ON THE PATH TO VICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1918, Page 5

ON THE PATH TO VICTORY

A MESSAGE .OP HOPE 'AND GOODWILL. FROM THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER. By .Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Hie "Mine Minister lias received through the Governor-General the following cablegram irom Mr Lloyd George: ''At. the beginning of a new year I wish to send, on behalf of the War Cabinet, to the Government and people ol New Zealand a message of goodwill and confidence. We are now far on in the fourth year of war. Despite many set-backs and ninny disappointments we are also far on in the path to victory. 1 have no doubt that if the Allies stand firm they will not only restore liberty to Europe but give a lasting- peace to the world. In the accomplishment of this great work 110 peoples will have played a greater part than those who are members of the Rritisb commonwealth. Against their Steadfast courage the legions of autocracy have cast themselves in vain, and the Empire which the militarists of Prussia persuaded themselves would he crumbled at a blow has proved itself the most united and most massive of the bulwarks of freedom. .1 have good hopes that, before this new year .is past the purpose to which we have set our hands will 'have been completely achieved." < Mr. Massey replied: ; 'I desire, on he■ialf of the Government and people of -New Zealand, to thank you and the War Cabinet for your new year's message of goodwill and confidence, which wiU be greatly appreciated by the citizens of the Dominion, lour opinion tliat'we are far on in the path to victory is one that' i*. Acalanders share, and, coming from i Premier of the United Kingdom, the statement will be hailed with additional pleasure, and will serve to atipngthcii still more the coutidence already fe)t Quire. The people of \ew Zealand are proud to think that in the colossal struggle of the past three and a baa years British citizens have taken a lending part, and to-dav the Empire is more iirinly united than at any period in its history, while its peoples are more than ever determined to carrv oi| to victorious conclusion. We trust the Allies will .stand together until a decisive | victory ha, been gained, and that no jiurms will be considered which, if to, may result in anything other than :i permanent peace, and nt the same time be a salutary warning to covetous and unscrupulous nations fo tlm £ u t w •>