The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1917. CHRISTMAS 1917.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1917. CHRISTMAS 1917.

The fourth Christmas since the war com/ menced has now arrived, and during the protracted and bitter struggle much lias happened that has caused trouble and tribulation, but each year as the great Christian festival has been observed it has stimulated the courage, the patience and the faith of the British race in the ultimate attainment of a peace that will be worthy of the civilised world, and of the huge sacrifices which it will have entailed. It is only fitting that at the season which is essentially indicative of peace and goodwill, our highest hopes should be centred on a durable world's peace—a boon of such immense value that it overshadows all other human interests. It is certain this colossal conflict will be a, means of enabling mankind to fully appreciate, the true blessings of peace and freedom of national development. Far as is New Zealand from the several war fronts, the horrors of armed strife are brought home to us, for our manhood is taking a noble part in the defence of the Umpire, and of the cause of civilisation. The number of those who have made the supreme sacrifice has grown appreciably, and correspondingly have the parents and other relatives of our brave lads suffered grievously, but the knowledge of the greatness and justice of the cause in which these precious lives were given has had an ennobling influense. If we pause for a moment to consider what the factor is that makes these great sacritiees possible, it will be seen that it is the true Christmas spirit—that perfect altruism which considers others before self, so splendidly exemplified in true Christianity and patriotism. There are those who contend that this war is not fully realised in New Zealand, but the long list of names on the rolls of honor to be found in every district of the Dominion, and the presence of wounded and returned soldiers in our midst tell a different tale. Christmas may for the time being be robbed of some of its material festiveness, but it can never lose its influence or significance. One of the effects of the war has been to draw people closer together in purposefuiness, in sympathy, in broad-minded charilv, mid in a well-directed effort to lift the burden of oppression and tyranny from those peoples whom vie so earnestly desire should possess the freedom that is

so dear to Xcw Zealandeis. In spite of ihc stress ill Ilii'M' crucial timer, the Christmas of li»17 linda the people of Hie Dominion still enjoying the blessings of prosperity, siill stout of heart ;inil of good courage. la'.-Liitg their irotiblcn bravely and joining in celebrating the festival with at least outward cheerfulness, though in very many eases hearing a sorrow that can never lie eli>itinni.etl in this life, and yet proud of those who have fallen in the service or-vhe noblest.

cause. Chrisimaslide should hi- more than ever welcome this yea' - ; despik il e terri!)le ravages of the war, for i, centres our thoughts and hopes on (he dispersal of the war clouds and (he dawn of the long-loolced-for era of peace. The hearts of all New Zcnla.mlrrs should go forth to tlie manhood of the country (a king part in the war. The cheerful spirit of ''Our Boys" will enable (Icon to celebrate Christmas ns heartily as circumstances will permit, and this is as much as can be expected of (hose who ore doing their part in the Dominion. Before another anniversary of tlie sen nori comes round it is to he sincerely hoped that war will be no more, hud that we may be rejoicing over the attainment of the great object for which our brave soldiers are now so valiantly striving. Meanwhile there is work for each one to do, and only in rendering nil the service possible will the satisfaction of duty done lie for the peojde of New Zealand and throughout. the Umpire. The old form of good wishes does I not quite tit the present period, but (.Inspirit embodied in the formula is still potent—probably more so than ever before. Honing for the best and for the speedy advent of peace, and bearing in mind the exceptional prosperity of the Dominion, with all the attendant advantages therefrom, if is fitting under the circumstances (o extend to all our readers and their family circles a heartfelt wish for

A HAPPY AND .HOPEFUL CHRIST MAS.