STEAD’S

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1921, Page 1

STEAD’S

The latest number of Stead’s (Feb. sth., !>d) is a. most interesting one. It is crammed with information on all manner of subjects given in the form of a “Catechism on Current Events, and under the heading of “Things We Ought to Know.” There are many special articles, amongst others one hv Henry Stead, the last of three dealing with the urgent need for the reform of the lunacy laws of the various Australian States. In the present article he tolls of things that can happen within the walls of a madhouse. A short sketch of the Earl of Reading tells of the extraordinary career of the Jew Barrister, Rufus Isaacs, who has been appointed ruler of India. The other “Man of Mark,” is Vladimir Lenin, the head of the Soviet Government of Russia. It is written by Maxim Gorky the famous novelist. Russia is also the topic of a long review of Mr H. N. Braiisford’s account of his experiences during a couple of months’ stay in that country. He returned convinced that under the Bolsheviks the Rushan people were far better off than under the Tsar. Mr Stead writing on

the European situation before the close of the Paris Conference shows how the rival policies of England, France, and Italy, make for disruption, but foretells a compromise arrangement which will further postpone a definite settlement. He was wrong in assuming that unanimity would not be reached, but the solution arrived at instead of settling European difficulties accentuates them, and is largely a camouflage arrangement which cannot be enforced. Re describes how, under the terms of the Peace Treaty, the indemnity is to be paid, not in cash or goods, but in gold mark bearer bonds which have many years currency, and would have to be cashed in the open market far l>olow par. Readers of Stead’s are certainly kept, very well informed concorning what is happening in the world.