Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1918, Page 2

The historian who reviews the British Premiers of the twentieth century will have no lack of “copy” when ho deals with the life and characteristics of Mr Lloyd George. Wo are now at a stage when the whole future of the British Empire is in the melting pot. Mr Lloyd George, with decision and force of character which is superb, is endeavouring to mould the future in such a way that Englishmen might be more proud than ever of their Empire. The American looking on and seeing more of the struggle than the combatants themselves, recognises that “ when Englishmen are giving up their lives ungrudgingly for the defence of the Empire and the future of humanity, no part of that Empire should be permitted to shirk its duty.’' That is independent comment which it seems to us sums up the situation for the United Kingdom, and leaves no room to doubt the fairness and the wisdom of the British Premier’s attitude to his own nation and people, as disclosed by his latest- and greatest speech to the Parliament, of Great Britain. There must bo deep anxiety for the safety of the Empire, as now being determined on the Western Front. 'Hie conditions are such that all within the. folds of that- Empire might be expected to spring to arms for the maintenance of the safety and prestige which we have enjoyed under British rule. Yet, there are those who deliberately set about defying authority in this moment of great crisis, and openly prepare to resist the law in such a way as to increase manifold the difficulties of the hour, to create the division of thought- and attention from a '(.•Omnle-.t and dangerous situation on the battlef'ront. The position for Britaiu becomes doubly difficult, and one can feel and sympathise most sincerely for the almost crushing perplexities besetting our great Premier. Jlis comfort was the House of Commons vote, which was emphatic enough to show that the House, by a large majority, realised the momentous import of the occasion.

Ax enquiry locally yesterday, disclosed that the War Loan was not receiving the amount of support which was offered so freely on the previous occasion. If there was a time when people might he moved to do what they could to help their country, that moment is at hand. No one could have perused the British Premier’s speech «n tho •filiation at the front without realising that the present time is a time of great national crisis. As an English lobbyist said: “The Commoners were profoundly impressed by the Premier’s statement. There was no panic, but the deepest anxiety. The majority of the Commoners have returned to tlu-ir constituencies with the fixed intention to support the sternest measures.” Mr Asquith, tod . recognised Britain was “confronted by the most grave peril which ever menaced the Empire, and there was no sacrifice which the House was not. prepared to make.” All this supplements and endorses Mr Lloyd George’s grave speech and leaves no doubt as to the issues at sta.ke. H

then, are British people goipg to face the position? We are persfjaded that they will not he content to leave the whole burden to others to bear. Here in Now Zealand we must practice to the full that degree of self-reliance we have been so boastful in the past. ’■

continue our honourable part in the war, more and more money must he found. The Government loan proposals offer a generous field for invest merit, giving all the safety one may look for these times. The lending of our money to the great cause is after all no real sacrifice but it is essential for the good of the country tjiat the money should he readily forthcoming. To shirk the duty at this crisis is to be!ray the host cause the nation has nr heart, and to invite defeat ami f

aster, rather than help to win through and secure absolute safety.