Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. APRIL 10, 1917 THE SPEECH OF A SOLDIER.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. APRIL 10, 1917 THE SPEECH OF A SOLDIER.

That we hear too little of Lord Kitchener’s successor, is patent to all who read on Saturday last the address of Sir William Robertson to the British trade unionists, There was a directness about tbe deliverance, and a tabloid expression which summarised the war and its prospects in a remarkably dear manner. In a few sentences be traversed the whole period of the war, summed up the present situation, and with soldiery conciseness pointed to wbut was required for tbe future. Sir William has a great reputation as a soldier, and tha quiet methodical way in whioh he has worked since stepping into the power and place so suddenly vacated by Lord Kitobener, stampa him as a worthy successor indeed, His speech now, his heart to heart talk as it were, with the workers of the nation, give point to hia genius and his capability to direct as well as to lead. In a very few words hot only has he summed up the military situation, but he also directs attention to tbe national duty to supply the national needß in thie great period of crisis. He is justly fair in dealing with the past, and be is entirely wiss in advising that useless critioism should be avoided when deeds are required and not words. The wisdom he displays in these matters give point to what he baß to Bay, as to tbe future, and again we hear tbo insistent call for men and more men, and the thorough organisation of national services bo that tha Empire will be prepared and equipped to finish its part in the war within a period whioh will not be too exhausting for national resource*. New Zaaland must give ear to what Sir William Robertson has said, and

bb the executive of the DrminioD, the National Government mast be up and doing to conserve and secure the entire national resources to help win the war. We have referred previously to the necessity of dealing with the revolt of the coal miners, and fully expect that the Government will take complete and adequate measures to see that the mines are running stronger than evor immediately. Coal is an indispenriblo commodity to help win the war. It is indispensable as a means to succour the ruen at tbe front. On no account can the mines be allowed to remain idle, as the threat of the miners implies. The minerß should study the speech of Sir William Robertson, or at least its import should be explained to them. If, then, they fail to realise tbe'r duty as citizens, then the law must take its course, and these men must be dealt with drastically. If these men imagine that they are doing something for the ciuse of Labor in their present attitude, they are much mistaken. They are making a rod for their own backs, and so far as the rights and privileges they enjoy—they are imperilling them, They suggest by their action a state of anarohy. That can Dever obtain. Better German rule than that free lionise and intolerance. The men should realise the temper of the people and realising it not trifle with national interests. They are too dearly bought to be cheaply sacrificed now, and a rude awakening awaits those who think otherwise.