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Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1918, Page 2

Thk Allied success in Flanders is striking evidence of the military advantage now held by the Entente belligerents, 'the offensive resulting in the clearing of the Belgian ‘sea const, must have faced [Hisitions which would he welldefended By guns. It was in that region where the enemy made their msi offensive in the first effort of the war and subsequently in the futile efforts l-o reach Calaic. The fact that the- Allies are advancing so rapidly, capturing men aud guns, is distinctive proo: of the deterioration of the enemy me ale. The remark of a captured German officer that it was just ns well to give in as there would be an armistice in two or three days, shows what an impression the Knitter's proclamation to his troops lias made. It has tended to seriously sap the lighting qualities of his men, and so the defence is being brokon down. The importance of the offensive to secure the sea coast lies in tho fact that the German 17-boat activities will be more, and more restricted. At- the same time it will give th e Belgians and their Allies an opening to retake their lost, territory as tin Serbians are doing in the Balkans. AVhnt is happening in the new Belgian offensive is typical of other theatres t , the western front, where, despite the lateness &f the season, continued advance is being maintained. Jf Germain does not capitulate (her inevitable coin’s, now) the enemy must face an undiminished attack all through the wiiiie.. It is clear General Foch is not going to grant any respite, for what lus troops and artillery cannot do, his aerial hosts will attempt-, and by that means force a- speedy ending of hostilities.

Thk present month is the time of appeal for the Red Cross fund. This is nn appeal which has the respect and consideration of all—for the service of the Red Cross is universal. Never before, as we hope never again, will such a demand bo made on the resources of the Red Cross. A groat service is being performed by this wonderful organisation, and even after the noise and roar of battle has ceased there will be still work and service for tho Red Crss attending to tho broken in health, and the crippled in limb by the rigors and fury of war. The local Red Cross lias been working assiduously to raise funds for the main organisation. For the “Our Day” appeal this month, a remittance of £162/16/7, hns been made already by the Hokitika branch. This

ecniriimtioJi brings the- vVestiind total for the duration of the war, up to £1.265/16 7. This is a very-creditable amount, hut by uo means large enough to satisfy (lie over ceasing demand for more and more money to carry on tile good work of the Red Cross. Opportunity to further assist the Red Cross is available through the Copper Trail now in progress throughout- AVcstlarnl. Half of (he amount now being received for the Copper Trail passes eventually to the Red Cross. This means of further assistance to a most deserving object- should be availed of; and the district should put a further amount to its credit by way of contributions to so imporant a fund. This is “Our Day ’in this time of war, and out of gratitude for the nobility of sacrifice on the. part of the soldiers, civilians should not- begrudge assistance to the Red Cross alwavs at the sound of the defence forces.