The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1189, 22 December 1883, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883.

Before we publish our next issue the ever-welcomed season of Christmas will ,be ushered in, with its time-honored associations and loafcherished memories. In Christian countries Christmas is always a seasc|| of charity, forgiveness and good willf—a season which awakcns c the best, imputes

of human nature, and men remember the duties they owe to their Maker and their fellow beings. In the Old Countries* “God’s poor ” are remembered at this time of the year, and many are the efforts that are put forth to give the unfortunate inmates of the Old World . . . * institutions a treat. Private charity also abounds. The rich as a general rule look after the wants of the poor in their neighborhood, and much good aiiuv kindliness is cultivated. In this colony there is very little of this kind of work done ; for although there may be some in poor circumstances, still there are very few so ill off that they cannot provide for themselves a good Christmas dinner. But though we may not be able to “ learn the luxury of doing good ” in this way, there are many duties incumbent upon us. We can forget old differences, forgive wrongs done to us, and cultivate kindly feelings and Christian charity. These , are duties which cost nothing to perform, and yield peace of mind as a leward, We have a great deal in this colony to be thankful for. While our friends at Home wade in from rain and snow, we bask in the rays of glorious sunshine ; all Nature is clad in her gayest garb, and yields to us her choicest gifts, and everything tends to render this holy season happy. We have everything that should make lite happy in this colony—no squalid misery meets our gaze ; no socialistic movements to

disturb the peace of our homes, and peace and contentment is met with everywhere. Trade and commerce, of course, are much depressed, and business is very dull, but brighter days are coming. There is every prospect of a splendid harvest this year, the frozen meat trade opens up a new source of revenue to the landowners we have better facilities for sending our produce to the markets

of Europe, and the dark cloud which has hung over us for some lime past seems to be breaking and letting through its portals bright rays of sunshine. Let us hope that we are not mistaken and that we shall all witness more prosperous times before another year has passed over our heads. In the meantime we conclude by wishour readers “ A Merrv Christmas.”