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Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1917, Page 2

To-morrow will be the greatest day in all history for Australia. The nation is to review its national attitude on military service, and determine just how far it will go in the matter of military support for the preservation ol tho Empire. The measure of liability it would take, has been left hitherto to individual decision, and voluntary service has been a waning quality. About, 300.000 men have gone from Australia on active service about three times as many as from New Zealand. The voluntary service of that noble hand is the redeeming feature against Australia’s ballot box attitude towards national service. Of the gallant 300,000 upwards of half have been counted a s casualties, while no less than 35,000 are enrolled amongst England's noble dead. The example of these men must surely be an inspiring thought to Australia. Their sacrifice cannot have been in vain—or surely the colonial spirit has changed materially. The burden of Empire is no light load. Especially weighty is it now in this time of national trial. All this and more will have been detailed to the people. There has been a great flow of eloquence all over Australia. There is a sharp division between /the two 1 actions, but ■both have been equally enthusiastic in their own way. Premier Hughes as the central figure of the campaign, has been outspoken ito a degree, even to threatening. This latter lapse rather indicates that the “yes” prospects are not too bright. But for the national credit of Australia as part and parcel of the great Empire we hope this surmise is awry. It would be something akin to an enemy victory if the “no” party were again to triumph in Australia just now.

The appeals to Australians to note for “•their credits sake” have been real and earnest. An army »>f speakers have been perambulating the territory and from a thousand 'platforms putting the actual question to/ the people j in all its nakedness. have sprung up to support the campaign and a sane and clearly expressed press has put the issue no less plainly to the people than the platform orators. But, withal, there has been a tremendous current of opposition The political Labour Parties in the various states of the Commonwealth, supported by a. large alien population, has not hesitated to put themselves before their country. In what devious ways the alien section have assisted it may he only surmised, but the fact that they are a power is evidenced by their dis franchisement. Still further aid is drawn by the “antis” from the shirker element and those more or less openly disloyal.. Likewise, they can make a noise, but it will be the strong, silent vote which will carry the real weight in the end. To that consummation we must hope for tho best. The following lines were composed by an Australian to stir his fellow countrymen to the single line of action which alone can bring tho great Commonwealth to fill with ability its allotted part in the great conflict: Throe years with each month a year, Three years in the iaw s of hell. And hundreds of thousands here Who will n ot give them a spell. By grace of the party boss Exempt by a narrow vote, Tbov shun every risk and loss, Secured hv a petticoat. What good is a shameful breath If tyranny reigns supreme? I s slavery hotter than death ? Is honour a foolish dream ? Australia ! Wake from sleep And hasteifc to help your own, Lest what you have sown yon reap, and waken to stand alone. Alone with a. lasting shame For honour and faith undone; Alone with a tainted name While history’s ages run.