Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY. FEB. 9, 1937 THE SUPREME TEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY. FEB. 9, 1937 THE SUPREME TEST.

The war is reaching its most oritical stages. This fact is impressed on the minds of Biitish people in particular

by the national service meeting reported by cable yesterday from London. Nothing more impressive of the gravity of the issue at the present time, has come to hand than the message to the Empire from this notable gathering, The speakers were all men who “ know ” those of the inner circle who really know the best and the worst abont the progress of the war, It must be confessed that in the speeches the gravest note yet strnck on the public platform by oar statesmen, was uttered. At Carnarvon a few days earlier the wonderful British Prime Minister spoke with enthusiasm and in an optimistic strain. At Westminister he struck a more doleful vein, in fact it was an appealing speech to the Empire to do more than it has yet done. The ramifications of Mr Neville Chamberlain’s National Service soheme bring home the seriousness of the moment, too. Civilian services of all kinds from the professions downwards, are to be organised, and not one is to escape. The Hon Henderson who presides is a privileged member of the War Cabinet, and the trusted representative of Labor; he also spoke solemnly, and made a direct appeal for more men from overseas. The great crisis of the war is at hand. Momentous events are happening, and the question arises are the Entente Allies as well prepared as the enemy. The submarine menace is a real danger. America will be provoked to war, but the European neutrals, except it be Spain, are not likely to enter the lists. Germany’s immediate neighbors, Swiizerlacd, Holland, and Denmark, are already nobbled, for German troops are massed on their frontiers, the enemy, as usual, astutely forseeing the consequences of the submarine panic. Norway and Sweden are disposed to show some independence, but this will be more apparent than real, so actual is the immediate danger to themselves if they incur the wrath of the ruthless Central Powers. The food question for Great Britain and the Allies is going to be of great moment in this crisis. While we may rely the fullest confidence in the British N<-. ’ , ard have the certain knowledj'r •;.{, it will do everything humanly.possible to cope with the situation, we must remember that the ocean is a wide expanse, and it

is impossible to police all the waters at once. The general outlook is giving the leaders at Home much concern, Tha direct appeal for national service is proof of that. Before such a situation, then, all opposition, aativa and passive, to the Military Service Act in this country mast sarely cease. The hour of decision is striking, and all must be prepared to respond, however great the sacrifice. Mr David Lloyd George pats it thus : “The community is entitled to the utmost and beat help of every member who participates in its life.” That is the dictum of a man who knows, and knowiug feels it his duty to talk straight to the people. None can gainsay him. All should unite and support the policy he advocates,