Must Build on Faith

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 308, 30 December 1939, Page 8

Must Build on Faith

Mayor’s New Year Message MOMENTOUS TIMES AHEAD The Mayor of Palmerston North, Mr. A. E. Mansford, sends the following New Year message to citizens:— “As we fast approach tho end of this momentous year, and survey the past twelve months, wo cannot but be impressed by the sure but steady progress made by tho city in its continued growth towards the goal which we soon hope to attain, namely that of being the fifth city of the Dominion. “This year has been momentous on account of the fact that it was last September that the British Commonwealth was once again plunged into tho horrors of war. The result of this conflict is not only momentous to tho British Commonwealth, but to the whole civilised world. “This is no ordinary war which the Allies are waging, but a mighty strugglo between those who support right and those who believe in might. If those supporting might should win, military power, supreme in strength, intolerant of human rights, holding itself above the reach of law, superior to morals, to religious faith, to human compassion, will crush out the free democracies of the world. This end is too horrible for us as a freedom-loving people to contemplate. That is why I say the year is a momentous one, and that is why Nazism and its philosophy of might must be defeated, for then only will democracy be safe. “Those of us who had tho good fortune to hoar Major-General Freyberg could not but be impressed by what he told us regarding tho preparations made, and being made in England and France, and bis quiet confidence in the ultimate result. But to accomplish this we in New Zealand, in common with the other Dominions, must be prepared to play our part. Everyone can do a little and if each member of the Empire does his or her part faithfully, the sum of our labours will be great and result in the ultimate triumph of the principles for which we are fighting. “May such a victory be accomplished in tho coming year and witness a peace which brings no selfish advantages or national monopolies, but a peace rekindling a spirit of justice, a peace in which the nations of the earth may join hands in harmonious co-opera-tion for the welfare of all mankind. “Once let this spirit prevail and new social structures will arise as if by magic, and there is no telling to what lengths new social orders may extend. “These structures, however, if they are to be lasting, must be built on the foundations of righteousness, justice and faith in the Great Architect of the Universe. “In addition to hoping for this happy ending in tho comjng year, may I extend my best wishes to our citizens for a full measure of prosperity in the year 1940.’’