Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, DEC. l3th, 1919. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star SATURDAY, DEC. l3th, 1919. THE WEEK.

Despite the intensity of the political campaign all over tlie Dominion, the most arresting event of the week has been the accomplishment of the aerial flight from England to Australia. The conquest of the air has been one of the marvels of the age, and tlie annihilation of space now demonstrated by the great cross the world flight, is one of the wonders of this won- ! drous age. Captain Ross-iSmitll appears to have boon just tho man for

;he job, and his (landing at Port Dar- r. vin shows him to be an accomplished n iviator. The judgment and precision p hown in the niqety of his landing were h :he factors which helped him to cross p continents and mountain barriers, ocean ? and hostile countries and with the f crowning success he has achieved. What t lie has demonstrated as possible is still v remote from a commercial success so t far as transit is concerned, ibut the a beginning now made means the recoin- l plishment of the most difficult part of i the whole problem—the actual demon- j stration of the possibility. The flight I will herlp to bring Australia and inciden- i tally this country, much nearer the 1 Motherland. It is only a matter of . time when flying stages will be ar- 1 ranged and these cross the world tours j Vvill be brought into th© region of practical events. The accomplishment of the long-distance flights, means that the shorter stages will be the quicker perfected and so a- line of communication will be linked up to cover the complete journey. The enterprise shewn by the British in aerial feats since the war make manifest to what perfection our air forces had reached in i the war, and what a real and perfect in strument the aeroplane is for all kinds of service. Also that the British 'are in the forefront in its practical use.

Irish affairs are coming to the surface again with a rather unpleasant turn. There are some hopes of something being done in the near future to remedy matters. Mr Lloyd George promises as Irish Bill before the Xmas vacation, the measure to be debated after the holiday recess. This is the measure in respect to which some newspaper forecasts have been made, but it is doubtful whether it will satisfy the extremists in Irish matters. A complete solution of Irish troubles satisfactory to all cannot be expected in one hit, bub the country awaits, we are sure, a considerable' measure of selfgovernment to satisfy public opinion generally. The complete separation of Ireland from Britain is not possible for defence reasons—that is manifest at once; but there is no reason why very •Complete autonomy for internal government should not be granted. The scope of this, and the application to the separate parts of Ireland will be the test to the success' of the measure. Those of the nation disposed to take an impartial view of the whole circumstances will be prepared to trust Mr Lloyd Georgs’s judgment in this matter. Perhaps he may not have the decision of the whole trend of the lull but he is certain to have a very influential say in the scope of the measure, and for that reason the bill may be expected to go a generous way towards meeting the.average public sentiments in tbe matter. Perhaps the Dominion of Ireland i s not very remote now, and if the home rule measure will bring peace to the distrouglit country, the advent of the bill the nation is waiting for cannot come too soon. Warlike matters on the European continent have taken a more serious turn of late. Tlie scandal of. the United States dallying with the Pence Treaty 13 accountable for the state of affairs, and America which did not enter the war with any great kudos to herself, . i 3 likely to go out of the war with less credit to her name than the nobility I of the soldiers and sailors who were in action on her behalf deserve. At the moment France and England have to fade Germany alone. They are able to do iso, for Foch the incomparable, is ready for the fray. He will have associated with him General Wilson, the brains of the British Army, and if the French Generalissimo is given a free hand, he will not do his duty by halves. Tlie enemy have been encouraged in their arrogant bearing by the political situations in both America and Italy. In each country the fretful political parties have been more concerned about their own. welfare than that of the nations. Fortunately France knew Germany, and Foch has had the military situation well in hand According to .the Daily Chronicle which evidently speaks from an inspired source, everything is in readiness for the forward movements of the French Army ns reinforced. The Frenchmen would move into Germany as victors and the terms of peace then would he revised and the last state of Germany would be worse than ever. Probably the show of strength will be sufficient' to bring the arrogant Germans to a sense of their responsibility and respect for the scrap of paper they signed at Versailles some little time ago. - The General Election in New Zealand overshadows all other events in the Dominion. Locally there is a very peaceful atmosphere, and the course of events is very tranquil. In other parts of the country, the elections are being conducted very fiercely The interference with tlie liberty of speech is very notable in some of the centres, and apparently the noisy element is drawn from one section of the community only. The Prime Minister (Mr Massey) is a busy man these days and nights ,and lie has not escaped the attentions of the recalcitrants. His experiences are something on a par with those of Sir Joseph Ward just prior to his political eclipse in 1911. Ho had a very rough time during that strenuous campaign, and it appears to he Mr Massey’s turn this time. That there are points of similarity between Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward is of course conceded ,and ““Civis” has forced the following couplet:— “AVard is but a bo-knighted Massey, and Massey’s but a AVard reformed.” ®ut these two master-minds are keenly at it in the fray. Both are confident of success. It would appear that Mr Mas sey’s hope for success lies in the North Island electorates. He has drawn his major strength from that quarter,. just as as the South Island has been substantially Liberal. Mr Massey is carrying the full burden of his party, for all other Ministers appear to be tied up to their own electorates—a fact which indicates how keen is the contest at large and what reason there is for Mr Massey to flit here and there to harden, up his following. Sin Joseph Ward is meeting with a marked measure of recognition on this occasion in both Islands. There aie indications of tho pendulum swinging the other way. In any case tlie country is naturally grateful to Sir Joseph for tlie fine Imperial record lie has and for the genius ho exercised in connection J witli tho finances of this countrp. In I

regard to his Imperial work it would not be unfair to mention the battleship i presented to the Empire by New Zea- . land, an act for which Sir Joseph was ; personally responsible. The gift of the New Zealand Dreadnought was an act for which the Liberal party was put on trial by its political opponents, those with memories long enough will recall the jibes passed upon Sir Joseph AVard s act of statesmanship. They will remember the press criticism embellished as it was with cartoons and extravagant dia grams showing liow the "poor downtrodden working man” was to pay for the dreadnought. In one of our elections of the past, the giftsliip loomed very large and the opponents of the Liberals used every device to discredit the gift. The opponents went to such extra- 1 vagant extremes and they met with a great deal of success, but their success was short-lived. Even when the ship was in being it was manifest at once that New Zealand had done the right thing in the right way, hut when war broke out tho act was justified particu largly because it was done at the right time! H.M.S. New Zealand spoke for herself all through the great war, and spoke in no uncertain sound. Tlie harried Huns know whether the New Zealand giftship was a success or not. History im the making of which our ship played a gallant part, has justified the gift. Ynd what is the point of recal - ing this? Merely to emphasise the foresight and wisdom of Sir Joseph AVard and the Liberal party generally, and to recall where credit is due and to whom honor might bp done now for ser vices well and faithfully performed in the face of disagreeable opposition in the past. Labor’s part in the elections is prominent and necessarily so. There ar several sane Labor candidates seeking re-election and it is'hoped they will succeed. These capable candidates are outlawed from the Extreme or official Labor section, which is going to have a hard fight to. hold its own. The Extreme party are making a good dea of noise, even though they are appealing in their best platform behaviour. In the cities where their chief strengt lies, they are engaged in some ‘Waterloo contests, and doubtless next AVednesda'y will reveal its surprises. Mr Howard Elliott is a free lance, very conspicuous in tilting at all and sundry. He lias had hi* fling against Mr Massev and Sir James Allen, and now at Sir Joseph AVard. Mr Elliott, is one of those compromising men who have their use s no doubt, ‘but to demonstrate their, utility they seem to make themselves a nuisance all round. The noise and dust of the Dominion • campaign is inseparable from a general election These epidemics have to run their course, and when the patient i wakes up on the morning of the 18th ! and finds things as they will be, lie will accept the verdict as it is and wondei > wliy all the fuss and bother has been made. After the election something rilse may come to pass. There are ■ threats of strikes from extreme Labor I candidates. If this be so. it is rather £ I pity that the rest of the community ■ should waste, its strength in the po- , litical campaign, when * more united ■ nnd determined fight will require te , he put up in a. national campaign ii i these extreme )leaders are able to delude them unfortunate supporters tc i set up a universal strike for punislii ment for ousting the disloyal element. ) The price bf flour was increased at i Dunedin on AA’ednesday by 10s per ton, ’ tlie quotation now being £ls per lon. ’ The “Guardian” supplement : ssue< to-day in addition to the usual interest ' ing budget contains “The story mothci ’ tells on Christmas Eve.” | A concert and dance will he held ii the Arahura Rond school on Frida? 1 Doc. 19tli, in aid of the school fund t Admission to concert Is to dance Is.—- . Advt. Tlie rights to the publican’s booth ; at the Hokitika races and trots during i Christmas week, will he sold by nuctioi i’ at the Princess Theatre this afternooi - at 3 o’clock 1 For sale at the Federal Suppe. 5 . Rooms: Cabbages, cherries, lettuce 1' spring onions, rhubarb, new potatoes 3 carrots, turnips and fresh groper.1 Advt. | Air James O’Brien (Labour’s selectee l ’ candidate for AA T estland) speaks at Ros: ’ to-night, at Ruatapu to-mororw morn ‘ ing and at Hokitika on Afondny even B ing. Air P. C. AVebb will speak witl s Mr O’Brien at Ros s anfl Ruatapu. Tlie Paeroa which left on Tuesda; j! night for Okuru. left that port yester day morning at 1.30 o’clock and arriv !" td at Hokitika last evening at 5.30 s Passengers for Hokitika were Alessr g Cuttnnce, (Okuru), and llitcliie, (Brno Bay. Tho steamer is now loading foi [j Okarito and sails on Monday after 1 noon. r Air Seddon finished a brief politica - tour of the Otira line last night with ar » address at Kokiri, and proceeded after i wards to Greymouth where (except foi t Monday night.) lie will remain till poll - ing dap. On Monday night Mr Sed i Jon speaks at Dillmanstown. I Congolcum can bo had at Schroder! 1 who arc also showing the latest hi flats jumper frocks, scarves, curtains, arl ‘ hangings, transfers, jerseys, shirts, col- ‘ lars and ties ! , voile blouses, crepe dr ‘ chine and georgette blouses for the lioli--1 days. It will pay you to visit Schro--1 ders. Inspection invited.—Advt. At a meeting held at Ruatapu or Thursday evening it was resolved tc forward the following telegram to the Minister of Railways, AVellington. “At a meeting of persons at Ruatapu on the 10th inst., the following motion . was i carried, re the fatal accident on Nga- , here railway crossing, that this meet- • ing asks that some attention be given to . tho erection of electric alarm signal bells at railway crossings to warn traffic nnd pedestrians of approach of trains as in the cities. AA r e consider that what is necessary for the city is necessary tor the country communities.”

Stephens have just received a large Assortment of the latest Blouses in 1 Crepe de Chine voile and silk, ail at reasonable prices. The ladies of St Paul’s Methodist Guild have decided to hold their annual sale and Easter Tree early in March, 1 1920. Patrons and helpers kindly note thi s fixture.—Advt. . The Canterbury Education Board is ; r inviting tenders closing on 6tli January tl for the lease of the Greymouth Education Offices Mackay Street for three | 1 years. * The house for boys’ and youths’ clothing for Christmas season is Schroeders’ who are offering at much below b usual prices charged lsewhere. Come v ! and see for yourself.—Advt. - f The amount of stock slaughtered at Greymouth Municipal Abattoirs for the month of November w£ls as follows: Cows 12 (one condemned), bullocks 130, n sheep 617, lambs 65, pigs 1, and calves c 17. The total fees for the month amousted to £99 13b 10d. j An unusual incident occurred at an 1 [ inquest in Christchurch recently. An . | elderly man came forward to give evi- I . iden.ce'of identification. “You knew de- . 'ceased?” the examining officer suggest- < > ed. “I went to school with him.” : . “And when did you last see him alive?” ; - “About 25 years ago. I haven’t seen I 3 him lately.” But the witness identii Bed the body. ’ The Grey District Racing Committee 5 met last evening. The principal business was the granting of licenses. The I following were granted jockeys (licenses: II H. Honor, Nelson; W. R. Hands, Murchison; R..A. Shand, Hokitika. Trainers;—L. E- Reilly, Takaka. Gentlemen riders;—Robert Colvin, Westport; 6 C. H. Harris, Nelson. Apprentice 'joc- " key, M. Kirwan, Greymouth. e Many friends throughout Westland I will hear with regret of the death of a Mrs Pedrazzi, wife of Mr Louis Pe- . drazzi, for many years mine host of d the City Hotel, Ross, which took place . yesterday at Greymouth where she had . '.resided since Sir and Mrs Pedrazzi k left Mawheraiti a few months ago. The •_ deceased was a native of Invercargill, [_ and 54 years of age. She leaves a r family of two song and three daughters, y One daughter, Mrs Mirfin, lives at Taud maamnui, North Island. Great symit, pathy.will be felt'with the husband and d family in their sad ilossj ■t Regarding the sensational happenings o predicted for the 17tli of the present s- month, Mr Clement Wragge the wello known scientist, writes to the Auckland 1. papers : “Anent the configurations and n planets this month, I am no sensation >1 monger. I simply give the mathemntin cal figures, and suggested wliat- might it or might not occur here; an'd what I h have given nut was from a sterling sense II of duty. Thus, nothing whatever may ir occur in New Zealand, and if people n will only use the most common prudf? ence at thi s time there is not the slight'e est need to lose sloop unless to view' the > r \urora Australis, which may or may a not take pie ?p. So God’s Own Oouny try, of which I am iso very proud to ■>- l>? n. citizen may, safely go on its id way and rejoice in a thoroughly sound ■0 and statesmanlike Government.” f Correct Corsets. Every lady knows e ," that a smart well-tailored costume ° must be worn over corsets that mould ’ the figure on fashionable lines. For ' this reason smart dressers should inspect the stylish new model corsets •h now showing at MrGruer’s. The cor- ’• sets are comfortable and absolutely cor- *• rcct. iti style. Call and let us snggest a model on which you smartest frock will set perfectly. McGruer and pr Co., Cash Drapers, Hokitika. —Advt.Kitchen economy demands the use in of SHARLAND’S Baking Powder. , v Costs less than others—gives better recj suits. Your grocer sells it. A point for good housewives. Always use SHARLAND’S Baking Powdor. Costs least; goes, farthest; gives best results. ig • )n When you a-sk for SHARLAND’S m FLUID MAGNESIA don’t take anything “just as good,” but get SIHARLANDS. Best that money can buy. °- r Sufferers from heartburn and sick e ’ headache should take SHARLAND’S s ’ FLUID MAGNESIA. Corrects acidity —gives relief. Agreeable and pure. — -