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Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1919, Page 2

Both Mr Massey aiul Sir Joseph Ward appear to be returning in rather a pessimistic mood as regards the outlook of tlio world, following on pence. Whether they arc not on very good terms with themselves, or are suffering from a had crossing of the Atlantic, is not clear; bnt their public utterances are not very comforting—in the light that they have just raced away from a

Peace Conference. Their remarks suggest a good deal of international distrust. In pre-war days that distrust was rather rampant. A common cause and a common danger brought many of the nations closer together, and we shall be surprised to find if that intimate intercourse lias not brought the 'Allies very much closer together and that

there is in the high places of the na_ tions concerned, a much clearer understanding of the character of each other. The League of Nations is being scoffed at, but surely such a general alliance can do better than the individual na- , tions attempted to do in pre-war times. I In this century young as it is, we had 1 before the Great War, the South African ' War, the Russo- Japanese war, the ! Turko-Italian war and two Balkan ! wars. Surely, the League of Nations can improve of this record, If Britain, ; France and the United States stand j together, irrespective of the other great 'nations such as Italy and Japan, ccr- ; tainly such a triple alliance can work j wonders to secure the world 5 s peace. ! The League of Nations is capable of ; great achievements if it is given a j fair opportunity, but that opportunity i will not he at hand if our own statesmen are in a pessimistic mood at the outset and are not disposed to put any trust .in neighbouring nations even though their signatures are appended ,to the League Covenant

Fite arrival of peace .times enforces on Britain the need of giving Ireland political peace. In the ordinary course Ireland is to have Home Rule within six Hionths of the ending of the war. That is the law. It is now the duty to prepare the constitution and duly enforce it. But this is written much easier than it can be done, for Ireland itself is torn asunder by the conflicting forces directed from Ulster .and the Sinn Fein party. ■ The British statesmen must have the matter closely in mind. Ireland’s sad plight to-day cannot be ignored by anyone claiming any degree of statesmanship. Rebellion is almost on the verge of breaking out, and disloyalty is rampant. It is not for the good of the distressful country, for the United Kingdom itself, or for the Empire at large, that these condition should prevail. It has to be remembered that for long years British statesmen have endeavoured to grappic with the situation, and produce a constitution to meet the rival views of North v. South. But the generous at. tempt has been unavailing, and the discontent lias increased rather than otherwise. It is, therefore, ‘ not for the want of trying for even the last Irish Commission was compose essentially of Irish parties who failed to agree among themselves as to some middle course to meet the unique position. Very soon now a decision must be reached, and the frequent references to the matter in the cables suggest that the subject is.having once again intimate consideration. If peace, of a truly national character could he brought to Ireland at this juncture it would be a pleasing result indeed, second, only in importance to tlie great international peace now being celebrated.