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Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1918, Page 2

The daily press arc still being,used as a vehicle to awaken tlic public conscience regarding the war loan. The progress of events in Europe should he sufficient in itself to arouse a burning interest in anything tending to help win the war. Put it is customary to be rather superficial in these days of busy happenings. Besides, so many people arc so perturbed ns to what might or might not bo done by General Haig to stem the German flood-tide of victorious advance, that the folk do not look nearer home and think where they might act in some small way to pPy a real part in winning the war. The Minister of Finance is appealing for more money at the present juncture to carry on New Zealand’s part in tbe war. Actually our part is a small one, but it is no less necessary that it should he ample enough to support the Government in all that they may think requisite, wo should do as an integral part of the Empire. Certainly money is requisite, and the, signs of prospering times to he observed throughout the Dominion suggest that New Zealand can well provide the nine millions and a half the Government asked for. The people have a duty in this matter which should not be shirked. It is a matter of surprise that the Minister should extend the time for application. If the people recognised their plain duty and appreciated the comforts and security they enjoy as n nation, this extension should not have been required.

Titf, case of Private Webb. M.P.. is remarkable even in this country notori-

ous for the inertness of its public administration in time of stress and war. If the matter were not of such seriousmoment to the future good government of the Dominion, the oeeasinn might be regarded as a. pleasing interlude of comic opera designed for the entertainment of the public in a time of serious strain. The execution'll treatment bcino -meted out to Private Webb calls for the strongest niiblie orotesf. P‘ ( - ease ia the very worst offence in tbo life of a soldier—disobeying orders. Thereby the discipline so essential <q the maintenance of authority and unit rd action is undermined, and ntft onlv bringr, .'Authority into contempt, but

reduces an army to a rabble, without cohesion or leadership. How long is this disposition to be endured, in fact encouraged? The- Government are giving Private Webb all the license he must wish for. They ore treating him with all the consideration of an honoured guest. And they are bringing themselves into utter contempt. By the present action, the occasion when two Ministers of the Crown brought the course of justice into contempt because they lacked the stamina to maintain it, pales into insignificance. The treatment meted, out to Private Webb is an encouragement to others to shirk national service, and instead of being a help to their country to become a burden. The Government are inviting the shirkers to do likewise, and are bringing, the whole system of military service into jeopardy. The chaos and confusion which will result from s*ch a , course will he deplorable indeed.