Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, DEC. 24, 1932. CHRISTMAS 1932.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 24, 24 December 1932, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, DEC. 24, 1932. CHRISTMAS 1932.

The -wheel of time in its inexorable movement brings us to Christmas 1932. Once again we are in the midst of the season of family gatherings with their spontaneous festivity radiating the joy that comes from giving, and the kindliness inherent in the period of the year. This week the doubts and perplexities of the difficult times through which we have come will be banished from most homes and it is indeed wise for a brief while to forget in the sentiment of Christmas that which has oppressed us during past months. At all events, by doing so, we should be fortified for the months ahead, steeling ourselves to the difficult task awaiting accomplishment to help our country through its trials. A year ago there were many homes from which were absent the little luxuries or favours which go far to make Christmas a merry period. Unfortunately, the number has been increased by this December. The chill wind of adversity has been severely felt by them. But the call to the kindliness of the people of this city has been made, and the response to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal will supplement the fare in many®homes. Especially at this period, when it is the ambition of households to make the occasion a happy one for their members, should there be thought of those blighted by unemployment, of the little ones in homes and in the poorer parts of the cities, and of the aged and indigent. The many functions held in recent days to bring a little joy into the lives of people less fortunate, particularly in the main cities where the problem is always fairly acute, testify to the abiding desire of those who have to share a little with their less fortunate brethren. This is one great feature of our Christmas with its stirring message of “Peace on earth; goodwill towards men.” Erom it is derived spiritual benefit that accompanies the knowledge of having contributed to the joy of others. In hospitals, sanatoria, and institutions for the aged who, after battling against the storms of life, have sought a quiet retreat in the evening of their life the nurses have enlivened the wards and the Christmas spirit reigns. So it goes on throughout the world where Christianity holds sway, and we are surely the better for Christmas, commemorating as it does the birth of the Founder of the Christian Faith. That great event in the world’s history occurred in a most difficult time, but the Christmas message has come down through the ages to comfort and cheer people. It will do so in this troublous period. The homely wish and greeting, “A Merry Christmas,” rings throughout the land, breathing a spirit of sincerity and goodwill. It is no hollow mockery or sham. Christmas will be happier for the many who have striven to make it enjoyable for others. Much kindliness has been shown in an unostentatious way, and that is the true exhibition of the Christmas spirit. A year ago there was abundant hope that the end of this year would see marked progress made on the road to recovery. That has not been realised to the extent desired, but it will be sincerely trusted that the

coming year will see it fulfilled and that homes now weighed down by anxiety will be relieved of the shadows oppressing them. In wishing its readers a Merry Christmas and,a much Brighter New Year, the “Standard” trusts that this will come to pass.