Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th. 1918. THE WEEK

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th. 1918. THE WEEK

Tin: situation on the batt-lefronts continues to be most satisfactory, and highly promising. The comparative cause on the western front is not, .an indication of failing resources on the part of the .Allies. Wo regard it from quite a, different standpoint. Tho Allies are preparing for a master strike to complete the 1918 campaign. The possibilities for this are very promising. If the enemy strength were not a waning factor, their counter attacks would hit more aggressive and successful than they are. Here and there they regain, temporarily an advanced post, but do not make any real impress on the great advance ihe Allies have carried out since July. It is conceivable, therefore, that the Allies are organising now for n final general advance along the whole West front—from the North Sea to Alsace. In past seasons the war has waged desperately up to early November, so that on these premises’. General Foch's real masterstroke might he expected during next month. The object of this attack n 11 bo to secure the Allied line in the best of winter quarters, so as to make ready for the giant offensive in the early part of the spring of 1919, when it is hoped the Allies will attain a decisive military victory in thg one theatre where effective superiority counts. II these anticipations are approximately correct, next month’s "advance should in itself have a deciding effect on th: war. The temper of 'the German people appears to he such that a distinctive allied victory on the western front at this juncture will have far-reaching results, and certainly improve the prospect* for the final victory in the soring of next year.

General Alleniiy has achieved a smashing victory in Palestine, where the enemy armies have ceased to exist as an organised military mach’ne. The ground recently covered by the surprising advance takes in the best part, of Palestine, the fertile plains <4 Philistiu and Sharon. It was mentioned that some German colonists had readily surrendered to tho sweeping Allied forces. Since 1868, German colonies have been established in Palestine and by their toil have demolish’ itM the fertility of the soil when subjected to irrigation, drainage etc. The Germans chiefly from AYurtemburg and of the Temple sect, introduced better methods of agriculture, in the belief (it is said) that the Lord would come to the land when it was ready for Him; and the example of their practice, if not of their faith lias been followed nittro powerfully by Jewish .settlers, driven from Eastern -Europe by persecution hut equipped by capitalists of their own creed. The Germans have two colonies, one by Jaffa and jikat Haifa (just captured) under .Mount Carmel whose slopes their industry has converted into vineyards not unlike those of the Rhine or the Neckar. 1 hero are some 45 to 50 Jewish settlements extending from Jaffa to the south slopes of Carmel, and this region has pist been occupied as n. result of t-he Allied victory. The sudden advance took tho enemy by such surprise that they were uot able to adopt tho usual ruthless methods of destruction, and m the country has been recovered nndestroved. The populace should be grateful ioi this—ns doubtless they are, if they liav • any knowledge of what the enemy can do before evacuating occupied country and elsewhere. The splendid achievement of the British commander v; enhanced by reason of the rich spoil Ins great coup has won for the people as for the Allied cause.

A debacle lias ensued in the Bahians, following the on si a light of tho Allies, The pause in this theatre hns been n protracted one. As evonts are transpiring tbe Allies appear to he better or ganisod in that theatre than was surmised generally. The Serbians hare distinguished themselves taking the most difficult of tho mountain country for their efforts at reconquest. They have with them Greek, French. Italian and British troops, and the hoalwny is substantial in tho light of the difficult country which has to be traversed. The region now being fought over is very mountainous, offering facilities for a strong defensive by a well-equipp-ed force. The Allies of the Central Powers have had ample time to establish Btrong defensive work's, but a serious stand is not being made as yet. No

doubt reir.f-rcGjr.cmcr, wilt bo hurried, to the active fronts, but the pattierront • is extending daily, and to adequately fill the broach will make serious demands on the enemy at a time when they know of the peril on the western front caused by the gathering millions from the United States. The-* general movement in tlie eastern theatres is a reply ip tho.se who criticised the proposed action only recently. Ihe efforts are being crowned with success, and in war it is safe to say Hint, nothing succeeds like success. The victories in the Balkans and Palestine will have their effect; on minds other (linn those directly affected. The success • jin accord with the victory on the western front is an evidence that the Entente Allies are on the high mad to the final triumph, and that fact realised, it will have world-wide effect. Especially will the native eastern mind realise the prestige of the Allies and that- assured, the finish of the war will he hastened very materially. j Tilinnovation adopted by Messrs AL'.ekv, Logan, and Caldwell, Ltd of Auckland, and brought into operation recently, fixing five days as the week’s work in their clothing factory, lias evoked some criticism on the part of the employers in the city. At a meeting of the Clothing Manufacturers’ Union of Employers, the matter was discussed. and the conclusion was arrived at that in view of the action of the Macky Logan firm all others engaged in the trade were compelled to follow their example and join in the experiment—a four months’ trial of the new system, ; the policy alter the end of the year to he governed by results. Accordingly . Alessrs Archibald Clark and Sons, Ltd. j .oiiwers of another large clothing factory notified that they also were taking * ui> the experiment for the four-months’ period. While action in the matter has ; been left to the individual firms, I understood that most of the other cloth- j ing factories will follow the example set | by the large house. Only women labour is employed in the factories eon- | eerned in the matter. In a discussion which arose on the subject at the annual meeting of the Employers’ Association Mr. W. J. Jaggs, representative of Alackav, Logan, Ltd., made it clear that the change was purely experimental. The company’s employees had suggested the adoption of tho five days system and had underaken that if this course were agreed to the output non realised ie the 51 days’ week would he maintained. Further, they had agreed that if, after four months’ trial, .this result were not shown they would he prepared to go hack to their former hours of work. Replying to criticisms which had been levelled at the change, Air. Jaggs said that if the present .output of work were not maintained, that would he conclusive evidence that the five days’ week was an impracticable proposition. Te reason offered for it by the employees was that under the shop hours now ruling in the city they could not find time to. do their shopping in daylight hours ,if they worked steadily under the old system. As a matter of fact, the frequent absence of the operatives from duty, for the purpose of shopping, had disorganised the work of tlie factory every day, and efficiency was quite destroyed. If the experience proved a failure, the case of those employers who objected, to the five day’s system woui>» he proved absolutely unanswerable.

Thu function at tlie Mikonui river today when the combined tramway and traffic bridge just erected, is being dedicated to public use, .marks another stage in the development of the district. The Government in the past—Liberal and Reform—have alike played last and loose with the bridging of the river. The Liberals placed a vote for the bridge on the appropriations and dallied so long that they went out of office and the work was not commenced. The Reformers passed their own private judgment on the work, for no publicity has been given why the vote was removed from the the appropriation. Deputations to Ministers on the bridging ;>f tlie troublesome river have passed up and down to Wellington in a regular procession, and' still without effect. Then private enterprise—that most useful adjunct to progress—stepped in, arid realising the potentialities of the timber trade oil the south side of the river determined to erect its own bridge to suit its own purposes. This being resolved upon, the enterprising firm offered tlie local body the opportunity of converting the structure into a traffic bridge for general purposes, on ,certain conditions which were accepted. The formalities being arranged, the bridge has materialised in quick, time, aid folk will ,he wondering why they have delayed so long in taking action ■m their own account.. The bridge is erected free of Government assistance, •uni will he opened without Government patronage, as Ministers are all too busy to visit tlie Cinderella of Now Zealand, and participate, in the rejoicings over the boon now given to the public. The bridge spans a river which often delays and hampers traffic. It will facilitate the growth of motor traffic south, which quick means of communication is no tv a necessity in the rapid growth of the district.

The people should feel a certain amount of satisfaction in having thus helped themselves. If they felt in the mood there is no reason why they should not go further, and to give the south country a fillip, have all the streams to the Waiho 'Gorge, bridged. Tlio cost would not he great, £IO,OOO would probably meet the requirements of the motor traffic, and that stun would be a small price to pay in relation to the enhanced value it would place upon land in the south. The present war has taught us all what can be done, and whore there is a will there is a way. Thousands of pounds are provided readily for various purposes just now, and a few hundreds of pounds a year ■would provide the interest on the cost of bridges to serve the south district, [f private enterprise took up the proposition, the outlay could he recouped by a toll charge. Tn the North Island this is done to some extent both publicly and private. The great convenience of safe through traffic is the essential gain to the district, a flow of traffic, and by the security of transit enhancing the value of tho land. Speedy motor traffic annihilates distances. and brings the back-blocks with in easy reach of the centres. For instance, a journey to-Hari Hari would be possible, in say three hours. This saving of time in transport moans everything to tho popularising of the place with the public. Tho same applies to other centres as they are brought nearer by sure facilities for quick transit. The bridging of tho south rivers would be a suro gain to the district quickly recouping the outlay in the benefits derived, and the task night well be undertaken by the people themselves independent of the Government, who will still take many woarv years to accomplish what should ho done forthwith.

A r.uinfcvr of visitors from Greymoui.n j wont through to Ross to-day for the opening ceremony of the Alik >niu bridge. The right wing of the -13 rd. Beinfnrcemenla has arrived at a port oi onll (-ays a I’rcss wire). r lho general health of the troops is excellent. A few mild eases of influenza have occurred. The Red and Black Depot is doing great business to-day, and is being ablv assisted by tho Copper Soldier n:ui by the. management of a shooting gallery next door —ft most popular institution. McLean’s Pictures at the Opera House last evening drew a capital attesdaneo. The star picture was entitled, “A Poor Little Rich Girl” in which the popular Mary Pickford took the leading role in a very interesting production. The comedy, “As a Country Hero” again introduced the laugli-mak-er of the screen “Fatty” Arbucklo proving in great form. The serial i “The Great Secret” was also added to [ a very fine programme. ' At the soldiers’ function at the Over seas Club yesterday, lion. Mr M.bhol made tho suggestion that it would biinteresting to see a. display of war souvenirs of which there wore "'an;, in the district. Private Anderson is the possessor of many coins, anil thcio ar e many articles of interest relating to tlie war in the possession of many local families. Probably the Government 1 would see its way to loan some of the souvenirs in their possession, and if so an interesting and instructive display could bo made. A welcome home was extended to | Private Anderson (Ruatapu) at ihe 1 Soldiers' .Room, Overseas Club, yester- ! day afternoon, private Gibb not, l>o . ing able to be present. The Mayor (Mi ; Perry), Hon. IT. L. Mieliel, Messrs T ! A. Murdoch, T. W. Bruce, A. IT- : Stuart, A. A. Amlrewos and fl. T. 1 F.vans’spoke, extending a cordial wcl- ) come home to the soldier, aiul wishing him a speedy recovery from bis 11 ness The guest and his friends wore enter tained at afternoon tea, and : banks were expressed for 'the welcome, extendcd, and the kindness shown. Mr Anderson went on to Ross by the aftoinoon train. Ho will be an outdoor patient of Hie Westland Hospital for the present.

The quarterly meeting of the Hokitika Fire Board was held last evening Present lion. fl. b. Michel (chairman). (Messrs Coulson, Breeze, Wilson, and Thompson. Apologies were made tor the absence of Messrs Grierson and Hopkins. The outward correspondence was approved and a quantity of formal inward correspondence read and received. The Secretary reported receipts £llß 13/6, payments £42/15/2; credit balance £7B/s'. Received. The Telltale clock report showing only one discrepancy, (of 15 minutes) was received and it was decided to congratulate the nightwatchman on his excellent record. Accounts amounting to £lO2/16/8 were passed for payment.

Special hosiery value at McGruer and i Co, the Spot Cash Drapers, Grcymoutli. Ladies’ plain and ribbed cashmere finish hose, a good wearer, price two pairs for 2s lid ; ladies’ white cotton hose, 2s 6d pair; ladies’ black Lisle thread hose, white embroidered fronts, pendent design, 2 S 6d pair; ladies’ superior quality black Lisle hose, embroidered ankles 2s lid pair; silk ankle hose in white, fawti, nigger, black and grey, 5s lid pair; black all wool ribbed and plain cashmere hose, 4s lid and 5s lid pair; tan aud grey Lisle thread hose, 3s lid pair. Post free to any part.—McGruer' and Co, Greymouth.—Advt. “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help d»es the washing while you rest. Well may housewives sing for joy. is 3d a large packet.—E. J. Lloyd. Win Perry and Co. Wholesale Agents. Keep NAZOL handy in your office, shop or home. A few drops or whiffs will prevent coughs and colds. 1 reveution is better than cure. Water your garden this summer or you won’t have one. Invest in NORTH BRITISH RUBBER COM PAN VS GARDEN HOSE. Best fabric—best rubber. Hardware shops sell it. Soldiers’ Cakes, machine made, a speciality at Preston’s. Order early so that they may reach the boys for Christinas. Solid address and wo will post them for you. —Advt. When you fit a NORTH BRITISH “A WON” TYRE to your bicycle, you arc protected by a 6 to" 15 months guarantee. Ask any cycle dealer. Let NAZOL protect your family against coughs and colds. One close a day keeps colds away. Good for old an young. Sixty doses Is fid. For heavy loads and had roads nt CLINCHER- SOLID BAND TYRES to your commercial truck. Solid British quality. Enquire, at any garage as to sizes and prices.

Among the Ladies Hats shown ah F. Schroder and Go’s: Leghorns, Panamas, and Ready to wears will create a ready demand at Schroder’s. — Advt. .Machinery owners should write to or call on Hayward Bros., Ltd., Christchurch, fur quotations and details of north BRITISH BELTING. Best for all classes of machinery. Act now! The leading spirit for more tnan .50 years. —WO 1 ,FF’S SCIINAPRS. Black and White Silk Blouses, Gold Voiles, Gold Crepes, Crepe-do Chines. Fugo Silks are very conspicuous and considering the high price of the market can be got at F. Schroder and Co s at very reasonable figures.—Advt.

For Influenza take Woods’ Great peppermint Cure Never fails. 1/0, 2I(