hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28th, 1918. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1918, Page 2

hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28th, 1918. THE WEEK.

Tim week lias been divided in two by the pleasant visitation of tlic Christians holidays. Nature returned to normal again and the weather was genially seasonable bright sunshine in the days, cool, starlit evenings. The weather and the folk appeared to make the most of it. Although there were no public gatherings arranged, by common consent, private picnics were held in great number and the holiday resorts were liberally patronised. The train service has not quite got back to the holiday gait yet,' with tho result that Lane Maliinapua was cut out of tho day’s possible itinerary; also as if to mako up for lost time the railways are still charging ordinary war fares, and excursion ’-atis were conspicuous by their absence. These are trifles which have to bo , ndured in these days when the public must be prepared to pay, pay all tlie time. The festive season was observed as a close holiday by all business people, It was cabled from Great Britain and Australia that even t.hc newspapers were observing special holiday for two days in succession. Tho banks in this country took a more liberal holiday still, all of which suggests that the public have a very relieved mind, and are prepared to take their pleasures more gladly. It is well to oe able to open one’s newspaper without -columns of war news presenting themselves for anxious perusal, or a lengthy casualty list to be conned over. Just as the weather has got back to normal, so matters of life and daily routine aro again returning to those every-day conditions, and business as usual will be pursued henceforth as m the days of yore. It it a remarkable fact that more comment on President Wilson's big navy scheme and his general attitude at the coming Peace Congress is causing greater public discussion in United States than in Great Britain. li the newspapers or public men in Great Britain are saying anything, the cable is discreetly silent on 'the matter. In addition President Wilson, himself, lias become as the Sphinx and is not be heard in explanation or extenuation of his briefly expressed views and points. On the contrary, the representatives of tne Republican party in the United States are by no means silent. Senator Lodge bitterly attacked the President in the genate in regard to the basic principles of the now celebrated fourteen points. By the late elections in the United States, the Republicans secured the majority in Congress ,where hitherto the Democrats in sympathy with President Wilson held sway. Senator Lodge is the accredited leader of the Republican Party, and as such exercises considerable influence. In traversing tho President’s attitude lie began by throwing out the reminder iliat the United States Congress had some power in ratifying treaties, the obvious intent of which was tho veiled intimation that if anything objectionable apl pearod in the Peace Treaty, Congress would not be disposed to ratify it! Air Lodge holds strong views on the League of Nations, which he says rightly must be a matter for subsequent consideration after peace is concluded. Tho two matters are something apart It is' evident Senator Lodge holds a strong position and is able to express himself clearly and kindly. He will exercise naturally a great influence over the peace overtures, though not present at the Conference in person. President Wilson’s tour of devastated Franco cannot do other than enlighten him very fully as to the methods of the gentle Hun. From this influence much may lie expected. The President seems to take a delight in cryptic utterances. There were many of them expressed prior to the entry of the United States into tho war. President Wilson has now crossed to England, where he is the guest of the King, and the warmth of his welcome will iudicato the reality of the fusion possible among the English-speaking nations. Thorein lies the hope for future peace, and the unwritten bond of a lasting league to enforce peace. The sentimental tic while held the Empire together for so long, will be no less binding when applied to allied countries of similar aims and aspirations. There is so much in Ammon between Great Britain and the United States in race and nationality that it will find true expression in tho real bond of union fostered by tho war. Tho meeting of King George and President Wilson, tfie representatives of the great democracies of tho world, is an event of, tho highest vuportance tending to influence the future All through the war our King

lias demeaned himself as a worthy leader of the nation and has said very happily the right tiling at the right time. Di pleasant intercourse ono. with the other these two leaders of great nations will find a basis for a common understanding which will count for all that is best in the future. Their commonscnsc will provide the solution for any of those national misconceptions which will have existed hitherto to tlie detriment, of a proper understanding, and from henceforth a better un- | dorstanding is sure to prevail. . j lx the same way a better understanding has grown up between Great Britain and France out of the war. Franco knows now how England may be trusted and France will readily agree to meet the British wishes at the l’eaer Congress in any way possible. Britain’s help came with all haste and speed when most urgently required. 1* l anee knows iu reality more intimately what was the sacrifice made for her preservation by Britain, than we in he.se distant pant can at all comprehend In considering the future, we must realise that Britain and Franco arc now bound intimately together by the bonds of sacrifice which render the union and understanding inseparable. Great ns were 'the timely services rendered o.V tlie United States they cannot override what was done by our nation it the call for help on the outbreak of war and this long and sustained sacrifice on the part of Britain, France will feel it impossible to repay. Above all it has encouraged the fullest confidence between the two nations and- this unity of thought and action means everything for tho future peace of Europe. In consort with the United States, Great Britain, and France will be a tower of strength to secure the peace of the world, and it is inconceivable that nations which have for so long been so closoly allied to overcome impending disaster, should in tlio moment of ompiete victory fall out among them series over details of a settlement. Tho loaders know what the issues were and what sacrifices were demanded. The prize won at so great a national cost, is not going to be lightly lost foi any I,w owy differences of opinions on minor tetails which do not govern the great main issue they fought and bled for.

Tun battleship New Zealand has been ] one of tlie lucky ships of the Biitish Navv and in addition to being in all available scraps on the high seas, is now being used for show purposes. Last week our gift ship was honoured oy being assigned the duty of carrying Queen Aland of Norway to England. Her Majesty was a daughter of the late King Edward the Peacemaker, and the duration of the war, has kept, no doubt, Queen Maud apart from her mother, Queen Alexandra, and her brother King George. A family reunion appears to haveriieen arranged at tho earliest possible moment ,and for safety, the New Zealand battleship was selected to cross the heavily mined North Sea with its queenly passenger. It is now announced that the battleship is to be utilised for Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s visit to Australia to advise on future naval activities in the Pacific. No doubt tho visit will be extended to New Zealand itself to give the folk of the Dominion another peep at the ship which has brought so much pride to the country, but which in the giving brought so much obloquy upon Sir Joseph Ward. There is a very different feeling abroad now about the gift dreadnought, and such a visit would bo some little requittal for the paiu caused to tho exPremier when his patriotic move was criticised so caustically by his political opponents. It would be inspiring also to get a glimpse of Admiral Jellicoc who is a tvpical representative of those splendid men who kept the high seas for the Allies while tlie rigors of war last-

It is pleasing to. read that the provision of bridges for the main south road is “receiving attention.” This sounds rather better than being “steadily in view” or “under consideration. _ In fact now that tho war is over, it is to bo hoped that the attention leccived, will develop into something quito pi actual. There is urgent need for the bridges if the southern district is not to lose tho advertisement it has received already. The danger of the situation lies in the fact that at some of the principal river crossings where bridges are lacking, horso traction is not now readily procurable for the assistance of motor traffic. This lack of facility to negotiate the streams is in danger ol cutting off all but the most urgent motor traffic. The average touring car will avoid the south run when it • becomes known that the principal streams arc without available horse traction. It seems very much to bo deplored, that after providing an excellent highway through fine scenic country, the traffic is to be imperilled by the want of efficient means to cross the rivers. l ie question should he taken up by tlie local bodies and all interested as one of great urgency. The authorities should bo urged and if need be assisted to build the requisite bridges as speedily as possible, and meantime provision should bo made for subsidised horse ferries at the principal river crossings cn the main South road. There seems a lack of local enterprise about the matter, and as this will lead . to the serious interruption of tho growing traffic; the obvious tiling to do is to try and supply tho deficiency with a sudsidy to encourage the local enterprise. The nows that Captain Seddon, the member for the district, is returning from service abroad shortly, will be welcomed on all sides. Since being released from the line iu France, Captain Seddon has had a unique experience in addressing multitudes in the United States, and the knowledge he has gathered in this important war servico will have given him a very ripe experience of public life. Indeed, one of tlio lately returned Press delegates who met Capt- Seddon in the United States, was surprised to find the young Now Zealander so much changed. In his actual war experiences, besides an accidental but painful injury to a knee Captain Seddon was gassed. Othorwiso lie will return in a sound condition, and we hope he will be able to take up tho battle for his constituents. During his absence the Westland electorate has been left very much to itsolf, and there is much leeway to make lip. Captain Seddon will have a busy time ahead of him for a period in'endeavouring to get Ministers to make good pre-war promises to Westland. Someone is needed to take up actively the future of tlio Otira tunnel, and end tho drift which is going on still. Other district requirements will need special attention. Above all, there will be work for Captain Soddon in seeing to the fortunes of his comrades —the returned soldiers. The case of those in Westland require to be brought under tho notice of tlio Government in no uncertain way. Captain Seddon has all the qualities and tho kuowledgo necessary to put up a good - fight for the boys, and be is sure to do so. Apart from the pleasure of wel-

coming him back for his own sake and worth, he will be urgently needed for work here, thus making his return , doubly welcome. Mrs Heslan aud family insert a ftotico of thanks in this issuo. The Hokitika Municipal Band announce they will hold a dance in the Supreme Hall on race nights. Un the beach at Oanui, near Opunake, on Thursday, a German mine and a lifebuoy were picked up. The Canterbury Education Board directs attention to tho remuneration for junior teachers and probationers under the new, regulations. The Public Works Department is inviting applications for positions as ! draughting cadets, receivable up to j 29th Janaurv. The Matron of the Menial Hospital in this issue thanks all do. urs ;or gifts in connection with the Christmas tree for the patients. Racehorses arriving in iGreymouth yesterday included Ladify, Toddy, Merton, Rosevoar, Tip Up, Recorder, Tunic aiul-Bed Pool. - Mrs Lyons of Stafford has been advised that her third son, Lionel who went away with the 17th Reinforcements is due back in New Zealand on 11 til January. An old man named Thomas Dawson, a resident of Kumara for many years, died at the Old Men’s Homo on Saturday evening last. At the time of his death deceased was 70 years of age. The Hokitika Municipal Band, following the old custom, will visit- tho Westland Hospital to-morrow, weather permitting, and will render a programme of carols and other music. A welcome homo social will be tendered to Private .H Wells in the Public Hall Rinni on Monday, 30th Due. Admission Is. All returned soldiers cordially invited.—Advt. Mr. 0. E. Bowling, acting-registrar of tho Supreme Court at Auckland, has been appointed assistant solicitor to the Public Trust Office. He will take up his new duties after the new year holidays. At Denniston on Tuesday evening, Mr. James Kelly, son of Mr. Patrick Kelly of Karamea, passed away at the early ago of 22 years. Death was due to tho prevailing epidemic. Deceased had been in Denniston practically all

his life. McLean’s Pictures last evening showed to a crowded house when the -tar feature was a fine drama “The Eternal Mother” with Ethel Barrymore as the star. The “Great Secret’’ serial continued its mystifying course. Mr A. D. Macfarlane, chief clerk m the Lands Office at Nelson and formerly of Hokitika has received notice ui his transfer to Palmerston North, wh we lie will open a branch of. the Public Trust Office. Mr Macfarlane will take up his new duties on February Ist. The President of the Westland Racing Club is in receipt of the following telegram from the Minister Internal Affairs: “Thanks for invitation to summer meeting. Regret 1 am unable to be present. I wish you a successful meeting. Compliments of the season to yourself and all friends.—(Signed) G. W. Russell.” The death of Mr. Hartog, ' general manager and attorney for the Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand Limited, also the Progress and lllaekwater Companies, took place on Wednesday evening, at Reefton, from pneumonic influenza. About a week ago, Mr. and Mrs Hartog and child were attacked by the dread disease. A steward named Thomas Parry, employed by the Union Steamship Company, was arrested by Detective Carney at Wellington on Monday on a charge- of stealing a diamond ring, valued at £l2O, the property of Mr. John Collins, of Dunedin, on November 3rd. The ring was discovered as the result of a search through Perry’s belongings at Ids shore lodgings. The death took place at the Westport Hospital on Tuesday at 4 p.m. cf Mr. Henry Curtis, eldest son of Mr. and •Mrs H Curtis, of Peel Street, Westport. Ho died of influenza following on rheumatic fever, oil the anniversary of_his birthday in his 36th year. For a number of years he was engaged as operator mechanic at Mr. W. B. Cadgow’s picture palace. Deceased was born near Lvell, on the Duller river, and reside in Westport practically all his life. “Even though the next general elect ion takes place during tho coming year, there is now not a little speculation as to the prospective candidates for tho Wairau seat',” says the “Marlborough Express.” Various names have been on the public tongue from time to time, but as yet tho majority of them are shrouded in uncertainty. Hearing from a reliable source that- Councillor B. J. Cooke is going to oppose Mr. R. McCallum. M.P., at the next election contest, an “Express” representative sought confirmation of this report. Mr. Cooke stated that, in response to many repeated requests, he had definitely decided to contest the scat.” By tlie recent English mail Mr. James W. Thomson, of Okarito, received some particulars of tho injuries received by li is son George, who was reported wounded in the late fighting on the western front. The letter which conveyed the information was written by a Captain Walker, who is himself aii inmate of the military hospital where Private Thomson is under treatment, occupying an adjoining, bed. Captain Walker states tha t Thomson was wounded in both legs above the elbow. The bullet passed through both arms, the left receiving the worst injuries- At the time of writing good progress was being made by the patient who was out of danger. It was hoped lie would be able to leave hospital in about two months’ time. The injuries received were such that for the time being Thomson could not write home, and Captain Walker very kindly performed this service for his comrade, an act greatly appreciated by the parents who had been without news of their son or of his injuries for several weeks, though the Defence authorities had been asked for the information. And no matter how dirty the clothes aro “No Rubbing” works like magic in. clearing out the dirt and germs. Is packet sufficient for seven washings. Paterson, Michel and Co. Cyclists! Clincher Tyres will give you the most freedom from tiotiblos and will save your pocket by their extra service. Any cycle dealer supplies them. Guaranteed six, nine, twelve and fifteen months. Tho. Christmas shopping centre of the West Coast. Greatest variety and largest stocks of novelty gift goods. All goods marked in plain figures at bedrock cash prices. We do not cliarire i fancy Xmas prices. Write for big discriptivo price list of gift goods. Abso- ‘ i u te guarantee of satisfaction or money ■ refunded. We pay the postage. The essence of our success is the great value j -,ve give. McGruer and Co. Cash Draj pers. Groymout-h.—Advt.