CLOUDS ON HORIZON.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1921, Page 6

CLOUDS ON HORIZON.

PREMIER’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE. DANGERS WHICH LIE AHEAD. By TftleirraDh.—Press Association. Auckland, Dec. 31. Following is the Prime Minister’s New Year message to the citizens of New Zealand: ‘•During the past year the Dominion has experienced many difficulties, but at the same time we have had much to be thankful for. The country as a whole has been prosperous, and is prosperous to-day. Nevertheless, there are clouds on the horizon, and indications of a change, which, if it comes may be fraught with harmful consequences to the community. Yet it will be our own fault if serious hardships or Inconvenience befall us. United we faced the difficulties of the war period with grim determination ajid triumphed, and so it will be again in this new’ year if we display the same spirit in dealing with the less serious troubles that loom ahead.

‘T do not, however, under-estimate their dangers, whether financially, commercially or industrially. At the present time the financial position demands the most careful handling, and every possible means should be used so that trade depression may be avoided. If we need to borrow', the money we require should, if possible, be raised in our own country, and the financial stability of the Dominion thereby maintained Energy and determination are the national qualities which the immediate future demands, and if these are forthcoming the elouds will pass away harmlessly. MENACE OF BOLSHEVISM. “If, on the other,hand, we allow ourselves to be split up into sections, each antagonistic and jealous of the other, we run the risk of disaster. A house divided against itself cannot stand, and a community divided against itself cannot prosper. Industry and grit built up this country, and raised it to its present proud position in the Empire, and if we abandon well-tried methods and principles which have stood to our race in days gone past, and give heed to the Communistic or Bolshevistic doctrines which are to-day being preached in different countries of the world, not even excluding our own, we shall deserve to reap the fruits of unwisdom. I am confident, however, that the good sense of our citizens will prevail, but I do earnestly ask that all right-thinking New Zealanders will use their good sense and judgment now, and not permit those who, in the hour of the country’s need, declined to do their fair share, to become a power for evil in the community. “The past, glorious as it was in many respects, is g*one, • and the present is with us, and the future depends on the use which we make of the present. Much has been done in the way of development since the European first became established in New Zealand, but there is much more to be done than has yet been attempted. The pioneers brought with them courage, independence and selfreliance —qualities which deserve to be fostered, and which are necessary to the building up of a strong nation,, such as its well-wishers desire New Zealand to become. We in- New Zealand have opportunities seldom vouchsafed to people even of any British country. Our climate is the healthiest in the world, and probably the most pleasant, the producing capability of the Dominion is .unequalled, our people are, with a few exceptions, industrious and energetic, loyal and patriotic, and New Zealanders are probably the purest Anglo-Saxon population in the British Empire. TEST IN COURAGE. “Nature intended New Zealand to be a white man’s country, and it must be kept as such. The strain of the Polynesian will be no detriment. The Dominion is able to carry many times its present population. anA there is nothing in the way of nationhood to which she may not aspire. It is a matter for extreme gratification that the loyalty of the people pf this country to the British Crown is beyond question, and tha,t any attempt to" interfere with the integrity of the Empire would receive very little, if any, support in this Dojninion. “The new year upon which we are now entering may test in no small measure our courage and tenacity in connection with the industrial and financial life of the community, but with each and every one pulling his full weight in the national boat all will be well. To my fellow citizeps I most cordially wish happiness and prosperity in 1921.—-W. F. Jlassey.”