NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 117, 11 February 1919, Page 4

NOTES OF THE DAY

The congratulations extended to Mr. M'Villy yesterday by tho retiring General Manager of the State Bail ways and by the representatives of the Associated Society of Railway Servants were of a very encouraging as well as of a flattering nature. It is plain that the new General Manager of our railways will start on his very responsible duties with the good wishes of the men of the service. And indeed he deserves them, for his example should be a stimulus and an encouragement to every member of the service. Mr. M'Villy has graduated through the ranks of the service from a modest position to that which he will soon occupy at its head. He has spent most of his life in the service, and in a very real sense can bo regarded by the men under him as one of _ themselves. It is true, as he said yesterday, that he owes a duty to the public whoso servant, lie is and to himself as well as to the men under him, but his experience in subordinate as well as in responsible positions in the service should enable him to appreciate the men's point of view and assist to promote a good understanding anci minimise internal friction. He has also had the advantage of a close association with Mr. Hiley, the retiring General Manager, during the past few years, and in consequence is familiar with his plans and proposals for railway improvement works which the war has necessitated being held in abeyance but which will require to be pushed on with all possible speed at the earliest opportunity.

Work at the Paparoa Mine having been resumed, the Blackball miners found an excuse for restricting output. The Blackball miners having agreed to resume work at a normal rate, the State coal miners decide to discontinue work. In this way the coal shortage is maintained, .and the public arc victimised and put to inconvenience and hardship. The trouble at the State .mines, is alleged to be that there is no medical man in the district. Having no doctor, the miners down-tools. It is a pretty farce. The latest .information' is that a deputation is on its way to Wellington to interview the Government on the question. Of course the miners could not go on working while a doctor is being secured. They think they have the public at their mercy, and they apparently are determined to miss no opportunity of making the public suffer. These same men constitute the backbone of the political Labour movement which is seeking to capture tho reins of government in New Zealand. During the coming winter, when the people of the Dominion will be feeling the full effects of the coal shortage and shivering over their empty grates, they will no doubt give some thought to the political aspirations of those responsible for their victimisation.

There is no reason to doubt that Mk. Lloyd George's announcement on his return to London thSt the "Peace Conference is progressing well is made in simple sincerity. It is true that nearly all the greatest problems submitted to the Conference still await a- full solution, but what has been done, as far as can be judged, is highly important as paving tho way for general agreement between the Allied nations and for tho introduction of a new and better international order. The cori : spicuous achievement to date is the measure of agreement reached in regard to the disposal of the late German colonies. This is even more important as an indication of general possibilities than in its immediate aspect. _ It affords clear proof that the nations are prepared to strike out boldly on original lines in dealing with the problems of peace, and to act in a spirit less selfish and more enlightened than has ever before been witnessed on an analogous occasion in the history of the world. With the agreement in regard to colonial territories before us, it is quite possible to believe that the establishment of an effective, League of Nations is within measureable distance of being accomplished. * * * * A number of recent messages have pointed to a developing inclination m Germany to attempt to bluff the Allies into, whittling down their peace terms. Something is said today about her still being able to mobilise a greater number of men than the Allies will have available a month or two hence if demobilisation continues at the present rate. It is safe to sav, however, that the essential issue turns not upon Germany's remaining military strength, bufc_ upon the ability of 'the Allied nations to preserve steady discipline to the end of the chapter. Granted that tho Allied nations are loyal to themselves and to one another, Gerimairj] j$ fast in...a grip from .which

she will never escape until she is released. Her High Seas Fleet and U-boats arc in safe keeping. She has been compelled to surrender a considerable proportion of her artillery, with vast quantities of stores of all kinds. Although she has not fulfilled the armistice conditions in regard -to rolling stock, she lias surrendered nearly 1400 locomotives and 45,000 trucks and wagons. The Allies have an enormous superiority of aerial force, and hold the three most important railway bridgeheads over the Rhine. In these circumstances Germany has nothing to hope for from renewing the military contest. If she gains anv advantage it will be by undermining the organisation of the Allies and sowing dissension in their ranks.