Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. JAN. 23 1917 THE BLOCKADE AND AFTER

Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. JAN. 23 1917 THE BLOCKADE AND AFTER

The particulars given by a British Minister in regard to the operations of the blockade, supported as they are by the reports of so many travellers from enemy countries, leave no doubt as to the dire effeots produced. The result at once emphasises the power and might of oar silent Navy, and the wonders it is doing. The British Navy has performed wonderfully and., has proved again and again that it is Britain's sure shield. The Navy is busy patrolling all waters, and the sncc9Bß is made clear from the fact that the enemy cruisers dare not venture into 4he open. A raider breaks through at times, and does a fair share of damage, but it is a hnnted thing, and it is only a matter of time before it is brought to account. The enemy submarines play their part, bat we shall not know till the war is over what a toll of them has been taken. It is a desparate game they play, bnt they are bat making the peace terms more severe for themselves. In the ruthless destruction the enemy submarines are responsible for, not the least remark-, able is the manner in which the neutrals accept the injury done ohem. They are truly neutral. Behind it all may be a game on the part of the enemy to provoke a condition of affairs which will make a peace at any price - necessary. Whatever the trend of events may be, the fact seems clear that peace at"the Allies’ terms is rapidly approaching. Mr Lloyd George has prophesied that peace will come this year. French and Russian Generals ra-eaho that statement. The account of what the blockade is doing for the enemy countries seems to confirm it. Just now, at the end of winter, the

enemy are feeling tbe pinch of hunger most severely. If the plight of the army is as bad relatively as that of 'the Chilians, it is coDcaivable that the giant offensive which the Entente Allies are likely to put up this coming northern summer, will witness the crumbling up of the enemy. If the deoision iB to come in the West, and no doubt the major stroke will be delivered there, there is every reason to believe that at that point the French, British and Belgians are we'l prepared. The people of Germany and Austria must now have their eyes open to the real situation. The hopes which buoyed them for the past two years have faded away. The victories they gloated over have failed to give them food. The gains they made did not enable them to lift the blockade which ia late months has grown tighter and tighter. The whole trend of the war has b9en for their undoing. The pangs of hunger and the hopeless outlook following even their advance in Bonmania remind them how negative indeed has b3en their success. A. thinking people will now realise the benefits of peaca a~d no wonder there are clamoiings for a respite from we-. The blockade pursued will the day when peace must come, lu that great achievement tbe British Navy will have played a wooded al part.

Mr Jas Renton, Jr, at present engaged in sheep faming near Oamaru, is on a visit to Hokitika after an absence of six years. Mr Renton is lookmg remarkably well.

The first full practice of the Overseas Orchestra takes place at the Club rooms this evening at 8 o'clock. All instrumentalisrs who are wil’ing to join are invited to attend. The funeral of ths late Griffiths Morris of Stafford town took place yesterday afternoon. The deceased was interred at the Hok'tika cemetery where Revd Wilson of Kumara conducted the burial service.

Mr H. Rountree of Pareora, Timaru, has been appointed to succeed Mr J. Smith as Stock Inspector for Westland. Mr Smith, who goes to Balclutha, expects to be relieved of duty here in about two weeks’ time.

A special meeting of the Fire Brigade will beheld th : s (Tuesday) evening at 8 o’clock to appoint delegates to represent the Brigade at the annual conference at Balolutha, and to draw up matters to be brought forward there. The West Coast Bowling Tournament opened at Reefton to-day. Players from Westport, Reefton, Greymouth and Hokitika clubs are included in the competing teams. The tournament extends over three days.

Tlfe Fire Brigade paraded last evening for inspection by Inspector Hugo, and a good muster of firemen put in an appearance. After a very useful exhibition the brigade was addressed by Inspector Hugo before being dismissed.

Mr H. T. Thomas, of Araliura, has received tlio following telegram from the Hon. James Allen (Minister of Defence) :—“Regret to state your son, Lance-Corporal H. Tfhjomas, 511418, was admitted to Wa-lton-on-Thames Hospital with sprained ankle, and hopes for speedy recovery.” The attendance at the Princess Theatre last night on the occasion of the production of the great p ; cture, ‘ The Birth of a Nation," was very large. The audience followed the crowded incidents of the story with the closest attention, The battle scenes were on a splendidly large scale, and the whole production was of high merit. Its reputation was well sustained. To-morrow night another special picture will be included in the evening's programme. J

Messrs E. J. Lloyd, P. J. Kirwan and J. Shivas have just returned from a three-weeks’ holiday to Otago and Southland. They speak very highly or the hospitality of the Otago people ana report having had a most enjoyable time. They spent a week at a place called Parawa, on the Kingston line, about 50 miles from Gore, and had a great time trout-fishing on the Mataiua river, landing over 320 trout for the week’s fly fishing. They speak very highly of the people controlling the hotel there (Mr and Mrs I'll os. Shirley; who made their stay there sueli an enjoyable one.

The Lidy Liverpool Committee desires to acknowledge the following gifts of socks from Ross—Mesdames Foletti, J. Muir, Herbert Mu-doch, Thompson, J. P. Muir, each one pair, Mesdames O'Callaghan and Gnmmond each two pairs, total ten pairs. Other contributions have been Mrs Atkinson 5 pairs, Mrs Routhan 4 pairs, Condon 3 pairs, Mrs Smith 2 pairs, Mrs Reynolds pair of socks and mittens, Mrs Henderson pair of socks and facecloths, Mrs Maunder pair socks, Mrs Djctor pair of socks, Mrs Daun bundle of books, There were 42 hours 12 mins sunshine for the week ending Sunday morning. Last Thursday there were over 13£ hours sunshine. The rainfall, although recorded on five days out of the seven, was trivial, being’ less than three quarters of an inch for the week. The droughty nature of the weather of late is raid to be having its effect on feed for stcck aud more rain would be welcomed. The facilities for harvesting, however, are excellent, and the fruitsrops piomises to be unusually heavy. The death is reported frem Te Aroha of Dr W. Cran, formerly of Denniston: The doctor had a successful University career in Otago. He was also particularly prominent on the football field, representing the University as half back m its engagement for several years, and also Otago in a similar capacity. The late Dr Cran was a native of Hokitika. His parents resided here for many years, and as a pupil at the local school, the deceased was very successful, wiming a scholarship which set him out on his medical career. Dr Cram was a pronrneut athlete, and in every way a very fine fellow.

At the cocolurijn of the live stock sale at Preston Yards yesterday, strong comment was made on the fact that Canterbury buyers were cow scouring the Grey Valley and Westland district for fat stock intended (or export for Canterbury, and high values are being ofEered, so much so, that under the present conditions it js almost impossible for butchers to meet the customers’ requirements unless drastic reforms are made in co inectioo with the trade. Several suggestions were made amongst those present regarding tbe cessation o? delivery carts and endeavoring to lessen expenses. Usually at this time uf the year butchers look for a cheapening of stock so as to compensate in a email way for high prices paid in the early spring, but this season instead of lessening a further increase is cow taking place. Some of the graziers present expressed tbemaelveß strongly at the action of tbe Government in allowing food-atuffs in New Zealand to be raised to such exorbitant prices.

Womans greatest need supplied by “No Eubbiog Laundry Help.” It does away with the wash board drudgery and washes clothes clean without rubbing and scrubbing and dees not injure the hands or grocers The leaning medical beverage of the age—WOLFES SCHNAPPS. A large assortment of latest costumes washing dresses, striped voiles, muslins, crepes, silk blouses, etc., at bargain prices have just been opened out at Stephens’ Bros, drapers. Eevell Street. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS possesses vir< tue of a remedial kind.

The Paloona from Melbourne erjcived at Bluff to-day with English and Australian mails.

Tho death took pipes at tho West* land Hospital last night of Richard Thomas a very old res'dont of the Kcbatabi district. Deceased had been in bad health for pome time. He was a single men, native of Wsles and 74' years of age.

On account of tho excellence of the work that it docs, the Wellington Accli* matisation Society may be forgiven for being a notorious revenue hunter says the “Post.” It has adopted a system, in cases of minor offences for poaching, of refraining from prosecution if the offender will undertake to take out a license. Two cases of this sort were dealt with in this manner at a recent meeting. “Conscription with a vengeance," was the humorous commratof one oE those present.

On Thursday next Rjss iscelobra': ing the 50. h anniversary of Sf. Paul’s Ohnrcb. Th<s church wa3 built in the golden age of R?e*», under the direction of Archdeacon Harper, Vicar of Hokitika; Iho jubilee services will bo held on Thursday, Holy Communion 8 a.m, Evensong 7 30, with sermon by the Rev H. Williams of Christchurch. After service a social will be held in the schoolroom. It is hoped that all who have been associated wilh the church will make an effort tc be present. The Mayor has been advised that Lance Corporal L. Shand, returning wounded from the Homme, arrived by the Navua, and is crossing to Greymouth to-day, being due here to-mor-row (Wednesday). He is reported to be convalescent.

The cheap collars for ladies and children are a great attraction at Mieses Addison’s sale. ' A great variety to choose from, prices ranging from 1/ to 8/6, now 3d to '2/. —Advt.

The Westprrt N ews says:—lt was with regret that residents learned of the death, on Saturday morning or Mr John Snodgrass, an old and esteemed townsman. Mr Snodgra«s had been in feeble health for some time and passed away peacefully at his residence, Orawaiti, at 5.30 a.m. Deceased was a native of Glasgow, .Scotland, 74 years of age, lie landed in Melbourne in- 1859, followed mining pursuits, and then came on to Otago in 1864, where he gave his attention to surveying. In 1865, be removed to the West Coast, srent some tim e mining, and in 1870 qualified as a surveyor, and entered the service of the State. In 1879, he was appointed airtrict surveyor at Westport and carried out many important surveys, including the Mokihi-nui-Karamea Eoad. Ho was also engaged in survey work in the Haast and Okuru districts niauy years ago. The family suffered the loss of a son by drowning in the Okuru, whilst, residing there. Mr Snodgrass retired cn superannuation a few years ago. Deceased is survived by a gr wn up family of three sons (Messrs William Snodgrass, Lands Department, Eotoiun, Bobert Snodgrass, Orawaiti, John Snodgrass, olerk of the court, Thames) and two daughters (Mrs W, T. Slee and Miss Snodgrass, Westport). The family has the sympathy af a large circle of friends in its bereavement.

Just landed at Pollock and Bevan’s choice peaches, plums, tomatoes and nectarines.. —Advt. A mce choice of ladies voile and Bilk blouses in the latest styles andf * reasonable prices at Mrs Lloyd’s.

WGLFK'S SCHNAPPS tones the stomach and helps digestion.