Hokitika Guardian & Evening star SATURDAY, AUG. 4th. 1917 THE WEEK .

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening star SATURDAY, AUG. 4th. 1917 THE WEEK .

Tiib one! of tho third year of the war is being marked by a conspicuous milestone. A great battle is raging on the. Western Front, where both sid.s are soundly prepared, f-llowly but nr-

cly th,e British and Fren.dhi troops are penetrating their way into the front itessess of the enemy positions. >u June last they had to attack heights. Now they are operating over swamps, and across, water courses. The ht.'er is more difficult' - for adnvncing, but the nibbling still goes on. This suoe 'ss gives the assurance of victory for it is plain tho enemy loft nothing to chruca but had prepared with every forethought that engineering preparV/m could suggest. Whether this n tne commencement of the final stroke i- r thif Season’s Campaign remi- u to re seen Certainly the victors are dome Their work methodically and sec or mg thc,mselves as they progress. The history of tho war has shown that there can be no smashing way to victory. Warfare is recast from the days of Napoleon and isolated victories are not decisive nowadays. Belgium may be overrun and beaten hut not conquered. Russia is bent and broken and falling hack before the enemy but the latter, cannot claim a victory to count for peace. So in the west where we are all led to believe this great war has to he decided the 6eating hack of tho enemy while it contributes to the final victory still leaves that stage remote and obscure at present. But we must fight on. The end may no the in sight, hut the goal is ever before us, and that must be achieved.

When the great war began and Lord Kitchener with his fine pre-science advised tho nation to prepare for a three years’ war, many folk were sceptical that such a period were necessary to determine the conflict. Yet to-day we have reached the allottee span, and for all that -wo can tell on the surface it may take yet another three years to end the turmoil. That the war is not over within the three years mentioned by Lord Kitchener is because of the Nation’s earlier scepticism. It took long months for the Empire to settle down to the seriousness of the war > and for quite a time Kitchener appealed in vain for the men he needed to assure the triumph he alecks inflexibly looked for. But the war has been waged at a pace which brought conviction in the end, and there are hut few places now which do not realise that a complete and final victory is attainable only by the exertion of the maximum strength. Australia is still lagging behind in the fulfilment of its manhood, and as a consequence many of the Australian brigades at the front must now oe thin and attenuated, For the rest within the Empire there lias been a wonderful response, and a supreme effort to do nobly for the sake of the Empire and all that victory means, not so much to the present generation but to posterity which will follow to perfect the stricken world which will pass into its future keeping.

There are of oourse many and uuiuplex matters arising out-of tho war which rush to the mind upon such an anniversary as to.dßy. Above and beyond all there must be lasting gratitude to all those who have so nobly sacrificed for the country’s stability. Without tho men, thero could lie no armies, and no harriers to the oncoming of tho ruthless Hun who would take a keen delight in . domineering anything British. When wo speculate on how the British Army hap grown from the contemptible numbers which dared to bar the Kaiser’s way at Mons, to the millions in the field to-day wo can but marvel at tho virility of our race, and tho splendour of the nation’s sacrifice. To suggest that wo are an effete and decaying nation, a people given to sport and pastime, forgetful and irresponsible as to national duties, is to talk ot something which tho evidence of tho war gainsays. Three years ago when the Asquith Government resolved for tho nation to go to war with Germany because of the cruel and aggressive act of the enemy upon helpless Belgium, the Ministry was applauded all through the Empire because of its courage andi chivalry. Our nation espoused the cause of the weak against tho strong, of right against might, and for the probity ofnational honour. Those causes we are still fighting for, and though the fight had been long the wav difficult and costly, please God in common with our Allies the nation will go on cheerfully to the end in its giant self-imposed task.

In referring to what all owe to the men who have done such doughty deeds during the three years of desperate doings, pride of place must bo given to one man in particular for what seems to be his almost superhuman endurance. This reference is to Field-Marshal Haig, who entered France with tho First British Expeditionary Force twelve days after the declaration o war. General Haag was not in supreme command in moot? days, but he had charge of the First Division, and a week after landing in Franco he had penetrated Belgium, and began the famous battle at Mons. Tho British were opposed by not less than ten to one, hut the unequal fight went on. Haig had to execute a strategetieal rotreat, first with the object of holding the enemy, and second to savo his force. He accomplished both Ttyree days later" he fought tho famous engagement on tne. | Cambrai-Le Cateau lino in Northern France, and paved the way for the '

successful Anglo-French victory at the Battle of tho Marne the first week in September, thereby saving Paris from invasion. It was in December, 1915, that Sir John French retiree from the command of the British Army in France and Flanders, and was succeeded by Sir Douglas Ilaig. Since then the new Commander-in-Chief has gone on, ever taking the initiative and never giving up what he he’d. He has been a typical Jehn Bull, and that ho is still able to hold on, and assert himself with resounding vigour •hows his courage and confidence are unshaken. He has proved himself a wonderful man—the man of the Empire in fact.

Tins' important anniversary of tue «ui would be fruitless if we as n people do not take the lesson of the days to mind and profit by them. We came across the diary of an old soldier the other day in which he summed up the position in England in 1910, just as He might sum up to-day, events in New Zealand. This is how he held up tue mirror and the reflections it gave: “In the depths of our soula we felt the Long drawn-out agony of the war,

with its bitter humiliations its heartrending disappointments. In our daily meetings one with another we cried aloud for a great voice to awakeu the littlo folk of Great Britain' from their selfish lethargy—the little folk in high office, n snug burgessdom, in seditious factory and shipyard. They wore mouths of sordid bargaining between all sections of our national life, in the murk of which the flow of patriotism seemed to be eclipsed. And, in the meantime, the heroic millions from all corners of our far-nuug Empire were giving their lives on land and sea, too often in tragic futility, for the ideals to which the damnable little folk at home were blind. Tho little traitorous folk who gambled for their own liands in politics, tho little traitorous folk who pat the out-worn shibboleths of a party before tho war civ of an Empire, the little traitorous who strove with all their power to starve our Navy of ships, our ships of coal, our-men in the trenches of munitions, our armies of men, our country of honour—all these will one day ue mercilessly arraigned at the bar of history. The plains of France, the steeps of Gnllpoli, the swamps of Mesopotamia, the Seven Seas will give up their dead as witnesess!” Yes, the nation has to take the lessons of the war to heart and profit by the learning, and the theme suggests a peisonal question: What am I »ot doing that 1 might do to help win the war. A soulful answer to this interrogatory will hasten the end of the conflict.

At such a moment in our history when we are girding our loins for the four bn year of the war, our own politics wouiu sound puny and ompty were it not that in the Budget delivered this week preparations for the war looms large. The greatest thing of all is the colossal loan:—£24,000,000. Yet the sum does not count largo in these days where we talk glibly in millions, and Groat Britain is spending £8,000,000 a day to keep the flag flying. Sir Joseph Ward fresh from the Motherland and intimate with the inmost secrets of the war, has planned his finances, and supports his scheme, with logic and determination. We shall always differ about details, but Parliament is agreed upon the provision of the money. The Minister of Finance has defined the details with exactitude to fit in with conditions as he views them, and his survey of the position seems to be wonderfully accurate. He must be trusted, for he is no neopyte at the task. For the rest tne people must contribute and subscribe cheerfully. The winning of the «... provides work for all, and the silver bullets is not the least needful commodity to keep the legions on the move. The Budget is a remarkable record of the buoyancy of this young country. It discloses how it has helped with food supplies and material for equipment. The business has brought huge sums to the country, and the country must give in return to lie»p win the war. All possible backing must bo given tho Government to see that they do mot go short in funds to carry on the national side of the war.

All accounts owing to Mrs P. Connelly, Itimu, are requested to be iorwarded to Mrs K. Harley, Rimu.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Westland County Council takes place on Tuesday afternoon, commencing m 2 o'clock. The Westland Chamber of Commerce will hold its quarterly meeting at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock on Tuesday night. Papers are invited from members on any topical subject to be read at the meeting. Discussion., will follow and the public are invited to attend and take part in same.

On Tuesday afternoon at Kanieri Messrs Pollock and Be van will hold an important sale by auction on behalf of Mr. John McGuigan, when they will sell the whole.of the furniture and effects, together with a quantity of stock. Particulars appear in another column.

The annual conference of delegates from societies affiliated to the Federation of New Zealand patriotic Work Relief Societies will be held at Wellington on Thursday, August 16th. Mr Grimmond has been appointed hi represent the Greymouth Society. A delegate for Westland will be appointed at Monday’s meeting of the loom Society.

As afresult of the Budget jnoposals increases in the Customs charges include cordials bitters, and liquors 1j- increase per gallon. Sparkling wine 6/- per gallon increase; Cigars 5/- per lb; Cigarettes 5/- per 1000; Tea 3d. per lb; Boer Id. per gallon; silks satin and velvets 10 per cent increase; flavouring essences 1/- per gallon.

The Liverpool Depot will be open this evening in ‘Revell street from 7 to 9.30 o’clock. A quantity of gifts have been received, and other gifts are expected to-nig|ht. Buyers will semuc bargains, and as the whole of the proceeds are to bo devoted to the soldiers parcels’ fund, good business should be assured. The depot will be open every Saturday night, each evening under special management. A meeting of tVio executive will be held to-night to divide the town into wards and hx nights for those who will take the weekly management in future.

“The Teleharmonics’’ have amongst their members what is recognised as one of the best male quartette parties ever heard in Christchurch, where they have given several performances with great success. Their bass singer went to the last International Congress held in London as one of New Zealand’s representatives, their tenor singer was foremost in one of Dunedin’s leuding choirs. The party undoubtedly are a fine combination, and what the Federal Guards’ Band was in brass mueie those are in string, reed and vocal. Prior to their trip over to. the Coast they have been putting in some heavy practice in Christchurch, end a treat is in store for music lovers. Call and sea th« special reductions made in Ladies’ Tweed Coats and in Winter Millinery at Misses Addisons. —Advt.

John Parkhill was somewhat shy at first about “No Rubbing” Laundry llolp. but now ho is one of its staunch-! rst supporters and sells a lot of it at tlio low price of Is per packet with '(’•'inker Note Book riven free.—Advt. We have some attractive lines m Eider-down Quilts; low prices and pretty designs. Just what you require | for the cold weather.—Misses Addison- i —Advt. i

Tho Rimu No. 1 Dredge washed up yesterday fof a return of 22 ozs.

The “Guardian” supplement issued to our readers to-day will bo found a very complete and interesting one, including several articles of special interest dealing with war subjects.

As tho result of a discussion in committee last evening the Hokitika Harbor Board instructed the Chairman to make enquiries as to its power and if such was within its scope to make a charge against all fishing for whitebait of 2s 6d pe.r hand net and 10s per trench.

Mr. Sharp in structor in tho Grejmouth and Hokitika Technical schools left on Tuesday for Christchurch where his father was seriously ill. We regret to say that Mr. Sharp Senr. gradually beoame worse arid passed away on Tuesday night. Much sympathy will be felt for Mr. Sharp in his sad bereavement.

The engagement is announced of Miss Edna Joughitt, daughter of the Rev. T. A. Joughin (Timaru) to Sur-geon-Captain W. Gilles Borrie son of tho late Dr. David Borrie Dunedin. Captain Borrie who is at present on active service in France was in Hokitika, as locum tenens for Dr. Teachelmann for some months. '

Mr John Anderson, an old resident of Beach street, was taken ill suddenly yesterday afternoon. He was removed to the Hospital, where he passed away last night. Deceased was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and 83 years of age. He was' a well-known miner and worked at the Lamplough, Kumara and Woodstock' for many years 7 of late haviiig resided at Hokitika.

Among recent Defence appointments appear the following:—Hon. Captain W. T. Reok,'D. S. 0., to ho graded ordnance officer, 4th. class, with the rank of lieutenant; and retains the Hon rank of Captain (temp.) whilst performing the duties of ordnance officer 3rd. class. Hon. Captain O. F. McGuigan to be graded ordnanco officer 4th. class, with the rank of lieutenant and retains the hon. rank oi Captain (temp.) whilst performing the duties of ordnance officer, 3rd. class.

The death took place at Greyomuth on Thursday evening of Mrs. Lane wife of Mr. W. Lane. Deceased was a daughter of the late John Hughes of Itutherglen and was well-known fn Paroa Rutherglen and Marsden districts. She was an industrious woman an exemplary wife and mother and her many friends will regret to heat of her death which came somewhat suddenly. A sorrowing husband and six young children (four boys and two girls) *are left. A Wellington paper says: Tho Union Co.’s steamer Mapourika reentered the Wellington-Westport-Greymouth passenger and cargb service. The passenger accommodation was poorly patronised only 10 saloon and four steerage from Wellington. Tho amount of cargo, however, was more encouraging, the vessel taking a total of 108 tons, about 20 tons more than the best average quantity she took last summer. The cargo was consigned ,as follows: —Six tons for Nelson, 39 for Westport, 60 for Greymouth and three tons for transhipment to Hokitika. The service is to have a month’s trial.

Lance Corporal Samuel Frickleton V.C. whom- the cable yesterday stated had been awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the field is a member of a well-konwn “fighting” family of Blackball. ‘Bbrn in Sterlingshiref Scotland twenty-six years ago ho along •with his mother and the rest of the family came to Now Zealand four years ago and scrib'd at Blackball, where ho followed t lie occupation as opal-miner. He enlisted with the Fifth Reinforcements and saw service in Gallipoli being invalided home on account of illness. On recovering he re-enlisted and has since seen active service in France where he has now won the highest honour conferred on a British soldier. There was an attendance of about one hundred at the Princess Theatre last evening, when Air 11. E. Holland, editor of the “Maoriland Worker,” delivered a lecture on “Historical Facts, Ireland’s Famines and Rebellions.” Mr M. Fitzgerald, of Greymouth, presided. The (address lasting for an hour and a half, was delivered in a clear incisive manner, and dealt with the subject in a trenchant manner, being repeatedly ;• ppiauded. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was passed on the motion of Mr McGavin, and after Mr Holland had acknowledged the vote, a complimentary vote to the chairman for presiding torminated the mooting. Because you would rather bo well than ill inhale NAZOL regularly. Penetrating and germ-killing—the best protection against coughs and odds. Ua* the Nozol Inhaler. Don’t try a n d count: yourself to sleep because you suffer from cold feet. Get! a “Unique” HOT WATER BOTTLE—the bottle with strongly vulcanized ■, seam that oan’t burst or leak. British ( made too. j No cold is NAZOL-proof. And no j cough and cold romedy is so economical i as NAZOL. Eighteenpenoe buys 60 i doses—more than three a penny. j

For Chronic Chest Complaints, iVoods’ Great Peppermint Cure. 1/6. 2/6