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Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1919, Page 2

Kronstadt is the naval key to Petrograd. Infcidentally it is also, the Gibraltar of the Baltic and it is not clear that the British naval attack has succeeded completely in that quarter. The British naval force although not a large one,' is tenacious, and according to the Home papers is being maintained with that dashing spirit which marked the Navy’s strategy, during the trying period of the Great War. A naval despatch published at Home a few weeks ago gives an insight into the situation? ’ Now that a new stage has been reached in\the operations against Kronstadt, says the despatch, by the sinking of the two Bolshevist battleships and a submarine depot ship, it is admissible to state that the British fleet’s actions have been much wider, than was generally thought. From the moment of the arrival of the RearAdmiral. Sir Walter Cowan’s fleet in the Gulf of Finland destroyers, coastal motor-boats (scooters”), trawlers, and seaplanes have carried on a ceaseless struggle. The first object was to contain the enemy in hi s own minefield and the second to pursue and harrass jhim there, inflicting the maximum moral and physical damage with the mimimum of risk to ourselves. Officers land crews for weeks together have not enjoyed an unbroken night, owing to alarms or irksome patrol duty. All service in the Baltic lias been nmdo exceedingly dangerous by the multitudinous mines. British aeroplanes have raided Kronstadt almost daily, producing a lamentable state of nerve fatigue among the defenders. This culminated in the bombardment 0 f last Thursday resulting in a huge fire. Yesterday’s attacks clinched the matter The fight took place immediately off Kronstadt over the Bolshevist minefield. The motor-boats attacked without the fleet, but supported by three aeroplanes. One of these came down near Styrsudd Lighthouse, but the crew were safely picked up.’ The triumphant flotilla received a great" welcome on returning to the base. It is impossible to overestimate' tha debt of the Baltic Stntes to the small, indefatigable fleet "under Admiral Cowan. But for this fleet the Bolshevist warcraft would have ravaged ftfajqlinayian waters unchecked.

The coming general election will Clause many changes in Parliament. Quite a number of sitting members for instance, are not offering themselves for re-election- The late Mr Colvin had not intended standing and others of a like mind are, Sir William Fraser, Sir John Fipdlay, Mr Payne Mr Poole, ai)d Mr Wilkinson. These are all names prominent in the public mind after many years of active political life, llie quidnuncs are beginning to weigh (the chances of sitting members who wil} seek re-.electiop, and six or seven Reformers three or four Liberals and two op three Labor mem-bes are considered likely to meet defeat at the polls. Mr Massey takes a hopeful view of the political outlook, as also does Sir Joseph Ward who is said to be in great spirits over election prospects. Labor is tooking forward very sanguinely towards polling day fop an accession of strength, so that it may be f.aid all parties are viewing the immediate future with confidence. However polling time invariably carries its surprises and the unexpected happens not infrequently, and the outcome can hardly be to the satisfaction of ajl. The issue is for the people themselves fo determine, and in this connection the best adyjce to offer is to enroll so as to have the opportunity of assisting to solve the political future. There is a task ahead of New Zealand not to be lightly entered upon. The financial problems will he serious and the country requires loyal and tried representatives to help work out the destiny of the Dominion. During next Month (tile political parties will he stumping the country offering their, wafes, and It will ibe for the electors to study the issues carefully and exercise all their wisdom in coming to a decision for their country’s good.