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Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1918, Page 2

On the subject juft dealt with the Prime Minister of Britain lias again expatiated with clear directness of ' thought. Mr Lloyd George is a gifted j speaker, and he is always happy in the j choice of hig homely similies which ilj lustrate so graphically the ' thoughts he wishes to convey i Throughout the period of the war Mr i Lloyd George has been one of the chief assets of the Empire in sustaining the | nation in the great task it found itself so suddenly engaged in. As n most able administrator and organiser in the limir of peril and impropnrodness_ his presence appears to be. almost God-giv-en; hut, as guide and philosopher of the people he was a most trusted leader htid a clear sighted adviser. His speeches, even in the darkest days, wore pitched always with a degree of simple optimism which encouraged the

people to go on—“to carry on,” no they say in the army. The figures of speech he used fitted the occasion admirably, illustrating both the. situation and the advice he offered. Now he tells us in clear, ringing terms that we are at last on th c road to victory. There must have boon some serious times for the Prime •Minister to face in the four years which liavo marked the period of tho "war. The dotails which would reach him at times of Hie lack of men, munitions and food might have deterred a less resolute statesman from carrying on. There were many loss resolute statesmen in England, and their peace proposals were invariably stalking through the press when the days were darkest. Often where the Prime Minister might have expected to look for hell) and encouragement in the great fight, ho lidard only the voice of the pacifist who would have peace at any price. Mr Lloyd George escaped falling a victim to the affections of such and his bulldog spirit lias carried him, and the nation too, well along now on the high road to victory.

Thu New Zealanders continue to play what is a great part in the general offensive «u the western front. When wo regard their numbers in the light of other countries involved with the Allies, the men from this Dominion are doing phenomenally well. Mr Russell speaking the other night here, referred to the fact: that the Now Zealand troops had been placed second to the old C'oiitoniptibles—the Regular Army which Britain threw into France in August, 1914. This is a very high pinnacle on which to place the New Zealanders, yet it seems to he in keeping with tlieii achievements. The continuous fighting oin* conipffnitivply small Body of tnon are doing is proof of wliat is thought of them. When in March last Germany launched its attacks, the New Zealanders wore out of the firing line resting. When the danger arose, our men were hurried to a certain point in all haste to take charge ol a break made in tlip line, and held it from the very outset . Since then the New Zealanders have been placed in tho forefront of General Haig s main centre advance. Our men captured Rapaumc, and pushing on have since won further territory from the enemy possession. Their achievement has been remarkable and to the great credit’, and high renown of this Dominion. But there can he no victory in war without its cross, and the news of the casualties dribbling through show the price which lias to be paid' for the victory. What has been achieved and the price paid must create in the minds of the people a determination in fulfil to the uttermost the duty we owe to the fallen aml to their dependents. It is no light sacrifice which has been made and the recognition should not be niggardly nor neglectful. To the bereaved all sympathy will go out now, but in the days to come let it ho practical, and not unmindful of the indispensible victories won in these days when the fate of thc Empires was at stake.