The Australian Ethnic Reporter, 1988 (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)

1988-03-01 / 1. szám

Page 2 ETHNIC REPORTER March 1988 THE LOST CONTINENT (Continued from page 1) shrinking people, a community condemned to a slow and dishonourable death. Our economic life consists of a constant dogfight between power-hungry unions and greedy capitalists whilst the common people, the 'working men and women' are bought off with shoddy goods and shoddy promises. Our political parties are engaged in piddling arguments about mere piffles between elections and at election time conduct unseemly auctions in offers appealing to the hip-pocket nerve of electors but the great national ills, the truly vital problems of this country are not tackled at all. We could go on listing the many symp­toms of the fatal disease consuming Australian so­ciety but this is perhaps enough. The conclusion is obvious: this country needs a new direction, this country has to find itself. The ethnic communities of which this pa­per presumes to be the voice, have much to offer in this regard. They have still preserved, in their own ways and according to their own traditions, much of the values which were once professed by all Aus­tralians. It is perhaps a curious proposition that the ethic of the pioneers should be restored by the late arrivals but stranger things have happened in the history of mankind. Even these thoughts are the product of an ethnic pen. We believe that by pooling our spiritual resources, we can recreate the fundamentals on which a healthy and happy Australia can be built, a country pleasing to God and men alike. It is this cause this paper seeks to serve. We therefore reach out to all men and women of good will on this island continent and offer our hand to them. We offer our own experi­ences, the best of our traditions, the best of our val­ues. Let us use them as building blocks of a better future for ourselves and our children. This country is in mortal danger. There are great upheavals in the world today and an evil power is menacing our freedom and all we now have. The greatest danger, however, is from with­in. It is the loss of our direction in life. If we want to be saved, if we want to sur­vive, we have to find ourselves, regain our vision, our strength and our direction. We have to resur­rect this moribund, lost continent. We have to go back to the traditions and principles which ani­mated the pioneers who turned the wilderness into fertile farmlands, built roads, bridges, churches and schools. We have to go back to Christianity. Yes, go back to God. Anthony Endrey Many members of the ethnic communities in Australia observe a Marian Year this year in honour of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace and Queen of the Universe. In order to join with them in honouring the Mother of God and to place our new venture firmly under her protection, we publish this beautiful poem by the great Australian writer, James McAuley. James McAuley: SEQUENCE Lady, whose grace it was to do Common things, divinely - Whose hidden life is threaded thro' Luke's woven cloth so finely That the eye must prick the weave To catch its gold meander; Star of Eden, Second Eve, Sweet single rose of candour; Silence, that many secrets heard And kept them for its own; Ark of rescue, which could contain The human race in one, To which across the deluged plain The secret Dove has flown; Burning Bush, still unconsumed Ablaze on holy ground, Bride, with weakness clothed, perfumed With bliss, with glory crowned; Dawn-wading ibis; desert palm; Gold monstrance of our altars; Star of evening, shining calm On dark, uneasy waters: Queen of Heaven, as we revere The Word that formed your story, So from our long distractions here Receive us into glory. TO THE READER This the first issue of our new monthly paper, The Australian ETHNIC REPORTER, the Voice of Ethnic Australia. We want this voice to be heard because we firmly believe that we have a significant contribu­tion to make to this country and the direction it will take. We will bring you not only news of the ethnic communities - their activities, their national holi­days and future programs - but also their point of view on current events both in Australia and the rest of the world. We invite you to become a subscriber to our paper by using the form on the back page. The Editor

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