THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1919. CHRISTMASTIDE.

Otaki Mail, 24 December 1919, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1919. CHRISTMASTIDE.

C'hrisimastide of 1919 should prove the most joyous of many a year. A year ago the Armistice bad certainly been signed, but the air. was full of unrest, and events in Europe were in such a state of turmoil and uncertainty that everyone was filled with anxiety us to the result of the negotiations for peace and the adjustment of international affairs. The year.we have passed through has been filled with momentous events. The Peace Conference, which dragged through so many weary months, is now a matter of hi.torv, and the peace terms have at last been finally adopted—terms which go far to show that, despite all that o*o7 be said to the contrary, the world is growing better. The nations of the world have adopted loftier ideals, and are determined to .stand by the rights of smaller nations, and to check the growth Of tho evijs of militarism that were threatening to make for tho ruin of the world. Unfortunately, we cannot say even now that there is peace throughout the world bloodshed i 3 still common in many parts of Europe, the aftermath of war is still gripping millions, causing untold privations and misery—but the awful war itself is at an end, and has resulted in the &ompleto overthrow of evil, and such a victory for justice and righteousness that must make for the betterment of the people throughout the univc-rse. Wars will still wage, without doubt, but we hope and believe that the salutary Jensons of the Great War will leave 3n indelible impression on' the world, and will make for the suppression of wars, the improvement of the conditions of the masses, and will assist ; very materially in ushering in that ! time for which we all pray, when wars shall cease and “all men shall brothers be.” Oar Empire, in common with many others, is faced with tremendous problems arising out of the war, but we have faith that the nation that overcame the stupendous odds she encountered during this great war will nobly meet the responsibilities that press so heavily on her shoulders just now, and that she will emerge from the fiery furnace purified, chastened, ennobled, and better fitted to carry out the highest Christian traditions of our glorious Empire, on which “the sun never sets.” Here in New Zealand the skies are bright, and though clouds loom in the horizon, we should have little to fear. Our little country is enjoying a time of unexampled pros-

perity, of which there is every prospect of a continuance. Therefore wo can approach the festive season with grateful hearts, and enjoy our Christmas to the full. Under these happy conditions we havo great pleasure in. once again wishing our readers one and all