Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY DECEMBER, 31st., 1917. THE TEAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY DECEMBER, 31st., 1917. THE TEAR.

The year 1917 is passing hence carrying with it, its joys and sorrows, its disappointments and hopes unfilled, and a great big record of achievements, which if they did not result in our arrival at the gates of peace within the year, have helped to' lay the foundation for that final victory which, though postponed beyond the expected time, is still visualising itself in the very confident expectations of the Allies all over the world. The war has crowded into the year events thick and fast, overshadowing other happenings which all seem so much less material when they do not count towards the triumph which is to crown the mighty efforts put forward to claim the the complete victory. The year at the opening wa's looked forward to with great hopefulness as likely to witness the end of the war. But luau proposes and a higher power disposes. The Allies built on shifting soil. The defection of Russia was the main weakness in the structure it was hoped to rear «On the seemingly sound foundation a year ago Russia was likened to a great steam roller capable of levelling out the enemy opposing in that vast eastern theatre of the war. Russia was counted on not without cause. For long trying months Russia had fought on, defeat after defeat only adding to the show of stupendous strength which Russia at one period began to demonstrate sflie was capable of. Russia was being assisted from all sides by the \Hies. Her juxtaposition to a main theatre of tin! war, and her resources in men and products essential for warfare, were such as established her as a prime factor to assist in deciding the war,

Ili"r Russia was unable to stand the test of the severe struggle she was put to. ]n the very midst of the fray alien the Allies were co-ordinating with her to ensure the greatest stability on the eastern front, when a new kindred ally was provided in Roumania and when the western theatre was promising in its outlook because of the added strength accumulated in Britain's wonderful new Army, then Russia began to tremble in the balance. News came of the revolution which might promise so much to the Russians and be even a more favourable factor to the Allies in the final trial of martial strength. But the expectations were never realised. The revolution was probably prompted by the enemy agents for a purpose, and that purpose, lias now been (well achieved. The voice of the tempter led the Russians very much astray and finally to their own undoing, so that 1 in their state today, torn asunder as they are, they are worse than useless to the Allies, and a real menace to themselves. The fate of Russia has to be determined yet. It will be reached ultimately by a process of evolution perhaps through the gory channels of a civil war, and certainly to a great extent under the shnping influence of the designing Central Powers which are already at work by devious means busily seeking their own ends.

The Russian collapse “let up” the. eastern theatre and so reduced the pressure of real warfare in that quarter. The effect of this can be judged but faintly i n relation to wliat might, have been the case had Russia gone forward with the dogged spirit in which she fought in the early stages of the war. ! The “let up” threw the pressure back on the other main theatres of the war. Gave the enemy not only a breathing space, but the opportunity m pick and choose its ground for the next grand attack. The ground was well chosen not to say well prepared. The Italian front was determined upon as the next best quarter for a staggering blow. In that zone Austria bad a particular interest because already the Italians by great gallantry and' heroic perseverance bad won a footing and was threatening some of the favour ed spots of Austria including the outlet of the Adriatic. The glamour of the scheme caught the fancy of the Austrians, and they rushed up forces from''

the Russian front and elsewhere to participate in the grand attack. At the appointed time the Italians gave ground in unexpected panic. Contrary to all that had gone before the troops of Italy failed to stand their ground. It looked and still looks very much like treachery. Tho position had been prepared evidently witli masterly care by the invaders. How they brought their coup to pass wo are as vet untold, but it is clear the enemy had prepared for a great advance and developed a wonderful mobility which could hardly have been prepared for on the spur of the moment. The position is now being refnieved. Thanks to nature, though delayed' beyond the usual period, a. bountiful fall of snow is affecting the mobility of the enemy. The Allies with promptness of decision rushed up Anglo-French support, and thus fortified the Italians took heart to hold and finallv check the invaders.

The Russian collapse brought down also the Roumanian defensive. Never sup- 1 ported by Russia as they had a right to he the Roumanians have been 1 shamefully treated by Russia. The plight of the Roumanians at the mercy of their enemies surrounding them is to be deplored. It is a disgraceful situation for which the Russians are culpable.. Russia is now seeking for a separate peace which will carry with it, if it is aclieved, everlasting dishonour. Russia will pay a great 1 penalty for her treachery both within and without. To Roumania the Allies can but promise reparation and restoration later when the dictation of victorious peace terms render it possible to give the deceived country due aid. For the rest the Russian situation has made the Western fighting arduous for the Franeo-British forces. The hulk of the fighting lias fallen to the' latter, and it has been more intense than the Somme battles of last year. The British forces have gone triumphantly all through, holding the. initiative almost entirely to themselves though the territorial gains have not been significantly large. Just lately when the enemy have enjoyed the relief from active campaign ing in the eastern theatre, troops and munitions have been rushed to the west, and for a brief period Germany has attempted the initiative. The long drawn-out conflict for the sea coast line has gone on unceasingly, without very many material gains. About Ypres, the pivot of the Flanders fighting, the British have forged their way ahead and recovered ground which will be for ever English because of tlie British blood spilt at the outset of tho war when the first seven divisions of Britain’s incomparable Army staved off the German hosts in their advance for tho dearly sought- short's of the English Channel.

Au. down the western line held by the British the war has waged through out the year with ceaseless turmoil. The splendid organisation in Britain has served tho mou and guns with all things necessary to force the situation. The seasons alone have regulated the violence of the fighting. In aviation the British eointinue to outdo the enemy despite the initial advantage our foes had in this newly designed arm of defence. The aerial fighting has been a feature of tbe western engagements, but we are too close to the great engagements yet to realise their significance and owing to the rigors of the censorship too ill-informed to understand what we owe to those British bird men who with intrepidity surpassing untutored understanding have performed such heroic deeds and acliicv ed such worthy distinction in their great part in the Great War.

The British Navy still stands as the silent barrier which keeps the Coast of the United Kingdom free from concerted assailment, while as the never resting patrol, prevents the enemy ships of all classes going about their business. Our Navy is the custodian of the seas for all the Allies and has assured the transit of the vast hosts to all the theatres of the war spread over four 'continents. Ft has been a magnificently fine insurance for international safety, and as the first arm of the Empire’s defence has performed and is performing a n,oble service. The great- work and noble sacrifice of the personnel is beyond nil praise. Words would but inadequately acknowledge all that we owe to our wonderful maritime services the very life blood of the national rigor today. Since the war broke out, hints have been given of the expansion ot our Navy. Without the details, imagination would fail to portray the growth and erxpansion and development in every arm of service. Tho success of the Navy in its true hearing on the war may be measured best by knowing as we do know that- the enemy fleet is bottled up, and the mercantile ships ■ are securely tied to moorings they dare not cast adrift except as commandeered ships to be utilised for the benefit of the Allies. The knowledge of this prime fact discounts much that, the critics have to say against the Navy . Even allowing that Jutland was a victory for the enemy, the enemy are not attempting to repeat the pleasurable experience ! The enemy may get a convoy or two, but the task is not attempted very frequently. Frequently before, the enemy attempted J these dashes and got caught in the toils. The North Sea is not a limited area, and on occasions there may be a chance for a dash. But tho Navy is. ever on the watch, and loooking hack over forty-one months of war it cannot he said that, the Navy has seriously failed the nation in all that long strenuous period, ranging through all kinds of weather in all seasons of the year. Yes. the Navy has performed a most gallant service woithy of the highest tradiions emblazoned on its magnificent records

In the gentle art of submarining tho enemy may fairly claim to have developed a side of modern war fare distinctly to its ucl* autago R has carried through this advantage with a ruthlessness in keeping with its methods to maintain the war on land. On the high seas all ships in sight are claimed as victims >1 it bp possible for a torpedo to do the dastard ly trick. It does not matter whether the victim ship be neutral or otherwise: passenger or hospital—-All count in the toll which is taken. Germany will reap her reward in due season. Tt was the submarining of neutral ships

with such cruel ruthlessness that chang

ed the whole feeling of America towards the war. The promises to President Wilson by Germany so promptly broken, opened the eyes of the United States people to the real devilry' of tiie enemy belligerents who proclaimed themselves such champions for international rights. Germany has overdone, the submarining just' as she overdid the bombing of defenceless towns, and Nemesis is now on her tracks. Aerial raiding is less frequent and it is not unlikely, will soon cease, for Germany can forseo that the time for reprisals on her own defenceless cities and citizens is at lumd. Reprisals are not possible in regard to submarining—that is immediately,—though we do - not know what the peace terms might disclose; but everything that science can devise in hunting methods is being put into practice to check and control the advantage accruing to the enemy by its inhuman tactics designed to put fear into the hearts of those who go down to the sea in ships, and so impose a degree of victory to itself. But the mercantile mariner is no less fearless than liis naval comrade, and the enemy Tactics are failing all along ! the line. Within a few' weeks the nat tional ship-building operations will over- | come the submarine losses.—and so j the enemy advantage will be a vanishing quantity.

The entry of the United States into the war may be classed as the greatest event of the year, ’if not the most decisive event of the war. America is far more than a substitute for Russia in every respect, and to Great Britain which had been shouldering the whole burden of the war outside the actual fighting, the advent of the United States meant' instant relief. Above all it- assured the fact that the Allies would and could persevere to the end, remote though that end might be. Incidentally, the action confirmed yet again the justice of the Allies aims in taking up arms against the invading enemy ohsts. President' Wilson and hi s eloquent compatriots have stated and restated the cause for the Allies with clearness and distinction which has left no doubt as to the righteousness of the causes. Espoused by .the great gathering of international belligerents now opposing the Central Powers. The United States entered the war as unready, if not more so, than the rest of the Allied forces. But the Americans had the mistakes and experiences of others to profit by, and so set about ordering their preparations by short cuts to efficiency. The Americans pride themselves on their thoroughness and to maintain their reputation they began tlie war by deciding upon conscription A most excellent beginning assuring men in vast numbers front tlie outset. They have organised all material industries on vast lines and control food supplies with the rigor suggested by Britain’s experience. In finance America is proving a fairy provider of help in all monetary matters calculated to help win the war. America is thus a tower of strength outside the war area, while soon within that sphere her growing hundreds of thousands will he a factor to help forge the final stages on the long, long trail, to the victorious peace the Great Powers of the Allies have set themselves to accomplish. It was in April last America decided to enter the war. By the time the first anniversary comes round America will have performed that decision with literal effect, and no doubt.to the great discomfiture of the enemy.

Tiib year closes a period during which hopes now a year old have remained unfulfilled. But the dawning year gives more positive promise for a speedy conelusion of the war than any of the three years which have gone before. The past has been a period of disillusionment-. It took a long time to measure the strength of the enemy and t'o lay the plans to overome that strength. In the overcoming we have revealed our own inherit strength our great courage and endurance, and our capacity to perform what in other time s had been believed to be the impossible. The war has been a time of great revelation. Although we know a good deal about l the progress of the war wo do not. know all. Least of all do we know much, if anything, of the inner history and conditions of the enemy belligerents. The in ternal situation in those quarters may be imagined, and the position (must he distinctly distressful. The toll of the war has been heavy in alt battlefronts, and the methods of warfare pursued by the enemy with their massed attacks and prodigal sacrifice, their losses must have been enormous. Their food supplies, there is every reason to believe, are seriously depleted. The disposition of the people in such a plight- to face another year of war can be speculat ed upon, and with the knowledge of the accession of strength the Allies will receive by the entry of America', the enemy expectations as to what 1918 will have in store cannot lie of a roseate character. For this reason the enemy are still trying to manipulate peace terms with what advantage they can to themselves. They are seeking to use Russia as a cats-paw to dominate the Allies generally, but Russia is too deseredited to have any influence. Turkey reflecting on the late successes in Palestine and Mesopotamia, likewise has an eye on the main chance, and would willingly make sacrifices now to save her national integrity. Bulgaria, too, has had enough of the war, or she might be taking greater advantage of Roumania at this juncture. The converging march of events render an early peace not without the bounds of possibility, but this is not a' prospect to build on. The surest way to gain the peace orth having is t-o go on smashing the enemy and dealing with him more vigorously than ever. Our enemy do not understand chivalry. They misjudge the nations which are chivalrous. It is force alone they appreciate, and that argument should be used with all the power the Allies can put forth in the coming year.

[>' our own country, a* elsewhere, t'he war has subordinated all other domestic concerns. The New Zealanders at the front, have continued to do most, gallant deeds. The dying year has seen a: heavy toll on our brave forces at the front. Given tho post of honor in the Messixes battle they fought with bravery and distinction and many died nobly for the cause of Empire. In the Passchendeale battle they were given a task impossible to perform, but they hung on to the impassable barbed wire en-

tanglements decimated from the adjacent pill-boxes, to the end. Their only achievement in that memorable battle was a roll of honor of tremendous length, and a record for doggedness and determination no less honorable. Our brave soldiers won undying fame on Gallipoli. They have added to it in France and Flanders, in Egypt and Palestine. The gallant-s-who went forth to war have proved worthy of the race whence they sprang. In every emergency at the front they were equal to the demands made upon them. Outside of the serious business of fighting they enjoy a reputation no less complimentary to this most distant part of the far-fituig Empire. There are many mourning homes in New Zealand today. There are linany weary and anxious hearts waiting for the return of the gallants. The former must go on nursing their sorrow in silence for the most part, but always comforted by the glowing thought that their loved ones died in a cause which gave death a nobility. There is hopefulness for those still waiting. The New Year is full of promise, and the hopes seem destined to be fulfilled. There are others here who have a duty to the dea'd, and those still serving. The sacrifices made have been for the common good. We are all debtors of those who have helped and are helping to win the war. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities to render part payment to the creditors for the surpassing services rendered in the cause of common humanity. Those opportunities must he seized upon, and made the most of. Just now is a time for making resolutions, and one of the best is a personal pledge to ever remember our soldiers and sailors and airmen. They have claims upon the nation which can never be adequately requited, and as an individual of the nation it is due to each one of us to play to man's part, and ever remember the indebtedness to our brave defenders. W itli iliose thoughts in mind we can enter upon t]ic'>onung year, hoping with confidence that t'lib bright prospects of peace will soon gild over tlie horizon, and that until that useful time looms up, each and all will endeavour hv good citizenships to hasten the time when war shall be no more and peace shall reign supreme. Setting out on the opening year with these high resolves and determination to discharge a plain duty, our readers will win for themselves the enjoyment of that pleasurable experience we heartily wish them now, A HAPPY NEW YEAR,