The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1914. THE WAR AND NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2254, 14 September 1914, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1914. THE WAR AND NEW ZEALAND

For tho past week we have had good tidings from tho centres of' conflict in Europe. The tide of German invasion which poured through Belgium into France and for some days threatened to flood that country with the Kaiser's forces has been checked almost on the outskirts of Paris. The Anglo-French forces, after a brilliant retirement, , the most brilliant in modern history according to American _ military critics, made a determined stand and then assumed tho offensive. After days of_ bitter fighting the German main _ army of invasion hsfe begun to yield before the ardour and determination of the Allies, and our news to-day shows it to be in' retreat towards ■ Belgium. Some accounts of this retreat almost seem to indicate a rout, but whether or not the German forces may be demoralised by the terrible experience they have undergone, there remains the outstanding fact that at this critical stage of affairs the Kaiser's advance on Paris has been repulsed. The effect of this is of far-reaching importance on the whole campaign.. It means lost time to the Germans and time gained for the jAlliea in both the Western and the Eastern theatres of war, • and time is a vital factor in this great struggle. , The outlook from the Allies' point of view is immeasurably improved as the result' of the past week's operations. Not only nave tbey been successful in striking a heavy blow at tho_ Germans in France, but the Russian forces have gained two great victories over the Austrians which apart from tho tremendous losses inflicted on the enemy are bound to have a groat moral influence in the Balkan States and on the diversified population of Aus-tria-Hungary as well. Even in Belgium, despite the ruthless efforts of the German troops to terroriso and overawe the people of that hardstricken little nation, the splendid fighting spirit of its gallant troops has enabled them to surmount their difficulties and strike a further blow for liberty and honour. They have driven the German troops set to mask Antwerp, from Malines, Aerschot, and Diest, and inflicted heavy losses. So tho story 'of the week runs. It does not mean that the Germans are beaten—the resources of Germany are too great to hope for that yet—but it does mean _ that the struggle is shaping itself in favour o£the_Allies-; and that with the lapse of time the position of Germany must . grow steadily worse. It is stated to-day that the war is costing Germany almost a million and a half daily in actual war expenditure, and an additional two and a quarter millions in economic loss. This obviously is an underestimate of the loss and waste that are going on. But taking the figures as they are it will be readily seen how tho war is draining the life-blood of the German nation. This of course is due mainly to the fact that the British Navy control the Ocean trade routes of the world and has driven German shipping off the high seas. To ensure that Britain shall secure the full advantage of her control of the seas it is essential that wo in New Zealand should do our part as a producing and consuming portion of the British Dominions. New Zealand has offered her sons and her ships, she has captured Samoa for tho Empire, and hor troops are now awaiting the opportunity to cross the ocean and fight shoulder to shoulder with the troops from Britain, Canada, Australia, and India; and with those of our Allies. But as has been pointed out on previous occasions one of the vital factors in this war is likely to be staying.power, and staying power in this case means that our wealth production mtmt bo. maintained at an high a rate as possible.: In Ger-,

many trade and business are languishing because its overseas trade has been ruined and its internal industries dislocated. These conditions do not exist throughout the British Empire, except in a slight degree, due to the inevitable disturbance of finance and shipping following on the war. It is our duty to minimise that disturbance in every possiblo way. There has been a tendency to curtail expenditure and to slacken off in industrial enterprise in anticipation of worse times ahead. There was some justification ] for this at the time, but with the improved conditions at the seat of war and the continued dominance of the British Fleet, a more optimistic spirit should make itself felt in business ciroles. Those who wish to help the Empire and who cannot do so in the fighting line in Europe, can still do their share here. Let them make it their daily business in all walks of life touse every reasonable means to assist to restoro the life of the community to its normal state. The simplest method of doing this is for everyone to as far as possible pursue the daily routine followed prior to the outbreak of the . war.