World Economic CYhiferenco in Die new year, when it is hoped a healing solution wjl] he found, and the way cleared for a return of prosperity. T 1 ie outcome of the Conference is the one- hope of t-C.;>, present and a good deal of faith i« pinned to the lVisite. Hut Christmas is with us meantime-, and the festival must not he neglected. This is the special season for remembering the young, and Santa Chms we may l-o sure will mal e ! is usual round, even though he- may not lie so heavily or costly Hdao. The s- as m will bring joy aw l 1 1 u "hf n r to Ho little ones, and that in itself will help to lighten the iiiorvn.ding circum dance*’. For the oi-V’-j the iso as au’s me-ssape is goodwill to all, and catching the snirit of that message and practising W id e ceres of the times will he lightened, too Age has not dimmed (he custom of vgiviiug at t-h’iS: l 1" a son, and there gifts ace tangible evidence of that goodwill wl Hi will help to secure neare which all desire to see universal. Each in his n;vn sphere may make his or her* r-ntn‘l "tjon to the ge'er-d good, and all will be better citizens

for the doing. Though the times arc difficult, Now Zealand is weathering the financial storm, and Y\ e.-tland as a part- of the whole is sharing in the achievements. This happy survival of the district and it« prospects in sight bcuaiie of grci.uer dt vclojnr cuts in hand, should help the district and the people to achieve all tlut we wish them in A .MERRY CHRISTMAS.