The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, DEC 10th., 1921. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1921, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, DEC 10th., 1921. THE WEEK.

Tjik promise of it new order the saddened political history of Ireland, is the brightest ovent of the week. When the news flashed through that an Irish agreement was reached it surprised the world. This because of the gloomy cable news which had earlier indicated a stalemate in the negotiations. The earlier news however was far short of the mark. The secrecy which hud been so closely observed throughout was well exaniplified by the surprise with which the official announcement was received. Reading the full text of the treaty reached at the conference it is clear that the document could not have been drawn up at a moment’s notice, but that piece by piece the several clauses had been put into shape satisfactory to the contending parties 'till tin' whole structure was ready to spring on r surprised and on the whole a delighted world. The peace that is now in prospect is'comforting for the reason of the ending of a long drawn out feud. It is good news for distressed Ireland, which under the terms, may work out her own destiny as she wills. It is good nows for tho United Kingdom -for what could be better than tlie ending of the feud within her own borders? It is good news for tho Jsin-

))11L. t l u . existence of which is bound up i„ the unity of the component parts. It is good news for the world at huge which has grown to he interested in t i. Irish question from differing points ot view and now realises that complex ; ,S the issues have been, they are possible of settlement.

It will lie mud* to see this vexed question settled by peaceful evolution rather than bloody revolution "Inch was the only otter alternative. The

was itit: w.w —. treaty reads ns a simple expression „f faith and confidence one with the Other, and it is regrettable that it could not have been effectcl long ago by the comparatively simply process ■ which the stress of circumstances fore- 1 ed up those disposed to place country ■ before self. The extremists on both ■ sides will not he satisfied with the treaty. That is a foregone conclusion, and tiiOy are so expressing themselves. But what have they to offer as a peneelnl ! alternative to meet the situation- No--1 tiling but a soul-loss negative, tbe ox- ! pression of which as the final word would mean hateful war! In this so’j celled enlightened age that alternative i is not pleasant to contemplate, and lor | that reason we can well understand • f the patience and forebearanee aith ! which the negotiations have been per- ! sisted in over the long blank weeks , l,y those at the head of affairs. The. ; attitude of the Government through- | nut lias been most praiseworthy, the * members sunk their individual feelings seeking for an honourable way out. 1 and now to both sides we have the : suggestion for peace with honor. To ! achieve such a goal has been possible ’ «uily by the personal intercourse which 1 lias been going on behind the clos- ! ed doors. Vo may not know all the details, but we must have confidence • in those anting on the nation’s behalf and trust them to do the right thing with all the acts before them.

Witn.F. the treaty of peace is not all that everybody desires, it is at least a broad and wo believe a solid basis upon which a lasting superstructure may he reared. It is in tangible form, and in that concrete condition, upon which details may be developed. It is acceptablo ill that light, certainly, and from it should grow we hope wonderful results. No doubt Anglo-American relations will improve as a result of the treaty which is a bona fide guarantee of Britain’s sincerity. Coining at this juncture on the cordial feeling between Britain and America in regard to the disarmament proposals, it is as it were the coping stone to the great edifice of solidarity being erected jointly by tbe nations. The betterment of international relations in this way, is a great gain to the world, and adds enormously to the far-reaching effect of the peace treaty. Also it must have its weight and effect in Egypt and India within the Umpire, as an indication to the recalcitrant spirits in those countries, of the patience and forbearance of Great Britain. The new treaty is a written guarantee of Britain’s desire to promote freedom and tranquility within her dominions. This great achievement will add renown to those statesmen who have been responsible for the material” progress made. Their patience and sincerity of purpose have been well rewarded, for the document now mi record stands not only to their credit, hut produces tangible'proof that complex and difficult as the Irish question was - out of hand in fact—common sense, wise judgment and forbearance have found a way for a peaceful slettlemnt. May it fructify speedily to the assured condition all devoutly hopo for.

Sinck the foregoing was written comes the news that Mr do Valera has rejected the jieaee terms. We are hopeful that this negation will not wreck the promising negotiations. The incident we trust is but a phase of the proceedings ajid is perhaps an illustration. A 1 >o that tlic Irish question will lie with us more or loss prominently always. The outstanding fact is that do Valera’s lieutenants who were accredited to the peace conference, agreed to a definite line of action. Wg await tlie developments following their report to headquarters with hopefulness. Tt is clear from the expression of approval which has been world wide, that a great deal of pressure will be brought on the Irish leaders to accept the terms. The Rope’s approval would not lie prompted spasmodically, hut after full consideration, and if the Church is definitely on tho side of peace then flic position in Ireland will be absolutely assured. At the moment a great responsibility is thrown on the spiritual leaders in Ireland for they may wield enormous powers in moulding opinion. On the other hand if there is to be a split in the opinions of the Irish leaders as de Valera’s attitude would indicate the weakness thereby resulting will cause serious results. We may believe however, that having entered the conference in a serious mood, and reaching the compact which has been reduced to writing and signed, the lieutenants of de Valera are not likely to recede lightly, but will maintain their attitude with that characteristic force which lias hitherto marked their general demeanour on tlie great issues at stake.

lam,and is thus at the parting of the ways. Tf b'Y statesmen and leaders

may not decide, then it is likely the people may detormino a course of ac- 1 tion by a popular vote. The sVing of 1 the pnedulltm throws the whole onus of the position on the southern part of Ireland. Ulster can afford to look on and watch developments. The contro temps which has arisen will, i| it goes its promised length, not permit Irish affairs to be adjusted finally ’before Christmas', The complete settlement , which is liown to lie fully possible ,is | vet in sight, and we hope wiser conn- ( I ~ils will prevail, so that ere the festive , | season is at hand, the affairs of Ireland | j will bo in a fair way to definite set- j i tlem«nt. Tlie world comment shows j ; how delighted the people would he, and if one man, or a section of men, should ’ stand in the way of such a complete : settlement, it will he a situation greatly 1 to "-be deplored. The public feeling outside Ireland which has been worked up ; over the issues would at this juncture welcome the reasonable settlement , which may come to pass under the proposed terms, and a golden opportunity will he lost if the present ehanco. is massed. There is no doubt the terms niav he regarded only as a basis for a settlement and if the right unity is ’ observed and full trust and confidence engendered, tbe outcome will He a 1 widening of the scope of the alliance ’• most satisfactory to all involved. If e the negotiations at this moment are 0 jeopardised, public feeling might qnick- ” lv revolt, and so promising a situation x he lost for ever.

Pari.iamknt completed its study of the , tariff revision this week. The most | important subject touched upon as nff- ; ecting this district, was that relating , to the timber industry in relation to Australasian competition. Parliament was not disposed to give much relief. Mr fjeddon opened an interesting discussion on the subject, which resulted in the pros and cons being well ventilated. The advocates of the timber cause were in the minority, and the Government solid majority refused to grant relief beyond the small measure already included in the tariff rates. The free lances, who supported the Government in the matter were mainly farmers or those representing farming districts. They wanted free trade, greater competition in order that t l, commodity might be cheaper to the consumer. Arguments as to the importance to the industry economically. tbe volume of employment it afforded. and the producers" wages had no effect. The inconsistency of the farmers was pointed out but with no result, and so the New Zealand timber industry on the top of its other trials and tribulations has to face a formidable outside competitor. Before a year goes round tbe result of this will he brought home more forcibly to the people: Unfortunately, this can only come to pass at the 'expense of the industry itself. \ nother item of special interest, related to mining machinery in connection with the dredging operations. It is understood Mr Scddon was more successful in respect to this matter, the advantage of which will appear later as important developments come to pass with the greatly improved mechanical methods now being brought in to successful operation.

At a time when the progress of this country, and of tlie world in general, depends so much on sound economic thought, says the Wellington “Post”, it is of more than passing interest to note that the 1920 Rhodes Scholar. Mr G. G. Aitken. has specialised in economies. Professor Murphy who occupies the Chair of 'Economics at Victoria University College, writes: While I have had students more brilliant than Mr Aitken. I have never had one who was more conscientious or solid in his work, and in view of tlie fact that he has mostly been engaged during the period in question in earning his living unit lias had to devote some considerable time to the athletic work of the college his record is very meritorious. 11 is written work was very good and lie could, given the opportunity, do useful work in the social sciences. New Zealand has specialised in football and w ill need to specialise in social science if she is to fulfil the Seddonian promise; and though there is no apparent connection between the two, they are just the things one might expect to 00-exist in a virile young New Zealander. Mr Aitken is ‘one of the best backs in the world at the present time,” and the Professor “cannot think of any past scholar who, in my judgment, more nearly approaches the ideal aimed at by the founder of the Rhodes Scholarship.’” Of WestCoast origin. AVellingtoniiin hv adoption. the new- Rhodes Scholar may he termed a specimen product of this country and of the mental and physical powers which might be expected to develop in such an environment.