Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1918, Page 2

It would appear to be quite the right and proper thing for President "Wilson to appear at the Peace Table. No doubt the French President (M. Poincaire) will have the honour of presiding on such an occasion, hut if he should he supported on the right by Mr Lloyd George and on the left by Mr Wilson, the “head” of the Peace Table will he a very strong trinity. The United States was late in entering the fray. It took a good deal to arouso the war-like spirit. But- once (he nation was roused there was no doubt about the thoroughness of its methods. America strained to its utmost to do its part, once fairly in the fray, and Mr Wilson with magician--1 ike- rule seemed to urge the people on to greater and greater effort. There was no sign of relaxation till victory was accomplished, and it is well-known now by the ready response the United States made to the appeal for help, that the victory "was hastened and made possible by the pouring help given when the call was made. Mr "Wilson was resolute in liis determination, and was a guiding factor in'the wonderful achievement put up. It is very proper therefore to have him present when the scheme for the future of the world’s pence is planned and designed. Mr "Wilson has his own ideas, outlined in certain notable points. Necessarily they are not the 'last word on the matter. They aro open to revision and amendment. At least they supply a basis for discussion, and an excellent basis they are. For the full and free interpretation of the bare points Mr Wilson's presence is certainly essential and it would lie deplorable under all the circumstances were he not present. The Peace Conference promises to be a most momentous occasion in the world’s history and a Great, power such as the United Statos should hav«, the fullest representation on such an occasion.

XIIE decision, to proceed with the usual holiday functions joe- My, jn tae event of the removal uf the present ban against sport and nice meetings is a wise one. 'Fhe midsummer holidays afford tho most suitable time of the year for outside recreation, and the period of tho holidays usually fits in with the range of events provided for the public ontcrtaiinment. Thereafter the community settles down to business and to work, and trade and industry have a clear uninterrupted run. The unfortunate circumstances which have been so upsetting as regards public and private movements aro to be deplored from every point of view. It is a good thing that the untoward position is passing and thero every hope that before Christinas is upon us, the strain of the situation will be gone completely, and matters will he hack to normal. ’llie visitation following on the heels of tli 0 cessation of hostilities was most unfortunate, as otherwise with the end of the war achieved, the festive season would have been an occasion for great rejoicing and happy reunion. However, the sad side is passing and it will be a. relief to turn to a- brighter side and look forward to the holiday crowds gathering and taking what enjoyment they can out of life. Apropos of the holiday season, and of using it to some local advantage, it would appear that Boxing Day will be a vacant holiday here. Tlie occasion might be suitable for tho St; John’s organisation to organise a gala day on Ca6s Square with a children’s fete as a benefit for the proposed motor ambulance, which the community is making up its mind should be obtained forthwith. If taken up the idea could be turned to much financial effect and thus serve a doublebarreled purpose.