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Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1918, Page 2

The old fortified town of Lo Quosnoy which the New Zealanders captured so gallantly last week, has had its full share of the vicissitudes and hardships of war during its long history. It- belonged at different periods to Hainault, Burgundy and 'Austria, but became a French town in 1659. Its worst experience of war was during the French revolutionary wars, when in 1793 the Austrians captured it after bombing it for ten days and laying the greater part of the town in ruins: But earlier in the century, 1712, during the wnr of the Spanish 'Succession, it changed hands more than once. It is a place of no importance except such as attaches to it from its position, high above the plain of one of the historical battle-grounds of Europe. It was a well-fortified places and the proximity of the New Zealanders led to a German order being issued telling the civilians to leave the town on October 27. The feat of the Dominion troops was quite a remarkable one, first for the dashing nature of the attack and then when the fate of the town was sealed, the chival. ry of tho New Zealanders leader in giving the defenders the opportunity to surrender. The splendid record the New Zealanders had put up already in this great war was heightened by the latest feat of arms at be Quesnoy where the colonials added so magnificently to their laurels and their reputations.

It was stated in Parliamentary circles in Wellington last, week that the Government had cabled already to the Imperial authorities to ascertain it it were necessary to send any additional men from this country for war service. Some 12,000 men are in the training enmpa at present, and when peace now expected arrives it should be possible to demobilise the bulk of these men with very little delay. Sir James Allen has said that the Defence Department would not wish to hold any men n dav longer than was necessary, and that when the final armistice came the men would he released as quickly as possible. Certainly no attempt would he made to hold' any of the men in camp after their release became necessary. Already men required for farm work or essential industries are being released on furlough leave and it has been given out that in any case no more married men of any division w ill be sent , out of the Dominion. This is all vorv pleasing news, and brings to mind what the full measure of peace means. Before the festive season comes round, the military camps should be depleted of all the pomp and circumstance of war, and tile men allowed to go hack to civilian life and about their own duties. Tho return of the men from European centres will depend upon tho conditions of Allied occupation of enemy territory. A large force will bo required for this duty and it would be right of give all branches of the service the chance to remain nB might be required. Where friends desire the return of their relatives it will be possible to do this, no doubt, bv application through the Defence authorities. This happy return will he tho culmination of tlia real victory achieved.

The Hon. H. L Michel AX. I:. C. ie returning to Wellington overland today to resume his parliamentary duties. General Townsend, of Kilt fame, has arrived in London. He was given an ovation wen he was recognised in a West En'l theatre. The Resident Engineer notifies that Knnicri bridge will be closed to traffic for repairs on Wednesday, Thursday, • and Friday of this week. The Canterbury Education Board notify that town schools arc 10 be closed owing to the epidemic, and the closing of country schols is left- to the discretion of the Committees. j The Westport News saysA popu- ! lar young townsman landed the double on Thursday—twin daughters, “Peace” nud “Joy.” A Press wire states the managers of the music warehouses in Christchurch the music warehouses in Christchurch have decided to close their premises for a week from the receipt of the news of Germany’s acceptance of the armistice. As a result-of the action taken by the Public Health Department, due to the influenza epidemic, Pollard’s Pictures, were not shown last evening. All similar public entertainments come under the ban for tile ensuing seven days, and the fixtures arc cancelled. The death from influenza is reported from Christchurch is Private Lugi Masone, of Blakotoivn, Grcymouth. . He was a. Maori member of the Expeditionary Forces, and was discharged recently from service. He died yesterday morning from influenza at the Christchurch Hospital. A private wire from Christchurch states the city is overrun with influenza. and several West Coastei's have fall on victims, two of whom have succumbed. The others are recovering and some (whom the wire states are “well fumigated”), are returning this evening. About eight o’clock on Saturday night a fire occurred at Pnparoa, where, by a cottage belonging to the Coal Company and occupied by Airs Lawrence was completly 'destroyed by fire. A bucket brigade was formed, and after a hard fight saved the adjoinjag house, occupied by Air Matthews which was severely scorched and the windows broken. Airs Lawrence is a heavy loser The origin of the fire is a mystery. When the news of that the armistice had been signed came to hand at 9.40 this morning, the firebell and other Ix-lls rang out a joyous peal. There was a great outburst of feeling and the gathering in front of the “Guardian” office after a round of cheers sang the National Anthem. The town at once closed down for business, including the Post and Telegraph office and the banks. The schools bail already been closed. The day is being observed as a close holiday. The “Guardian” went to press early so as to enable the staff to take part in the celebrations. News was received hist evening of the death of Air Robertßotise, Town Clerk at 'Kumara, which took place at Christchurch yesterday as the result of , influenza. The deceased had gone bver j for Carnival Week and had been struck down by the epidemic. Deceased was a resident, of Hokitika since boyhood, and was for many years on the staff of the Now Zealand Clothing Factory at. Hokitika and Kumara. Subsequently he opened in business in Kumara on bis own account and Inter was appointed Town Clerk at Kumara, a position he has occupied for a number of years. Deceased was unmarried and about 52 years of ago. He leaves a brother, (Mr Thomas Rouse of Ruatapu), and two | sisters. Airs Powell, (Kumara), and Airs McKinnon, (of the North Island. To the relatives will be extended the sympathy of many friends in their bereavement. Tan boots are easily diitied, but this can be quickly sbt over if you use “TAN-OL.” . It cleans, polishes and pre servos. On the best appointed tables you invariably find the best Malt Vinegar— SHARLAND’S. Pure, piquant, palatable. In bulk and bottle at all grocers. When you fit Clincher Tyres to your bicycle, you are protected by a 6 to 15 months’ guarantee, and freedom from annovance. The friendship existing between “No Rubbing” Latindry Help and thrifty housewives is very delightful. _ “No Rubbing” has banished the old backaching nibbing slavery.-—E. J. Lloyd. When you buy garden hose get the best. There’s nothing to equal North British Rubber Company’s brand. Best fabric —best rubber —high quality long service. Be judge and jury and give “NAZOL” a trial. There can he only one verdict— “Absolutely competent to cure colds, influenza, bronchitis and nasal catarrh. No moi’e grinding of teeth with WADE’S WORM FIGS. Price Is 6d. A few of the Bargains being offered at McGruer and Co.’s Great Clearing Sale of R. P. Mackay’s, AVestport stock; Alen’s Natural Merino Vests and Pants i (usually 2/11) now 1/11 each; Mens All-AVool Flannel Unders now 5/11; Men’s Heavy Woollen Sox, 2 pairs for 3/11; Alen’s Black Cashmere Socks, 2 pairs for 2/11; Alen’s li'ish Lawn Handkerchiefs, now 3 for 1/11; Alen s White Silk Handkerchiefs, now 1/11; Alen’s Medium and Heavy Braces, now 1/6; Alen’s All AVool Tweed Trousers, now 15/6; Men’s gaddle Tweed Trousers now 21/-; Boys’ Sport Suits, sizes (i to 1:4, xisunlly 32/6 now 2-5/6. AVrite for Big bargain price list, McGruer and Co., The Spot Cash Drapers, Greymouth.—Advt. Water your garden this summer or you won’t have one. Invest in North British Rubber Company’s garden hose. Best fabric, best rubber. Hardware shops sell it. For pickling, there’s no better A'incgar on the market than SHARLAND’S Brewed from Alalt and Sugar. Free from mineral acid. Sold in bulk and bottle. All grocers.

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