THE Kaipara Advertiser AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21, 1913. GREETINGS !

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 December 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21, 1913. GREETINGS !

Thf, festive colebrai ions that are inseparably linked with Christinas time are now having the usual observance. With the season of good-will conies a host of bright memories and happy incidents. It is a time notable for the young people by the association of Santa Glaus and the gifts they look forward to with marked expectancy. Indeed, the delights of giving and receiving permeate far beyond the child-hood stage, and with added joys to many lives not otherwise liberally endowed Avith benefactions. There are nlso the happy reunions of fiiends, of parents and families, and the observance of many other customs that have become firmly cemented to

Ohristmas celebrations. In nearly all countries it is made a time of rejoicing, and although the manner of observance differs somewhat, this is chiefly by reason of climatic conditions. To those familiar with the festive season in the Old Land (the winter season) the contrast with cur observances is very pronounced. But the momentous event which has universal recognition at this time, the birth of a Savior iat Bethlehem, is observed with the same heartfelt intensity of purpose in nearly all civilized countries, no matter how the)'' may differ in form. The message of " Peace and goodwill " comes with all its old-time fragrance, but the time for beating swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks seems yet far distant. Nations are spending vast fortunes on armaments, airships and battleships ; and rumours of wars arc still prevalent ; industrial strife has of late caused much mischief and bitterness throughout this and other countries; and a true sense of the meaning of Brotherhood among men ?' has yet to be realised. But there is a v hope that breathes eternal in the human bre.ist " pulsating with an undying power among ths affairs of men for their betterment, and its fouiuain source is none but the Saviour of Beth--1 hem. In conclusion we are i glad to chronicle that the,, re-

cent industrial strife caused

little disturbance of commercial or social affairs in this district, and while sympathising with those less fortunate in other localities, we extend to all our readers the time-worn but hearty wish for A MERRY CHRISTMAS, which we trust will be generally experienced.