Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY. MARCH 24 1917 THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY. MARCH 24 1917 THE WEEK.

Duhing this week the giant offensive in the western theatre of the war has been in most peoples’ minds, and in such circumstances one is ready to read everything available pertaining to the great issue. This week there came into our hands John Buchan’s “ Battle of the Somme ” (first phase) and in the light of events it is a mpal engrossing story. Its maps and descriptive deal with the area covered by the week’s news, and it gives a most uplifting account of the whole possibilities of the second phase now in progress. It gives point, too, to our view of the ominous character of the retreat for the enemy. In July of last year, when the enemy were standing somewhat firm against the Allied offensive, the German general issued the following order: “ The decisive issue of the war depends on the victory on the Somme. We mustwin this battle in spite of the enemy’s temporary superiority in artillery and infantry. The important ground lost in certain places will be recaptured by our attack after the arrival of reinforcements. The vital thing s to hold on to our present positions at all costs and to improve them. I forbid the voluntary evacuation of

trenches. The will to stand firm must be impressed on every man in the army. The enemy should have to carve his way over heaps of corpses. I require commanding officers to devote their utmost energies to the establishment of order behind the front.” Eight months ago there was no doubt about the German purpose. Why -the change how ? Why the abandonment of secured lines and strong positions ? The answer is complete and simple. The steady and continued pressure of the Allied forces had woi’n down the defence, risen superior to it in fact, and rendered a vast area of France, held b}' the enemy for over two years, quite untenable

In Mr Buchan’s admirable little book lie draws attention to an aspect of the Great War which it is good to remember, “It is well to realise,” he says, “ that this Battle of the Somme, unparalleled in its magnitude and gravity, was also unique in another circumstance. It was the effort of the whole British nation, and an effort made of each man’s free will. The armies were composed of the ordinary citizen himself. The Army was the people. Not a class, or profession, or trade but had sent its tens of thousands to the ranks, and scarcely a British home but had losses to mourn. No great thing is achieved without a price, and on the Somme fell the flower of Britain, the straightest of limb, the keenest of brain, the most eager of spirit. To look back upon the gallant procession of those who offered their all and had their gift accepted, is to know exultation as well as sorrow. The young men who died almost before they had looked upon the world, tli# makers and the doers who left their tasks unfinished, were greater in their deaths than in their lives. They builded better than they knew, for the sum of their imperfections was made perfect, and out of loss they won for their country and mankind an enduring gain. Their memory will abide so long as men are found to set honor before ease, and a nation lives not for its ledgers alone but for some purpose of virtue. They have become, in the fancy of Henry Vaughan, the shining spires of that City to which we travel.” This eulogy is surely well deserved. From the sacrifices of a few months ago have matured the victories of the past few days. The impossible, from the German point of view, has come to pass. The enemy lines are pierced and the enemy has began its long retreat, which is also the beginning of disaster.

The recognition that is being accorded the new Government of Russia by Britain, France and the United States puts the seal of success upon , the recent coup in Russia, If all that is said be true, that the revolution came just in time to frustrate the plans of M. Protopopoff, who is said to have been carrying on negotiations through agents in Stockholm for the conclusion of a separate peace . between Russia and Germany, then the revolution happened along at a. good time for the Allied cause, which is also the woi’ld’s cause. The British Minister of Pensions, Mr G. N. Barnes, has expressed a fairly general Opinion in speaking of the revolution as one of the most valuable of the happenings since the war began. This view will, doubtless, he fully , supplemented in the debate in the j House of Commons when Britain’s , congratulations are extended to the Duma. For so vast an object as has ■ been attained, the revolution will rank as one of the greatest events in < history. Quietude and order, per- | haps, are not fully restored, or the way perfectly plain for tho revolutionary government to be fully i established. There is so much to be done, apart from the anxiety of extremists to secure reforms off their 1 own bat while they hold temporary control, that the initial difficulties of the position must be stupendous. The success which has been achieved already, and the moderation with which the achievement has been carried through, promise exceedingly well for the sane grasp of the difficult aud dangerous situation. Rooting the traitors out of office is a greattiling, and following that will come the task of Avinning the Avar. With patience tho people Avill come to realise that their own political enfranchisement rests largely on the way the war is won, Mr Wilson is still going sloav Avith his Avar policy, It takes a lot to convince Mr President where his country really stands in regard to German aggression. When he broke off diplomatic relations Avith Ger»any, he intimated very plainly if tlie German declaration of an unrestricted submarine policy Avere folloAved by an “ overt act,” steps would be taken to protect American lives and American rights. Very good, but it is difficult to define Avhat Mr Wilson means by an “ overt act.” Three American boats, Avith the loss of over thirty American lives, Avere reported sunk this week, but Mr Wilson is still talking. It Avould appear though that Mr Wilson’s Min-. . isters are acting, as there is a feverish effort in regard to ship-building manifested. Perhaps it is that Mr Wilson is not prepared to start till Re is ready, but the length of his preparations suggest the extent of his unreadiness—if that he the real cause of the delay attending all his threats. Just as often as he has trailed his coat, Germany has jumped

on the tail of that garment, but the action has been but a frolic to Mr Wilson’s way of thinking, and he has continued to make himself the most talked-about figure, as he is the greatest talker without deeds of the century

To-day’s supplement is unavoidably held over.

An examination for plumbers to be he'd cm June 22 and 23 is notified in this it sue.

On Satur lay next at 3 p.m. at the Princess Theatre, Messrs Sprot, Jeffries and Co will fell the fights to two booths at the Easter meefiug of the Westland Racing Club.

The heavy rain of last night and the early moruiog caused the bowling match between Hokitika aud Greymouth, set down for this afternoon, to te again postponed. In a recent casualty list, Wilson, Norman Sydney, BOC 08 Private, (Mrs Sh-r----nff, Pelle Vue Hotel, Hokitika), is reported as wouuded severely on March 3rd. Eemtved from seriously ill list, Cam, Robert Matthew, 32936 Rifleman, Xanieri, Westland. Reported as not severely wounded, Private Thomas Wells, Hokitika-

Mrs Sheriff, of the Belle Vue Hotel, has received the following telegram from the Minister for Defence“No. 30008, W. S. Wilson, avus admitted to Willton-on-Thames Hospital, on March Bth, with gunshot wound in the tlugn severe. Please accept my sympathy and liipes for a speedy recover...”

In connection with their Harvest Festival effort tlie local Methodist Cliureli officials have arrange! a bright concert programme for Wednesuay evening in St. Andrew’s Hall. Items will be given by leading local talent and tlie proceedings will commence ot 7.30 o’olick.

A large and representative gathering assembled in the Municipal Cauncil Chambers, Greymouth yesterday morning to bIJ good-bye to Mr William Morris, prior to his departure to Wliangarei, where he will in future reside. Mr Morris, who has been a West Coast resident for over forty years, during that period has taken a great interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the disiriet. He was presented with a substantial purse.

Victims of the “ joy-ride craze ” who have not the wherewithal to indulge the craving for a real, exhilarating speedrush in a motor-car, have evolved various cheaper substitutes, says the Auckland “Star.” Ou Friday afternoon a young Maori. Avho yearned for sensation, and had not the needful with which to buy-a motor-car for an hour, conceived the idea of doiDg a joy ride up and down a lift, He went into the Union Buildings and expounded his views to the lift-man, who proved to be a man Avitkout imagination, and refused to run the lift up and down half a dozen times just to give the Maori some pleasant thrills. Thereupon Jack Pihana became angry, set upon the liftman, and rushed and jostled him up and down the corridor, giving the liftman a few thrills and tearing his waistcoat. The liftman’s call for help brought a policeman, and Pihana was arrested, with the result that he came before tho Police Court next morning, and was fined £2 and ordered to pay 5/ damages for assault. He might as well have had a real joy-ride at the price.

Mr Hills, postmaster at Ross, has advised ike Chief Postmaster that the south coaches were unable to leave owing to the flooded state of the rivers.

Stephens Bros have just received a large assortment of tweeds and costumes; also big reductions in "their summer goods.

The Harry rayior .pantomime Company, which it is said will visit tile Coast has been doing good business on f ho other side.

There is a possibility that the George Willoughby Musical Farce Company, playing those tornardos of laughter, “ What Happened to Jones ” and " Why gmiih Left Home, ’ will Ausit the Coast before long.

At the annual meeting held in London on lllh January, it was announced that the British American Tobacco Company's profit for last year was £2,733,361 and of which a dividend cf 30% was declared and a bonus of one share in the Imperial Tobacco Coy of Canada t-j each four shares in the Coy. Speaking at a Bnller A. end Pgathering, Mr H. T. Parry paid the winning; caw in the butter-fat coute-t at. the ehoiv, belonging to Mrs Stephen, gave 2|lb of butter-fat,- which was equul to £4 a month. Wi h a herd of 50 cowb doing likewise, they could see how profitable it would be. Farmers should test their cows, and get rid of the scrubbers.” The following police promotions are announced : —To be sergeants— Constables P, H. O, Boulton (New Plymouth), F. H. Fearnley (Wainku), M. Fleming (District Clerk, Auckland), J. Powell (District Clerk, Wanganui) and J. McAlister (Freeman’s Bay, Auckland.) To fas detectivesergeants —Detectives A. Hammond (Auckland), T. Gibson (Christchurch) A. E. Andrews (Wellington) and R. R. Ward (Greymouth.) Fresh enpplies, three times a week, of Dominion Comprß?sed Yeast is procurable from Dee Bios, wholesale and retail grocers, Revell Street, — Advt. Call at Misses Addieon’s and secure one of the bargains in ladies tweed costumes. Prices 27/ to 93/, now 4/ to 15/. WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS- a liquor of unique strength and quality. First shipment ot new winter millinery ex s.s. Rotorua, now showing at McKay’s, the Leading Drapers.—Advt. New autumn millinery is now to oe seen at Mrs J, Lloyd’s. For influenza and colds doctors recommend WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS. Ladies requiring dressmaking done, would do Avell to book their orders with Mrs J. Lloyd. Fit and style guaranteed.

WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS Superior to all oilier spirits.

Nothing uan equal “JNo Kubbing Laundry Help " for lightening labour on washing day it does tho washing without rubbing and it will not ini turn the m ° sfc aelicate hands or tinest fabrics,~John Parkhill. A nice selection of dress materials and coats now showing at Mrs J, Lloyd s.