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Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1919, Page 2

The fact that the German delegates arc now finding their way to Versailles indicates that there is every hope that peace terms will be signed there not later than May week. Tile date chosen for the final act to end the war, has been fixed to coincide with the date on which the peace of Frankfort was signed. The peace of Frankfort was a definitive treaty of peace concluded between the German Empire and France at Frankfort-on-the Main on May 10th., 1871, which ratified the preliminaries of peace adopted at Versailles ou February 26th., 1871. In the present war the preliminaries of peace were dictated by General Foeli and Admiral Weymss early in November last, and the coming act is to confirm what has been done and ratify the conditions for a lasting peace. As to how far the position will lie affected by the Italian situation remains to be seen. On the whole, this break or rift will help rather to accelerate the conclusion of pence. A large question is involved, to the exclusion of many minor questions, which will now be waived, and a modus vivomli will be found vet regarding Finnic. The precipitate action of Mr Wilson in resorting to bis type-writer again, while disconcerting for the time, will we hope be helpful to a more speedy settlement. Franoe and Britain know

| wliat the war has meant in reality and 1 these great Powers as intermediaries with a leaning towards Italy in this crisis will find a solution which will ' satisfy th e Italians. Mr Lloyd George I is a particularly safe man in- the hour of danger and extremity and with him ,! at the helm we are hopeful that all will end to time-table date.

There was a ■considerable amount of motor traffic into South Westland during the Easter holidays. Unfortunately the weather was somewhat impropituous, and motor traffic was more or less seriously interrupted by reason of the swollen river and stream crossings. The experiences accentuate the necessity for pushing on with the bridging of the south rivers as far as the Waiho. The County Chairman’s scheme for the development of South Westland cannot be put into action too soon so far as general traffic is concerned. The town is as much concerned in the development of the south as the local body di. rcc% affected. Hokitika is the centre ' for all south traffic, and the south is, a feeder of this locality. The people should take more than a Dassing interest in the welfare of the South, and the agency to assist southern development is the bridging of rivers. Bridges and more bridges are the immediate requirements of the south, and these conveniences established tbe southern district w.ill rapidly advance. A great volume of traffic is assured as soon through motor traffic is possible and with the assistance proferred by the Westland County Council the Government should be stimulated to push on the necessary public works which present conditions demand. The time is very opportune to press tbe matter, and if the agitation takes the proper course it should . see all the smaller streams bridged by next summer season while the larger works should be provided for and in hand. With veil directed energy two yen'rs should sec the great want of the south practically supplied.