IN TIME OF WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1940, Page 7

IN TIME OF WAR

MR FRASER’S MESSAGE

TO PEOPLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIGHTING FORCES. HAPPY AUGURY OF BETTER DAYS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.! WELLINGTON, This Day. For the second year we celebrate Christmas Day under war conditions. It is, therefore, with more than usual fervour that we join in the customary wish for peace on earth and goodwill toward men,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in a Christmas message to the people of New Zealand. "We know at this moment that there can be no general peace without justice nor goodwill without charity and brotherly love; and we have already resolved, all of us, to strive to the utmost to assist in bringing the world back to its peaceful state," Mr. Fraser said. "The eviis of war everywhere are making a savage mockery of the spirit of Christmas and the traditional joys of this feast day are sadly marred. We are all conscious of this, and there is no need for me to dwell further on the troubled circumstances of today. We are greatly cheered by the military successes achieved in the past few days and we have taken them as a happy augury for better days ahead. "1 would like to express on behalf of the Government and people of the Dominion, deep appreciation of the gallant and devoted services of our soldiers and sailors and airmen serving overseas or here in New Zealand, and to wish them every success. There are few today who are not thinking of some loved one —husband, son, brother or other relative or friend—away fighting for the end we all so ardently desire.

“But though families are separated or affected by other sorrows all must try to carry on, making the best of it and doing their duty cheerfully, hopefully, and to the best of their ability. It is by carrying on with cheerful spirit and unflagging efforts that success will ultimately come. "We have, moreover, only to contrast cur own comparatively happy circumstances here in warmth and sunshine far removed from the theatres of war with the conditions of dur kinsfolk in the British Isles, in bomb-stricken towns in the cold of winter, in hourly expectation of air raids, to count our blessings and be humbly grateful. "The coming year will inevitably be a year of trial but we are fully justified in believing that success will reward our efforts and that by those efforts the world will be freed from the terrible evils of Nazism and Fascism, which have threatened our lives and liberties and our whole Christian civilisation. "I know I express the sincere wish of everyone in hoping that the blessings of peace will soon be restored to us. To all citizens I extend Christmas greetings and sincere wishes for their happiness and every good fortune during the coming year.”

MEN AT THE FRONT BROADCAST BY PREMIER. MESSAGES TO COMMANDERS (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The following special message has been broadcast by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, to the New Zealand Forces in the Middle East: — "It is a great pleasure, to me to extend to all of you serving in the armed forces of the Dominion overseas a sincere and heartfelt message of Christmas greetings cn behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand. There is a vast distance between you and your people here, put we are near to each other in thought, and we are united in determination to overcome the enemies of peace and goodwill. As you will know the thoughts of all of us are with you wherever you may be.

"Our summer Christmas here in New Zealand is a day of special rejocing and a day dedicated to family gatherings and reunions from which so many of you are absent for the first time. We trust that your return will not be long 'delayed. I would like to add that the people at home are doing all they can to support you, and all look forward to your return from a victorious war to a country at peace which your efforts have rendered secure. I will conclude by extending a message of cordial greetings and by wishing you happiness and every success in the days that lie ahead.” The following message has been sent by the Prime Minister to Major-Gen-eral B. C. Freyberg, V.C., Brigadier J. Hargest, D. 5.0., M.P.. and commanders of other New Zealand units overseas: “I extend to you and the officers and men of the New Zealand Forces serving under your command a personal message of seasonal greetings and deepest appreciation of your devoted services to the Dominion and the British Commonwealth. The thoughts and hearts of all of us here at home are with you at this Christmas season and we wish you every success and all good fortune in the strenuous days that lie ahead.”