CAUSE OF EMPIRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 December 1940, Page 8

CAUSE OF EMPIRE

OBLIGATION’S TO THOSE WHO SERVE. MR. HOLLAND’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “One’s first thoughts are those of brave men and women who are serving this country and the Empire overseas. From them we at home catch an inspiration and an urge to render the utmost within our power by way of service, regardless of any sacrifice entailed,” said the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Holland, in a Christmas message to the people of New Zealand. “Our men are upholding the glorious tradition of the race in this fight for the right of nations to live their own lives. The epic deeds of the navy, the magnificent feats of our gallant airmen, the dogged determination of the soldiers, the indomitable spirit of the British people, the magnificent assistance of the United States of America when it is most needed—all these things inspire us to make greater efforts, and entitle us to anticipate 1941 with confidence and optimism. “V/ith resolute calm we lived the early days of 1940. With fortitude and courage our people witnessed the overthrow of our ally, and then the Battle for Britain exposed the unconquerable spirit of the true Britisher till Christmas, 1940, when we rejoice at the turn in the tide and the abundant evidence that man for man our men are more than a match for their enemies.

“Cur capacity to render aid is, however. not limited to our thousands of fine soldiers, sailors and airmen. In the field and in the factory and in innumerable other ways we can render much-needed help. The brave people of Britain need the foodstuffs and the materials we can produce in abundance.

“My New Year message is ‘Let the measure of our contribution bo in terms of service and willing sacrifice rather than the terms and conditions on which our service is rendered.’ “To the mothers, wives and the families of our men overseas I desire to send a special message of appreciation and understanding. New Zealand is proud, of its service mon and their exploits, but wo arc equally proud of those at home who watch and await the return of loved ones. Let the rest of us fortify them in the knowledge that we are all working harder and are permitting nothing to stand in the way of a maximum contribution to a common. cause.

“May Christmas 1941 find our bovs united, with their families once again, victorious in the fight for justice, honour and liberty. I extend cordial greetings to the people of New Zealand, and pray that our great Empire may soon be delivered from the oppressor, and that peace on earth and goodwill among all men may be achieved."