Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star FRIDAY AUGUST 24th. 1917. PEACE PROSPECTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star FRIDAY AUGUST 24th. 1917. PEACE PROSPECTS.

Trrfi Papal Note appeared to be doomed to failure from the outset. It did not take the 'London- Daily Mail long to estimate the va’uo of tho Pope’s effort, and judgment so passed is now confirmed by the announced rejection of the overtures by the Entente. Further proof was evidenced when the Central Powers displayed a disposition to accept the basis for peace terms put forward from tho Vatican. The prospects of peace are not dimmed ny. tho fact that tho latest effort towards a settlement have failed. But there can be no real hope for a peace of tho value the .Allies have set themselves to impose, till the enemy is at least brought to i ts knees. The crimes .that Germany and her co-oonspirators are guilty of cannot be expiated except in the first instance by tho comploto overthrow ot Prussian Militarism and tho eradication of that desperate spirit which knows, no master but might, be tho right what it may. Nations which arc prepared to tear up solemn treaties and invade neutral and peace-loving countries in order to seek tho mastery of a more poiwerful opponent thnt the Buffer states through which they reluctantly operated, are not to bo trusted till they are overmastered and are themselvon reduced to supplyiancy. Nations such as the enemy states, which havo been guilty day by dny of the awful crimes imposed upon the innocent peoples they have sought, to trample upon, are not to be considered till a full measure of reparation is properly provided for, and safeguarded to the ravished peoples. Nations, such as the enemy, who have been guilty of tho outrages, against civilisation perpetrated throughout trie j whole conduct of the war cannot he j tolerated if tho future of tho world is to I bo guaranteed upon any stable basis There are signs that the enemy has realised the hopolessnea of its dreams for world power. One of the latest is its acquiesconece to th<f terms put forward in the Papal Note. Those conditioas are very much in advance of the armies of the enemy even but a few mouths ago. Now they would barter where before tohy would domineer at their own absolute terms. Tho enemy is loss able to face the future than the Allies. The pressure in the West is inexorable and must gather impetus as time goes on. In that region will come the American pressure, so that the advantage of to-day when we read of Boulers being menaced will become this certainty as the reinforcements grow.

To Have this contingency troops are being returned already from Galicia but this cannot avail for the time as stall fighting with the Allies, Peace at this juncture except upon explicit terms of advantage, would be a disaster. No doubt the courteous replies which the Allies will deliver to the Papal Note will make the position fully clear to His Holiness as also to the enemy, and to that extent the interposition of the Pope will not be in vain, and may be some assistance towards the final goal which the sacrifices of the Allies are being mado for.

The proposition put before the public meeting on Wednesday night in regard to the local bodies subscribing to the Liberty Loan and so readily endorsed by the meeting, is certainly an excellent suggestion if the law permits giving effect to same. The sum required to be borrowed is so large that it is in the best interests of the country to have it spread as widely as possible. Assuming, therefore, that there is tho power *of the local bodies to act in the manner suggested, it would bo well, indeed, if the step endorsed by the public.., meeting were taken. In this 1 connection it would be a surprise to many to find a body like the Westland County Council turning down such a proposal. Hither to that and similar local bodies throughout the district have |iolped various patriotic funds very readily. The members have been prepared to assist in this general way in regard .to various aspects of the war, Met in regard to the one crucial factor in prosecuting the war to a victorious conclusion, a section of the members look upon a negative attitude. Tho position could surely not liavo been realised by the members responsible for the defeat of the motion we refer to. However, a somewhat similar question is to go before the Borough Council and if it is found that body has legal power to act in the matter, then the members should hear in mind that th war is worth winning, and to win it a price in money must bo paid. For the rest we may leave the matter to tho patriotic instincts of tho Councillors.

On Wednesday evening matters in relation to bridging the Mikonui river were advanced a further stage. It was made clear that the proposed bridge would not come up to the Government standard. The spans for the proposed structure were 20 and 33 foots, and it stated they should not be less than 40 feet. The millers have acquired certain material for the 33 feet spans so that they stand committed to that extent, and are satisfied that the bridge they propose for their own business 'win be adequate to their requirements In this circumstance it- was resolved to turn the original proposal round, and ask the millers to contribute in cash a sum equal to the estimated cost of their bridge, leaving the local body to negotiate with the Government to find tho balance of the money. The bridge required will be upwards of 700 feet in length. It is proposed it should bo a four pile ■single pier bridge of 40 feet spans, and an estimate of hho cost iva's given within the region of £6,000. On these figures it was roughly estimated that tho Government would he required to contribute £2 per £l, For this outlay n first class traffic bridge would bo erected and an inestimable boon would he grnnted to South Westland. The scheme is not unreasonable, and it is well to notice that the Council wa.s resolved upon pressing the matter to the fullest extent. What is asked from the Government is Very muck less than the district is entitled to seeing that the railway is not being extended, and it is not unreasonable to look for a favourable reply from the Public Works Department.