Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5th, 1917. TO WIN THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER sth, 1917. TO WIN THE WAR.

At the public meeting at the County Chambers oh Wednesday night, Mr ißurbury brought home in a very quiet but not less forcible manner the essential task of winning the war. He expressed himself as perfectly satisfied that that goal would bo attained, but to ensure it, the people must be prepared to make sacrifices. It was worth while to make any and all sacrifices to win the war, because defeat carried in its train the very worst prospect that they could contemplate. If Britain were to go under in the war, their fate would be absolutely sealed, and the prospect ahead of them would ho the fate of Belgium as overrun by the enemy. It is not necessary to contemplate that condition of affairs as a spur to fight for victory. The people from the very outset have made up their minds to toil along the road 'to vretory however long or difficult it might prove. And they are well on the way now. Starting a long way behind scratch, with tho enemy well handicapped far in advance in the way of preparation, we have gradually overhauled him, till, as wo have seen on tho west front, tho enemy is now passed, and is now engaged in the filial struggle to Btave off his final eel' But though these conditions aro so favourable, there is still a long distance to go before tho war is won. Our nation has done wonders in organising and sacrificing up to the present moment. That high pressure must be maintained, and out here in New Zealand ire must keep pace with the Old Land in the task and work of helping to win the war. Tliis brings iis into the efficiency side of the great business. We have to be efficient principally ih fighting the war.. While, food production anj tho provision of equipment count of very great, importance, it. is most important of all to have the mc-n ,n the ranks. Men and more men are still the chief pamrt cen to win the war. Tn this circumstance Mr. Burbury emphasised that,

appeals on behalf of eligibles should bo carefully sifted boforo being supported bv the various advisory committees to which reference was made for report. He was quito satisfied that great care was being exercised in tliis respect, and very properly so because of tho issues at stake.. 'Hie matter as presented again draws attention to the necessity of tho authorities seeing that those men called up in the ballot and passed a’s efficient, duly go into camp. It is war tiino. The course of events show that most tilings ano in the melting pot, and nothing counts but winning tho war, because on that success rests the hope not only of our own race, but also the fate of civilisation as wo have faith in it. To many it Is of course a great privilege to participate actively in ginning the war. Others for various reasons are disposed to rather shirk their responsibilities. Such men as a rule once- they don the khaki are ready to submit to the inevitable, and make the host of things. It is honourable for them to do so. Tho amiability should become general. Tho war is shaping to a' close, and there is more reason now than even to supplement and support what has been done already so that the great sacrifices made to win the war shall not have been in vain.