PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS AUSTRALIA DAY MESSAGE
BY THE PflIME MINISTER, THE RT. HON. R. G. MENZIES
To-day, on our 175rd birthday, we can look back with
pride and thankfulness on the vision, energy, and ability
of those who have gone before us. They helped to make
Australia the wonderful country in which we live. It is
our task to carry on their good work in the march to fullest
nationhood. The name Australia is one in which wu should have an
overwhelming pride. Whfien we mention it we should think of the
benefits our country has conferred upon us and our duties to
it, and not be like the few who continuously thirk in terms
of self-interest.
We who live in Australia derive not from the weak, but
from the strong. Our forbears were adventurous people and
their determination carved out the structure which is the
base of our efforts for the future.
In the years ahead we will certainly have problems,
but what nation has not had its problems? We have surmounted
them in the past and we will overcome them in the future.
Growing achievement will require energy and skill, but never
yet has there been an A-ustralian, worthyof the name, who lacked
either of these great qualities.
So, on this our birthday, I ask hundreds of thousands
of newcomers from overseas who are working sidu by side with
us, to share in this heritage of which w4 are so proud.
With the Australian flcS at the masthead, each and everyone
of us should celebrate this great day in a fitting manner.
We should not regard it as just another holiday. It is in
fact a day of joy, but it is above all a day cf dedication.
CANBERRA
January 26, 1961.