The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, MAY 23rd, 1921. CORDIALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, MAY 23rd, 1921. CORDIALITY

The post-prandial speeches at the Pilgrims Club gathering in London (reported in Saturday’s cable news) w<‘.*most heartening. The. principal peukers were the British Prime Minister (Mr l.lovd George) and the American Ambassador to England (Colonel Harv •>■). The former was the spokesman of the Empire, and the latter the spokesman of the United States. The cordiality of the speeches was remarkable, betokening a most intimate, it unwritten alliance between the two peoples. And, why not? They are of the same stock and race ; the same speech, and largely are they of the same national ideals. The ground is well tilled indeed, and the intimacy might grow into a fullfruited alliance of the greatest import to all civilisation. Mr Llovd George did not hide his feelings at the pleasure it gave him to see America reenter the Councils of the Allies. Since the temporary defection of the United States, it is possible to conceive that individually the whole burden of decision in regard to the European settlement had fallen on the shoulders of our Prime Minister. It will indeed he a relief for him to turn to someone who can view the European situation as one apart - impartially and so liefp Britain to do as she lias been striving to do in these difficult months—the right thing in the right way. Mr. Llovd George’s intimacy with the questions has enabled him to put his finger on the whole trouble of Europe-r-the resurrection of ancient feuds, when it ; possible to seek national revenge through some new channel He has seen this objectionable spirit displayed over and over again, France s haste for revenge has preoipitate.il the Anglo French dispute, and Mr Lloyd George has had to liear the full brunt of the French anger. Yet is there any man living to whom France should he more beholden for individual effort to save their country?' Mr Lloyd

George was the .one man with singleness of purpose who was able' in the hour of greatest crisis in the war to supply the means chiefly lacking to save the situation—and this individual action applied alike to men, money, and munitions. But those services are all ignored—they cannot be forgotten—by the French press, except the “oanions” which very sensibly said the present is no time for quarrelling, hut for France and Britain to finish their task in the best of humort. That is hut one example an outstanding one—of where the ancient feuds and frenzy for revenge will lead an otherwise greatly brave and ( hirageous nation. It is conceivable Mr T.l oyd George had France more in mind than Poland, or the Balkan States, or the other Eastern countries, and we can readily understand why he wanted “America to hcln us out.” Col- ( ue! Harvey (who exercises great influence <>n American opinion) in his replv went the whole length in declaring the President’s view namely “that the United States must play a full part- in promoting world peace.'” Them he ■'•Pled, these memorable words v. l -'

the cablegram very properly quotes: “America stands ready to work with Britain, because it is to the advantage of both to do so, He would fail miserably in his mission and disappoint President Herding if he did not strengthen

the existing bonds of friendship and mutual helpfulness, so that hereafter both Governments would instinctively approach all the world problems from the same angle, as' being of common and inseparable concern. This is cordial indeed, and nothing could be bore gratifying than this whole-hearted expression of outspoken sentiments which so well would befit the foundation for a genuine Anglo-American alliance of enduring purpose.

Duiuno this week collecting will go on for the School War Memorial. It is a worthy object—for we may ask with the poet of the past—“ When can the glory of service rendered fade?’’ It will be stimulating for all time to have in the school grounds here, a striking memorial which will be regarded for what if is intended to be—a reminder of the service and sacrifice of those, who casting all else aside in the hour ol danger, crossed the seas to the other side of the world to uphold our liberties and the integrity of our nation. It was a. great thing to do. We praised it and lauded it at the time; but in these comparatively peaceful times unfraught by enemy danger, the past is easily overlooked, and temporarily forgotten. The local school lias been going on now for over forty years turning out scholars—fitting men and women for the battle of life. It will go on for many decades more doing the same useful work. We know that of the past scholars a fine array went forth to war, not counting the personal cost, hut knowing the national value of their services. That was a fine spirit to cultivate, and it having l>een demonstrated so brilliantly deserves the fullest recognition. It is well that the memorial is not to he utilitarian—something to lie made a convenience of. Such a me-

morial would be quite out of place as a proper recognition of the services given. The memorial is to stand out in the school grounds an ornament and a reminder of the deeds it commemorates and will be a privilege for scholars and ex-scholars for friends of the school and all interested to contribute to such a memorial.

Thk spontaneous tribute paid to the scenic and other natural attractions of South Westland by the President of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, is confirmatory of course of many similar statements which have gone liefore. There is undoubtedly ;i great wealth of natural wonder to feast upon in the •south district, and the pity is that it is not more readily accessible. The greatwant. of course, is the bridges over the southern rivers which so often hold up or otherwise delay traffic, as well as being always a source of uncertainty when considering running time. The advocacy for the bridges from an outside source at this juncture should he useful to the Westland Chamber of Commerce, which has the matter in hand, and the oast 1 for immediate attention on the part of the Government should be strengthened very materially bv the unlooked for, hut all the more acceptable support from Auckland. Indeed the interest evinced by the Auckland visitor in onr wants and requirements is a most pleasing feature, and indicates that the bond of sympathy between the Chamber of Commerce, is something more than being purely domestic and locally commercial. There is in mind the welfare of the Dominion as a whole and the need there is for widespread development. What is most cheering to us in the letter we published on Saturday was the reference to the extension of th railway south. Here is an expjerieneed and responsible visitor from the North Island advocating the extension of the southern railway! Wo hope our own folk will take u» the request now in earnest and begin an agitation to bring about so desirable a result as the pushing of the railway into the south district.