“A Merry Christmas to All and a Peaceful New Year”

This article originally appeared in Tribune December, 1957.

The Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party extends to all Tribune readers the traditional season’s greetings.

The customary slogan of Peace on Earth, under which Xmas is celebrated, should not be shelved when the festivities cease, but should continue to resound throughout the year.

In addition to increased activity for peace in the New Year there should be more united and determined effort to achieve higher wages and the 35 hour week to combat growing unemployment and overproduction.

Make 1958 a year of greater struggle for higher living standards, peace and Socialism!

President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Mr Albert Monk asked by the Sydney Daily Mirror what he would like for Christmas said –

“Let us strive for a period of world peace. That is all I could ask for Christmas.”

Mr J. Healy, general secretary of the Waterside Workers’ Federation –

“To all Tribune readers, comradely and fraternal greeting from the Waterside Workers’ Federation.

“Peace, goodwill and friendship is the earnest wish of every member of the Federation to the people of Australia and the peoples of all lands throughout the world.”

Mr E. V. Elliott, federal secretary of the Seamen’s Union –

“Seamen send seasonal greetings to Tribune.

“We salute Tribune as the only working class newspaper in Sydney, a newspaper carrying high the banner of proletarian propaganda and struggle.

“Seamen pledge themselves to more widely popularise the Tribune and to work more actively for the sale and consolidation of it in the New Year.”

Mr A. Dowling, secretary of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council –

“This year closes with a high degree of unity in the ranks of the working class. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Menzies-Fadden Government cannot provide the urgent needs of the people — increased living standards, full employment or homes, hospitals and schools.

‘“Tribune has played a leading role in building this unity of the workers and carried the fight to the Menzies Government. Congratulations for your work in 1957 and best wishes for 1958.”

Mr J. Brown, general president, Australian Railways Union –

“On behalf of the ARU I express fraternal greetings to all for the festive season and the New Year. With unity and with a strong drive to defeat the Menzies Government, with a strong fight for better wages and conditions, I am sure the railway workers will join with all other workers in the fight to preserve world peace and in demanding a better life for the Australian people.”