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Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1917, Page 2

TnK Russian bear after a period of hybernation lias returned to his task in the Eastern Theatre. H 0 . has ret urned to somo purpose. Russia and tho Russians are wonderful in combination. Tho ebb and flow of this war in tho East has been remarkable all through tho three years of campaigning. Russia has achieved mighty things at Himes, and they have arrived usually at the Unexpected moment. Tho latest episode is certainly of the unexpected: character. For weeks past Russia has been inactive and torn asunder internally by strife andi rebellion. Great efforts liavo been made to co-ordinate the struggling elements. The best men in Russia have devoted their efforts to tlio task, aided by Frenchmen, Englishmen,. M. Kerensky a couple of weeks ago predicted what has now cony, to pass, hut. the prophesy was discounted at the tinio because it was doubted if a country so much at variance within itself could recover sufficiently for a giant, stroke. Events now satisfy tho world as to the recuperative powers of Russia, and make plain the fact that tli 0 greatest country with the Allies is still a counting factor. How far Russian organisation is\eomplete remains to uu seen- In the East victories may bo followed up more advantageously than is tho West, where mobility is discounted by line after line of stubborn defence. The blow Russia has now struck is a useful one, and wo hope will bo followed up to the fullest advantage.

The pronouncement by the Prime Minister on tho much-vexed question of six o’clock closing was not as definite as might have been expected under tb e circumstances. In a way Mr Massey has rather negatived the question, for if it were in bis opinion after what be bad seen in tlie Old Country, an urgent matter, surely iiv all tho circumstances ho would have said so, and his opinion would at o n ce have carried sway. The fact that ho was quite indefinite 011 the matter, and went on to report the good opinion expressed by tli 0 Chief of Police in London as to the excellent conduct of our soldiers at Homo, rather incline to the belief that Mr Massey is not personally impressed with the need or additional restriction in this eoumrv. We have said before, and tli 0 remarks specially apply to matters of this nature, that if the Prime Minister believqs any steps necessary for the public good, lie has an excellent opportunity now to take them. Returning with a full knowledge of the situation, and recognising public necessities, Mr Massey has but to say that so, and so is deemed necessary in the public weal, and the country will be behind him |ri enforcing wtiauser might he considered requisite. Hotel hours come particularly into this category, and the fact that the Prime Minister is going to leave the question an open- 0:110 for the. House to determine, satisfies us to a great extent that, what is being urged in this matter is not a war exigency and that things were better left as they are.