DOMINION'S PART.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1917, Page 5

DOMINION'S PART.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO TROOPS. I!Y MINISTER OF DEFE.VCB A PRAYER. ON CHRISTMAS MORNING, Wellington, Lust, Night. The Minister for Defence lias forwarded a Christmas message to tlie New Zenland troops oil all fronts where they are serving, and to those in England and Samoa. Copies will he forwarded to the various eluireh organisations of the Dominion, asking 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 S o'clock on Christmas morning. The message is as follows: * '•Greetings to all members of the 'New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the army nursing service. "The time has come for another Christmas message to go forth from New Zealand to those who are upholding her honor on land and sea Again we ask you to join with us at S o'clock on Christmas morning in prayer for protection and continued success. "Heavy as the burden Ims been, anil heavy as it yet may be, we reassert, 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 stout heart and undimmed pride that we bid you 'bo of ! good cheer,' trusting that next Christmas once more the Divine message may ring out over the world, ' Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.'" GENERAL GODLEY'S REPLY. On behalf of the New Zealand troops in France, General Godley lias sent the following'reply: '■Your inspiring message has been eomntunicated to all the New Zealand troops in France and England, ainl I wish to thank you on their behalf. Our thoughts will he especially with you at !i o'clock on Christmas morning. '•lhiring the past year, the Affection and pride with which New Zealanders regard their native land has stimulated them to do her credit, whether serving 011 the historic battleground of Flanders or in hallowed approach to the Ilolv 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 J,he continued stream of reinforcements is an earnest, that those at home will give them support till the eiu|. 'VYe trust that those who have lost their dearest and best may be sustained in their sorrow hv the thoughts of valor and uncomplaining endurance of those who, for a glorious and righteous cause, have laid down their lives." Colonel E. W. C. Chaytor replied from Palestine as follows: "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 wit'lr you on Christmas morning in prayer that Cod will crown our cause with success before another Christmas comes."

A MOVING MESSAGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The following cablegram has been received by the Minister of Defence, and published at the military camps in New Zealand, from New Zealand troops in England: "To our comrades in New Zealand.— Christmas greetings on this the fourth, and, we hope, the last, Christmas of the wax. We all hope to join you before next Christmas, after a victorious termination of the campaign. We think not only of you and our comrades in the field, but of our late comrades, the real heroes of the war, who have laid down their lives for us and our glorious Empire, and of their bereaved relatives, who are burying their sorrow, and shouldering their burdens without murmuring, because of the knowledge that their loved ones died for a righteous cause."