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Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1917, Page 2

There is not much outward -sign yet of New Zealand settling down to a win the war course, as the Old Country is doing. Sir Arthur Yapp, the British Y.M.C.A. secretary whom Mr. Lloyd George commandeered for the position of Food Controller, has been advising his countrymen “to tighten the belt,” in preparation for tho harder times ahead. That these times are almost in view, is now heralded by Mr. Wait of Victoria who forecasts the coming of a military catastrophe for the Allies. Just why this promising politician of the Commonwealth—a politician who is “picked” as being the successor of Mr. W. Hughes for the Federal Premiership—should ho the mouthpiece for thi s ominous piece of news is not clear. Of course a: momentous campaign is in progress in Australia, and some of the speakers may he taking some liberties in tlieir keenness and desire to awaken the public conscience to the stern task still ahead. What Great Britain is doing financially as disclosed yesterday, is in itself an object lesson. New Zealand has to provide some millions in March next, and more millions still later in the year. It would be well for tho Minister of Finance fo induce the people to undertake a war saving campaign, so that the money will he more ready when required for defence purposes. A revision of the Defence Expenditure by a hoard of experts will give the people greater confidence to assist ,and Sir Joseph Ward might with advantage seize this as an opportune time to ask the people to enter on a war saving campaign.

As is hi s custom, Mr. Asquith has again dealt pointedly and eloquently with tho war situation as governed by the police proposals which are from time to time in the air. Mr. Asquith is :i believer only in a peace which will bring international repose to the world. If anytliink less than that, then the war will be an international disaster indeed. He put the point very aptly,, when he said it were worth while for Britain to have entered the war to gain such a beneficial peace. That there is a supreme need for such a dominating pence is clear from the course of events which precipitated the world war now in progress. The war aims of (Britain in entering tho conflict were both rational and unselfish. Great Britain became a belligerent to champion the weak against tho strong, to figlvt for right against- might . The German overlording of Belgium was a dastardly action, defying international rights, tearing up solemn treaties and using the occasion just because Germany felt there was the military force and power behind to impose the German will on the Belgians. Here.wn s the vital cause for the great conflict of armies which is still in hitter progress, and which must go on for a long time yet. Tt is well that Air. Asquith should make a clear exposition of the nosition. From time to< time the enemy throw out peace feelers, clouding the issues, hut here again, as it as before by President Wilson, the Allies’ attitude is made clear. The enemy people after three years of war must now know a good deal of the originating cause so that if the peace overtures were sincere they would he ready to come some wav towards a clear or statement of peace terms. Till those are made, the war must go on.