CHRISTMAS MESSAGE, 1917.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1768, 22 December 1917, Page 3

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE, 1917.

TO NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER& < ' The Minister of Defence, Hon Sir James Allen, sent a Christmas message to the members of the New Zealand .Expeditionary Forces. The message was forwarded through the following officers: —General Godley, for distribution in France; General Richardson, for the New Zealand troops in England; Colonel Chaytor, for the troops in Egypt and Palestine; to the Administrator of Samoa, and to the New Zealand soldiers serving in Mesopotamia. The message is to be communicated, as far as possible, to hospital ships and to all other places where New Zealanders are serving. Copies are to be forwarded to the various church organisations of the Dominion, asking for their assistance to bring the message to the notice of the public, in order that as many people as possible may join in prayer at 8 o’clock on Christmas morniug. The message is as follows; — “Greetings to all members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and Army Nursing Service. ' “The time has come for another Christmas message to go forth from New Zealand to those who are upholding her honour on land and sea. Again we ask you to join with us at 8 o’clock on Christmas morning in prayer for protection and continued success. Heavy as the burden has been and heavy as it yet may he, we re-assert at this Christmas time our unshaken faith .in the righteousness of our cause, and your ability, under God, to do your country’s part to vindicate that cause. It is, therefore, with a stout heart and an undimmed pride that we bid you ho of good cheer, trusting that next Christmas once more the Divine message may ring out over the world —‘Peace on earth; goodwill towards men.’ “J. ALLEN, Minister of Defence.” i v PROM THE TROOPS IN FRANCE. GENERAL GODLEY’S REPLY. On behalf of the New Zealand troops in France, General Godley sent the following reply: — “Your inspiring message lias been communicated to all New Zealand troops in France and England, and I wish to (hank you on their behalf. Our thoughts will be especially with you at 8 o’clock on Christmas morning. During the past year the affection and pride with which New. Zealanders regard their native land has stimulated them to do her credit, whether serving on the historic battleground of Flanders or in the hallowed approach to the Holy City. In the fight for the freedom of nations and the continuance of democratic ideals no soldiers have done better service for King and country than they. They have been deeply touched by the thoughtful kindness of the people of New Zealand who have maintained an unfailing supply of gifts in kind and money, and the continued stream of reinforcements is an earnest that those at Home will give them support till-the end; We trust that those who have lost their dearest and best may he sustained' in their sorrow by thoughts of the valour and uncomplaining endurance of those who for a glorious and righteous cause have laid down their lives. — (Signed) Godley.” PROM PALESTINE. Major-General B. W. C. Chaytor replied:— “All New Zealanders here deeply appreciate your Christmas message from the people of New Zealand, which helps us to face the coming year with renewed courage. We will join with you on Christmas morning in prayer that God will crown our cause with success before another Christmas comes. —(Signed) General Chaytor.”