King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 1912 CHRISTMAS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 528, 21 December 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 1912 CHRISTMAS.

- - —•-♦ A Merry Christmas to All! The approach of Christmas is always hailed with pleasure by the Christian world, many inll mncos contributing to the spread oC geniality, and to a better understanding between the individual units which represent mankind. Under our sunny summer skies the season is regarded as the natural holiday period of the year, and in addition to the usual family rn-unions the manifold holiday pastimes and recreations are indulged in without re-

straint. It is significant, moreover, that our Christmas celebrations have been preserved throughout the ages irrespective of climate or condition, and behind the outward manifestation of the people is a deep and abiding sense of all that Christmas symbolises to all Christian nations. "Peace on earth; goodwill to man," is a message which appeals to the civilised world, and the annual remainder carries wi'h it an influence which spreads happiness and brings cheerfulness to millions. In New Zealand the season comes opportunely, and with pleasant sunshine and ideal holiday conditions everything contributes to the spread of cheerfulness and gaiety. The pre-

sent season is the seventh occasion ipon which we have had the privilege of extending Christmas greetings to our readers, and our hearty good wishes have each year been extended to an ever broadening circle. Progress has continued unchecked, and it is cause for gratification that people throughout the Dominion are realising the potentialities of our great district. Time was when Christmas was a period of exodus from the King Country wilderness, but that time has passed never to return. The spread of settlement and the development of the farming industry necessitates the presence of the settlers at home during the busy summer season, and our recreations and holiday festivities are hound to become more and more local. Evidences in tin's connection are to be observed ail round us and the result of the co-operation of our people for recreation and holiday festivities is sure to become beneficial. We trust this season will take rank with the best that has gone before, and the forerunner of many happy and merry Christmasses to come.