Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1918. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1918. THE WEEK.

Thu climb-down necessary to accept, unconditional surrender is a stiff proposition for the German military party to agree to accept off-hand. Yet the way is not- without knowledge to them, for they had no compunction about asking Russia and Ronmania to submit absolutely and completely to the will of superior forces. Prince Max in his' 4 latest speech lias admitted that the Gorman Army is confronted by superior forces. Prince Max in his latest Reichstag speech has admitted that the German Army is confronted by superior forces. This means that sooner or later the will of the superior will bo enforced and that fate is being recognised as inevitable for Gennaii}-. There are those among the Allies and even with his own countrymen, who think that President Wilson should cease to parley with so great a criminal as Germany, and they are nor, neglecting the opportunity of telling the President so. Mr Wilson by his Note is angling for peace, enticing the enemy on to the decision in a diplomaticway. But the end must come. How long Turkey, Hungary and Austria, can afford to stand shivering on the brink of indecision, remains to ho seen. Germany might be waiting first for their forced capitulation, so that she can say, bereft of all her Allies honourable surrender was heivonly course. Apparently the military party are directing the coiirs ( , of events iu Germany, over-rid-ing the Kaiser for the time being, if the story of his abdication is true. The military have the most, to fear for peace, because from the moment of peace, justice will begin to stalk them, and bring forth those who have been guilty in authorising so many dreadful outrages upon innocent peoples. The fear for their personal safety accounts no doubt, for the hesitancy on their part- to sacrifice the last barrier between themselves mid security .

“Givis” of the Otago Witness is one of those who does not regard the Not? writing with special favour. He says: President Wilson, a mail of many words, lias in the end said the right thing. Had lie said the wrong thing, none the less would it have behoved the Allies to say that he said the right thing. Nothing would hotter buck up the Germans than signs of a rift within the lute. Really and truly, however, he has said the right thing—for which see the cables; but, because he is a man of many words, the issue comes as a relief. We stood in jeopardy. Ex-Pre-sident Taft feels relieved, — says, “America read the President’s reply to the German Note with a deep sign of relief.” FxPresidcnt Roosevelt is more than relieved—need no longer lose Ids rest over “the so-called T-1 points and similar utterances of tho President '

So also the politicians generally,—Congress and diplomatic circles display, or betray, “the greatest satisfaction and relief,” —always relief, as though the President at- his type-writer were capable of anything. The New York Times on the other hand would glorify the type-writer: Tt is a marvel unmatched in (lie chronicles of men that this unassuming gentleman who never wore ii sword in his life, should write the word that topples from his ancient throne in a far-off land the world’s greatest military despot.” One might suppose the war to have been won by words. Be that as it may, wo rejoice jin this academical gentleman whom tho Fates have made our groat God of

War, and in this, amongst other mercies, that we have not been mined hr bis academies. ‘‘lt must be a gran thing to be a colledge professor.” “Not much to do,” said Mr Eoimessy. “Buta gr—eat deal to say,” said Mr Dooley. That it should fall to America to depose the Kaiser is “ a marvel unmatched,’ ’says the New York editor. It is. The story goes that General Pershing when in London was one day kept waiting by a taxi which had failed to come to time Said he to the girl on the box, “Do you know that you are three minutes late?” “Jump in,” said the girl,—“You are three years late.”

But the war of Notes has not lessened the force of Marshal Foeli’s offensive. That goes on effectively without the suggestion of a false note. The emancipation of a large area of Flanders shows the increasing strength of the Allies for in Belgium they had to face the strongest defence and the guns of the heaviest calibre. The British offensive in the Valenciennes region is proceeding definitely and if the truth were known General Haig has a definite objective ahead of him—to get to Mons quickly. Mons is less than twenty miles away from the British front now. It will be remembered that Britain declared war on Germany at II o'clock on the night qf August 4th, 1914. By a marvel of organisation the British Expeditionary Force landed in France on August 16, an interval of a bare twelve days. A week later the British were engaged at Mons, the foremost point they could reach in the endeavour to stop the advancing hordes of German invading forces. The retreat from Mons began the next three days, and now there is the opportunity to recover the then abandoned position. Haig’s forces appear to be fighting with indomit-able-courage. and the will to victory will carry them forward. Southward, the Franco-Americans are asserting their superiority. The Yanks are meeting with strong opposition, and their progress is less marked. It is confined to the Ardennes country, and in the Metz region events arc more tranquil. The, whole history of happenings point to a beaten enemy, falling back as best be may, always at -the cost of thousands of prisoners and hundreds op guns. It- is a- rearguard action at a eotly price which is breaking the moral of the enemy forces.

Tins week Trafalgar Day was celebrated. It- is the day on which we commemorate the heroic deeds of sailors who have fought and died for Britain, not only in the bravo days of old, but also iu the war in which the British Empire is now engaged. The Navy is our invulnerable shield to-day as it was when tho proud Armada sailed from Spain and when Napoleon vainly tried to land an Pinny on Britain’s shores. The conditions and methods of sea warfare have'undergone many changes since Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar, but the same Unconquerable spirit which animated Nelson aitd his men was manifested by the British seamen who did battle with the Germans in Jutland Bight. The Navy has not been so constantly in the limelight as the Army during the present war but,, its eagerness and capacity for fight have been shown by lurid Hashes in the encounters which took place off Jutland at Zeebrugge and Ostond, and at the Ealklarnd Islands, or when Admiral Craddock went clown with his ship in fighting against overwhelming odds off Coronel. Ever since the war began the Navy has maintained its silent vigil miceastingly. Day and liigjlit, winter and summer, in fair weather and in foul, its work goes on. When the call came it was ready for every emergeucliy, and it lias never for a moment relaxed its deadly pressure on the enemy’s throat.

In a recent tribute to the Navy Mr. Lloyd George reminded us that the fate of war depends upon the strength of our fleets and the efficiency, alertness, pluck, and endurance of the men who 'nan them. If the Allies were defeated on the seas, ‘the war would he over; until they are beaten there Germany can never ti'iumph, and in the main this motneinuOils deciding struggle is being carried on by tlie British Navy.” No part of the Empire owes a deeper debt of gratitude to tbe Navy than Now Zealand. Its ceaseless watchfulness and unmatched strength have made possible tbe security and wonderful prosperity this Dominion lias enjoyed in a crisis which lias made the whole world reel. Let us never forget that our safety has been bought- at l a great price. What is the Navy’s task? Mr Lloyd George asks this question and answers it. Every trade route in the world is patrolled by its ships, which are also convoying, mine-laying, minesweeping and chasing submaries over vast areas. In the month of .June alone our warships steamed no fewer than 8,000,000 miles, 'lake the blockade. Tliis means that the seas from Shetland to Greenland, Greenland to Iceland, from Iceland to the roast of Norway, have been incessantly patrolled for four years, and an impenetrable barrier raised against tho assaults of the enemy. Our ships have destroyed more than 150 hostile submarines, half of the number being accounted for during the past year.

Thk tonnage of the Navy has grown from 2..'300,000 at the begining of the war to B,00(3,000, including the auxilary fleet. Admiral Beatty is hi ill waiting for the German High Seas Fleet to emerge from its hiding-place. For four years and more our sailors have longed for the opportunity of a gigantic fight to a finish with tho Kaiser’s ship’ and men. It is still possible that such a battle may take place. If it does we are quite confident that Admiral Beatty and las gallant men will give as good an account of themselves as did Nelson and his comrades whose daring exploits we celebrate on Trafalgar Day. But whether the German Fleet comes out to fight or not, the part played bv the British Navy in this war will provide the material for one of the most glorious chapters in British history. Not half the story has yet been told. Tt can never be told in full; but when the j conflict is over, and things can he

spoken about which cannot be mentioned now, tho world will be able to form a more adequate idea of tho wonderful achievements of the men of the Navy and tho mercantile marine. We know now that they have done their duty fearlessly and cheerfully, hut we cannot yet know all that P word duty has meant to the Navy since it took stations for the defence of the Empire when the storm broke in 1914.

Pollard’i; pictures will he the attraction at the Princess Theatre on Monday night, tho evening of tho holiday.

The Labour Party’s dance at the Opera House on Monday night will be one of the special festival cveuts to celebrate Labour Dav.

Iu another column Messrs Dalgety and Co., announce details of their cattle sale to be held nt Kokatahi next Wednesday, October 30th.

A welcome home social will be tendered Lance-Corporal C. Caliari in the Public Hall, Kanieri on Wednesday evening. Admission, Gents 2/-. ladies 1 !- or plate.—Advt.

Captain W. Glenn, M.C., K.A.F. one of the All Black football team has been gazetted major. Some time ago ho was gassed, and has returned -to New Zealand on six months’ leave, in order to regain his health. The Grey Star says that Mr J. K. Wilson, S• M•, will return to Auckland to take up the position of second Magistrate there as soon as he is relieved by Mr Levey, S-M., who is now in charge of the Nelson district. Tlic Little American” was the star feature at McLean's Pictures at the Opera House and atracted a crowded atendanee. The famous war picture proved a very interesting one and was followed closely. The serial “The Great Secret” also continued its interesting course and with the excellent orchestra accompaniment completed a very enjoyable programme. Another very old resident of Boss in the person of Mr John Dixon crossed the Great Divide last evening about 5 o’clock after a short illness. Deceased who was 78 years of age leaves a wife, a son, (in the North Island) and two married daughters, both of whom reside in Boss, (Mrs J. Anderson, and Mrs Albert Upjohn,) to whom will bt extended sincere sniypathv in the loss they have sustained.

Tho Lady Liverpool Committe are dispatching to-day upwards of forty cases of gifts for the 13th Canterbury Western front. During the week several willing workers have been busy at the packing, and as usual Mrs Butler the indefatigable President, has been organising directing and working unceasingly. The cases contain just the kind of gifts the men will appreciate, Lieut. R. Wilson’s advice being sought as to the most acceptable kind of extras for the western front. The gifts Will reach Wellington next week and it is hoped to forward by an early transport to France.

The sheet programme for the Westland Racing Club’s Midsummed meeting in January is now being circulated. The stakes aggregate £1,300, showing an increase of £3OO on last year's bill of fare. The principal event is worth 200 sovs, and as the distance is restricted to a mile the valuable prize should attract a good field. Tw<J trotting events each day, well endowed are included in the programme. The sheet programme this year is adorned with a new view of the Hokitika racecourse 4 showing not only portion of the track but all the well-appointed buildings, with an interesting view of the town and river, including the railway bridge, for a back ground. At the gathering at the Soldiers’ Hub yesterday afternoon to welcome

hack the returned men, much interest was taken in the Military Cross won by Capi. Winchester of Ross. Tho prize of valour and courage is a very handsome one, and was greatly admired. Another interesting exhibit was the German machine gun bullet which had wounded Lance-Corpl Caliari, and which tho doctor had extracted from the soldier’s left thigh. The bullet is designed for piercing armour-plating, and has a very business-like appearance, small as it nnty appear.

The death took place at the Reel ton Hospital on Thursday evening of a very old identity in the person of Mrs Loubere who for many years resided with her family at Antonios Flat. The otcoased lady was 89 years of age, and was wonderfully clear in memory and intellect up to the last. She has been in failing health for some months,’ and her demise was not unexpected. She leaves one daughter, Mrs G. Muroe, now residing in Liverpool, England, and a number of grand children, Mrs M. Loubere was of the old school and was most upright and just in her disposition being always bright and cheery. She will he much missed in Reefton, where she had been given the title of “Grannie Loubere” for many years. At the Soldiers’ Club, Overseas Rooms, yesterday afternoon, LaneoCorp. Caliari, of Kanieri, and Rifleman Winchester, of Ross, were welcomed home by the Mayor and others on behalf of the community. Mr G. A. Perry spoke words of cordial welcome and appreciation for tho work done by tho men who had returned—botli wounded, Mr Brace, ex-Mayor of Ross, Mr Jas Park, Mr A. A. Andrewos Town Clerk, and Mr. D. J. Evans, President of the Overseas Club, joined in the. expressions of welcome to the returned soldiers, and congratulated their parents and friends cfn having their lads again with them. Both the men returned thanks, speaking briefly for the kindness shown them. After partaking of afternoon ten, the gathering dispersed with the singing of the National Anthem, and the guests proceeded bv the train to their homes.

Special embroidery values; 18iu Swiss camisole embroidery 2s 6d, 2s lid and 3s fidyd. All over embroidery 2*sin. wide 2s. fid. and 2s. lid. per yd. 27 in. Flouncing Embroidery 2s. fid., 2s. lid., 3s. fid, to os. lid. yd. 40 in. Flouncing Embroidery 3s. lid., 4s. lid, ss. lid., yd. Double Edge Embroidery Insertion 2J-"to 3 in. wide fid. Bd., Is. yd. Trimming, Embroidery ifnd Insertion 1£ to fiins. ide in Longclotb 7d, to Is. 3d. Muslin Trimming Embroidery 2* to 5 in. wide fid and Bd. yd. McGruer and Co. The safest store for letter orders, Grey - mouth.—Advt.

Inhale NAZOL every day and coughs and colds will stay away. Penetrating and germ-killing. Sixty doses Is fid. Use the NAZOI, inhaler. Black and White Silk Blouses, Gold Voiles, Gold Crepes, Crepe de Chines. Fugo Silks are very conspicuous and considering the high price of the market —can he got at F Schroder and Co’s at very reasonable figures.—Advt. Put good tyres on your bicycle— Clincher Tyres are the finest roadster tyres made—all British! Guaranteed from 6 to 15 months—no risk! “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help dees the washing while you rest. Well may housewives sing for joy. Is 8d a large packet.—E. J. Lloyd.

After the Darktown Parade to-night ' a dance will be held at the Druid’s Hall at <J p.m.—in aid of the Coppertrail. Mr F. G. Fielder, Inspector of Factories at Grcymouth, has been promoted to the charge of the Invercargill Branch of the Labour Department. His successor here is to be Mr. J. Lowden, Inspector of Factories and Footwear at •Christchurch. To-day all are hastening along—basket in hand—to get their butter supply from the Bed-and-Black depot, (next Lawn’s tobacconist shop), where the candidate, Mrs (Capt.) Richards and friends are having a right busy time handing it out. It is realy a specially fine sample of the Arahura Butter Factory’s productions. Groat excitement prevails in “Darktown” just now, as the dusky artists and artistes—having practised up well under the baton of “Peg o’ the Ring” are hoping to turn out in style and “do tbe thing properly” to-night_ and delight a largo street gathering, near the Liverpool Depot). For, their per- j l'ormance is to bo “some” concert—and the “gets-up”—Oh, my eye!!! One of the speakers at the welcome home to the soldiers yesterday afternoon, referred to the good record of the Winchester family of Ross. Mr Winchester, had been doing honorary war work as secretary of the local pat- j riotie committee since the early days of the war. Miss Winchester had been n most energetic worker in raising funds for the patriotic purposes. The three eligible sons bad gone to the front one had returned ill, a second wounded, and Captain Winchester M. C. was still away, though at present in hospital suffering from wounds received while on the western front.

Among the Ladies Hats shown at F. Schroder and Co’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, for quotations and details of North British bolting. ' Best for all classes of machinery. Act now!

Keep NAZOL handy in your office, shop or home. A few drops or whiffs will prevent coughs and colds. Prevention is better than cure. Cycle Biders—“Clincher Tyros” are made by British experts for British people—guaranteed six, nine, twelve and fifteen months. Sold by the Cycle Trade. WADE’S WOBM FIGS eradicate Worms of all description. Price Is 6d. Fit Clincher Cross Tyres to your car —they are a “long way” better. These finest British Tyres have done great service in the big war. Try a set.