‘Happy Peace Conditions” if

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1921, Page 1

‘Happy Peace Conditions” if

LONDON, March 12 The Prince of Wales, in a speech at Glasgow, said: —

“Glasgow has always been a great hive of industry, and she has indeed kept up her reputation. Last year a third of the vessels built in the United Kingdom were constructed on the Clyde, and the present tonnage under construction constitutes a ‘record.’ This Empire of ours cannot exist without industry, and Glasgow has always . stood for industry, and stands for industry now, as is shown by the splendid effort she is making. I want to see all those who have made Glasgow what she is, the second city of the Empire—(cheers) —and to congratulate them on what they did in the war, what they have done since, and what they are doing now. The position of second city of tlu' Empire is a very exalted one. and one you may well he proud of. But an exalted position involves great responsibilities, because the occupant of an exalted position is looked up to for a lead and setting of an example. “What are we all striving for to-day ? For five years we were heavily engaged in the greatest war the world has ever known. We are now trying to get hack to what is described as ‘peace conditions.’ These two words, ‘peace conditions,’ affect every man and every woman, whatever their calling. These ■two words also involve many problems and difficulties which we all know only too well, and T think and I know that what we are really ultimately striving ■for is to prefix these two words with the word ‘happy.’ Now, we cannot have happy peace conditions until all sections of the community arc satisfied—(cheers) —and we can never all be satisfied until we really see each other’s point of view. If we can do this, and if we can give and "take sufficiently, there are no difficulties that cannot he overcome. (Cheers). Wo must not he too impatient. It cannot all be done in a hurry, but in my humble opinion, and it is the opinion shared by all right-thinking Britishers, there is hurry for one thing, and the need for it is urgent. The present horrible epidemic of unemployment and the tragedy of the suffering that it brings in its train worries me a great deal. It j upsets me particularly when I know that it affects thousands of our ex-Ser-vice men who have fought for theii country and thousands of men who have worked at home for victory. 1 want you. my Lord Provost, to assure them that 1 am ever thinking of them m their trouble, that my most earnest hope is that conditions may soon improve, and bring them very much better times. But tho whole Empire is going through the same strain, and it is only natural that the whole Empire is looking to her great cities for a way out. 1 am sure that Glasgow cannot | only help to find n way out, but 'rill | show one.” (Cheers). t