THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1921, Page 2

THE WEEK.

Tin: Washington Conference must lie

credited with good work. Its results far exceed the most sanguine expectations of a few short weeks ago. Of special importance is the adjustment of matters affecting the Pacific, tho region in which New Zealand is so vitally interested. For some time past it has been said very plainly that the next great war would rage in the Pacific. America Japan and China were in mixed relations and Britain’s alliance with Japan brought the Empire into the issue also. The progress made with the disarmament negotiations will prevent another great war taking place till the present big treay is dissolved or -broken. It »ne vei v pleasing to see the .Inpauese-Chineso disputes adjusted and to witness the cordial relations between America and Japan. Britain as the neutral friend of tho disputants was naturally delighted with the progress made, and readily fell in with tlie arrangements which were reached, including tho abrogation of the Anglo,Japanese treaty, which under the new alliance became obsolete.

A good deal of satisfaction has been expressed in various quarters that the Anglo-Japanese treaty has been dissolved, but we must bear in mind that its existence has been of paramount importance. Actually it did not receive the test of real practice till the great war came along, but in that hour Japan did not neglect her obligations but took up her part. Now Zealand has occasion to remain grateful to Japan for ready help in time of need. In terms of the treaty England was able to move her battle ships to centres where naval power was more urgently required, and it was in that circumstance that a charge was put upon Japan to assist the Australian Navy in policing the Pacific. The enemy raiders were often close to our shores and the transports had many an anxious time. Valuable work in convoying was carried out by the Japanese warships in these antipodean waters, and on that account New Zealand is under a debt of gratitude for the assistance given when so urgently required.

The broad principle submitted by America for disarmament has been generally adopted by the Conference. Tho details have been varied and the fact that the three leading naval powers, Britain, United States, and Japan have agreed on their ratio, shows that the judgment shown in convening the Conference was well justified. Britain will have 22 ships, United States 18 and Japan 10. Modern ships in course of construction are to he completed, but alternatively, existing battleships are to he scrapped. The details have been worked out no doubt by the naval experts and seeing that general principles are observed, it is well, of course, to leave tile details to those responsible for the operation of the scheme when in working order. There is still the navies of France and Italy to he determined, and no doubt the major situation being settled by he principals, the smaller navies will be capable of adjustment in relative ratio. The fact that so far-reaching an agreement has been arranged suggests that many things are now possible in the hotter international understanding which will now subsist.

A remarkable debate in the Dail Eireann is proceeding on the Irish treaty. The supporters of the treaty have all the better of the argument. The opponents confine themselves to appealing to the passions and prejudices of the people, which the enforcement of the treaty it is hoped will allay. The real differences of opinion are very shadowy, hut if the differences assert themselves to the rejection of the treaty, the consequences will be stern reality. The most concise opinion on the treaty is that given in the remarks of Mr Duggan who said: “With the fullest consciousness of my responsiilbities to the Dail Eirenim to the living and to the dead, t stand by my signature.” In that declaration there is no excuse or palliation. It is a simple realisation of the facts and the sound reasoning of a sane mind. Much eloquence by some of the speakers is of the fireworks order, but none of it seems reason enough for continuing a bloody rebellion which will call for and will demand rigorous treatment. Ireland will be expected to save herself

from such dire consequences and begin > the new year with a bright and hopeful new era. Parliament adjoiAned this week. The ' adjournment however, covers only tho : holidays. When resumption takes place, the expenditure oi £1 a minute , to “run” the House will be incurred j again. The Premier if bent on conserving and reducing expenditure might well have brought the sesssion to a close before the holidays. At no stage was Parliament working at high pressure, but Mr Massey is rather Mi-cawber-liko in his methods, and per- , haps something may turn up later i which will enable him to bring the session to a more pleasing finish. 0 the other hand, circumstances might point the other way, and then there might he some virtue in having Purlin-, meat in session. The general election is now within measurable distance, and it is conceivable that the leader of the | House must move warily. The Finance Bill indicates the pressure which is being brought upon Government to relieve taxation in regard to land and I incomes and so there is the crumb of comfort in the rebates offered for prompt payment of the taxes —the relieved burden being passed on to the sporting public.

The meat pool is said to be the last desperate attempt to save the meat industry of the Dominion from serious effects. It means more Government

control which will be more expense to the country. Sonic will benefit and others will suffer and it is just a qucßtion of how the average effect will work out. Mr Massey keeps up his cheerfulness, notwithstanding these bcrious aspects of trade, yet it would he better almost, if the country realised more intimately just what the general financial position was. We all believe in tho future of country and can afford to ho optimistic about it, but behind that feeling works are necessary to help realise the hopes for the future. The decline in prices for primary products is a serious matter, restricting export values, and reducing the amount available for expenditure. There will be delay in these prices recovering, and a stringency is inevitable meantime. Greater production will help to solve the position, and there must be more self-reliance. The country cannot go on as at present always helping the helpless.

The holidays are with us. and for a brief period business cares will be put. aside, and pleasure and jollity wiU hold sway. Tho success of the holiday season will be controlled by the weather. If the weather turns out as good as is Imped, no doubt all the outdoor functions, including picnic, gatherings, will pass oil' very happily. There is every icasun to expect the volume of business and traffic to he well up to the average in this district. There will he n large 'nflux of visitors, including Ihe walking party of the Y.M.C.A. Those visitors in particular, which represent a special delegation, will no doubt he received cordially oil all sides. The partywill lie comprised of healthy young men out for normal enjoyment, and in search of knowledge of this new territory so soon to be more closely allied with Canterbury. It is hoped for the sake of the visitors in particular, that good weather will prevail, and nothing will mar their enjoyment. The success of the tour will redound to the credit and future advantage of West-laud.