The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1915. THE PASSING OF THE YEAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1915. THE PASSING OF THE YEAR.

Never in. tho world's history has there been such a year as that which comes to an end to-day. That there will never be another fraught with such horrors, 6uch bloodshed, devastation, suffering and bitter woo is the fervent hope of all rightly constituted people. In one way it is a relief that the closing hours of so disastrous a year have arrived, for it at least brings us nearer by twelve months to the end of the terrible war. Would that we could say it opened up a prospect of a speedy attainment of peace, but at present the war clouds are as dense, if not more lurid, than they have been, and it needs all our fortitude and trust to face tho coming year with confidence in the ultimate issue. The toll of life and the lists of casualties are terrible to contemplate, and the cry is ever for more men—and still more men —for it is only by that means and an adequate supply of munitions that victory can be achieved. Throughout tho year that is passing away the sons of the Homeland and the Dominions have most nobly upheld the best traditions of British valor, while the people have, as a rule, deemed it a privilege and honor to make every sacrifice in their power to assist the cause and encourage those who are in the fighting line. Against the many horrors of the war wa can

place in the scale the marvellous effect it has had oil the people of the Empire ]>y drawing them together in closer bonds ;of unity, by evoking the hidden depths fit true brotherhood, by levelling all .social distinctions, and welding the full .strength and resources of the Empire into one great force destined to carry the cause for which we are fighting to a glorious conclusion, so that peace may reign on earth, and the smaller and weaker nations may rejoice in freedom from oppression and security from being crushed by the iron heel of ambitious and unscrupulous autocrats backed by their armed millions. War is war, and we have to see this struggle through as speedily as possible. Every week that it drags on means a greater loss of life, a larger number of maimed and wounded, and increased voids in thousands of homes where the bereaved bear their losses with more or less honorable courage. It is significant that the British authorities are, in the closing days of the year, facing with firmness and determination tho question of compulsory service, and there seems every prospect that tho i.tw yea'f will see this extreme step adopted so as to utilise to the full the whole of the available Manhood of Britain—the siugle jmeji first and then, if necessary (which it is hoped may not be the case) those who are married, It is Imperative to take this course in the Homeland, and it, will probably be equally necessary in the Dominions. The great struggle has got to come and for that we must be fully prepared. Fortunately the veil which hides the future canliot be lifted, bo that all we can do is to look forward with hope and confidence that the coming year will see the Allies victorious, and open up a vista of peace and prosperity that will justify the colossal cost it has entailed. In New Zealand there has been exhibited a splendid patriotism. There has also been a record prosperity. Though so far removed from the scenes of conflict we have l)een brought very closely in touch with the clash of arms, for our boys have made a name for the Dominion that will ever redound to its glory. New Zealanders have much to be thankful for in tho past year, and above all should they remember the unmeasurable debt of gratitude they owe to the British Navy. But for the work of this first lino of the .Empire's defence tho markets of the world would have been closed to our produce, and Instead of the abnormal prosperity enjoyed there would have been a ruined country. For Taranaki the closing year has been all that could be desired so far a 9 material prosperity is concerned, and we can confidently look forward to 1916 as almost certainly .to be equally if not more prosperous. It is matter for regret that the hand of death has removed several of our pioneer settlers the number of whom now with us is becoming comparatively small, but it is comforting to find that their sons and daughters are imbued with, and are giving practical evidence of the possession of, the same brave and indomitable spirit which animated their parents. Now that the welding of the bond of unity is accomplishing so much in Imperial affairs, it would be a worthy aim to mark the coming year as one in which great strides are to be taken to promote a closer union between the various towns in the province, and to forward in every way its advancement socially, economically, productively, and spiritually. The coining year is, apart from the war and other outside influences, mainly what the people will make it. In the hope that 1910 will bring peace for the world at large, and increased prosperity to our readers, we wish them, in all sincerity "A HAPPY NEW YEAR."