The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, 12th. APRIL, 1940. THE LION AWAKES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Issue 2, 12 April 1940, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, 12th. APRIL, 1940. THE LION AWAKES

THE news from overseas, has for the moment swamped all interest in local issues, and the topic of conversation in town and district is the progress of the. European war, and the amazing new turn of events since the brutal violation by Germany of the unoffending states of Denmark and Norway. The departure from the stalemate of the Western Front has quickened the war interest and with it comes the refreshing intimation that at long last the British lion has awakened, and in closing with the enemy has established once again, its claim to the mastery of the sea. Even as we write the Baltic shores are re-echoing to the guns of invaders and defenders. The long unbroken peace enjoyed by the most northern country in Europe has been rudely broken by the ruthless dictatorship of Nazi Germany. Peace loving Denmark, one of the smallest existing monarchies in the world has been completely over-run by the armed hordes of a state whose power-hunger knows no law. But we have every reason to welcome the change in the situation, for not only has Germany emerged before the world in true colours but she has also given the Allies, and the British fleet in particular the long hoped for opening to attack her forces on a new and strategically weak front. Into the undefended flank, the watchful outposts of the fleet threw themselves with the utmost gallantry and vigour. The epic tales of destroyers entering the fortified fjords and engaging a superior enemy naval force, makes stimulating reading, while the swift devastation which met the supply convoys intended to strengthen the invading army will tend to show the Nazi leaders that the traditions of the fleet have not been created for nothing. The prestige of the Empire has been lifted an hundredfold in the eyes of the neutrals who up till now have viewed with growing apprehension the stranglehold of the Nazi octapus on central Europe. Even the veiled encouragement to Germany from the Fascist State in the Mediterranean, has been offset by the open condemnation of the Vatican. The new phase has been dictated either by Germany's false sense of power or from sheer necessity. But in. the meantime Britons the world over learn with the greatest satisfaction that the fleet is once again proving that the might of old England on the sea remains unimpaired. The "boys of the Bulldog breed" in the words of the grand old song "Will Do the Same Again". The major naval engagement now raging at the entrance to the Baltic may spell the deathknell of the Nazi pretense to sea power, and limit all future action apart from possible submarine warfare, to land. Hitler's latest and most flagrant bid for extending the Reich appears to have paved the way for a speedier victory for the Allies than appeared possible a week ago, and added to the execration and horror felt by all spectator nations for the brutal methods of warfare as formulated and conducted by Nazi Germany.

Appreciation. In reeogntion of the valuable services rendered by the late Mr J. Harriman, the Bay of Plenty Power Board decided at its monthly meeting, to grant a compassionate allowance to his widow, the same time expressed appreciation of Mrs Harriman's assistance and co-operation in the interests of the board and its consumers.