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Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1921, Page 2

As from latest accounts the Dail Eirennn is so equally divided on the acceptance of the proposed Irish treaty it is as well that the final decision was deferred over the holidays. The adjournment will afford a respite which will be useful in allowing the factions to eon over the position in a less conspicuous way. Mr Collins’ action was a wise step under all the circumstances aad it may have very satisfactory results in tlie end. AVith Dail Eireann so much divided any decision would be loss convincing than a pronounced opinion one way or the other. Naturally the members of the Dail Eireann feel a personal responsibility in deciding the issue and they perhaps over-estimate their own importance in the matter. Tt is at the base a peoples’ question, and now that the subject has been debated at some length, no doubt the views expressed will have circulated far and wide. The deputies as they return to their homes in the interim will be able to hear public opinion. The respite is one which, doubtless, will be greatly used to impress those charged with the final responsibility of deciding the issue. It is not improbable that from the numerous pulpits whence the message of Christmas time has been expounded many references to a peaceable settlement will be made. Christmas is the occasion for an expression of peace and goodwill, and now is tlm time to put those ideals into practice. The Church will have a useful opportunity, and as its leaders have already indicated a very conciliatory attitude on the great issue, we may continue to hope for the best in regard to a matter of vital importance to the Empire at large.

Thru holidays are being made the most of—as they wore intended to be. Christmas five i« always the childrens’ night and the young folk paraded the Inuiin street 'in throngs. Business places were crowded, and ex-residents “home for the holidays” indulged in pleasant reunions with old friends. | Christmas Day was heralded in by tbo Municipal Band which made an extended tour of the town, visiting every street and also playing at the hospitals The day itself was overcast and was quietly observed in happy family gatherings and an exchange of visits among friends. The threatening weather broke in the evening, and during the night Jupiter I’luviiis was operating to best effect. The rain gunge showed a rainfall of over four inches for twelve hours. The morning was miserably wet and ominous, and the damp conditions caused Boxing Day to be a fairly close J holiday. For the third time in suecos- I sinn tin- Westland Racing Club had to j postpone the opening day of its meet- j ing owing to tho lain which was hard j luck. The day turned out fairly fine ! overhead. Though the weather was a I- j wavs threatening. Yesterday also ] bridle dull and overcast but pro- ; pnrations for the holiday and the races | went ahead. Tho optimism was well j justified as the day turned out beauti- | fully fine, and in the afternoon quite i seasonable conditions were experienced, j The race meeting was well attended and the gathering passed off very successfully. Tho attendance was large and though the fields were small tho racing was good. The hurdle event • was a splendid race to watch, and some • of the other races were good finishes. ; The sport was well conducted, nothing j occurring to mar tho success of what is evidently a very popular gathering. The three wins recorded by local owners proved very popular. Tho race ( meeting will be brought, to a close fo-

morrow. This, the principal event of the Christinas holidays, is very popular with visitors and tho influx to town for the race meeting has been of the usual dimensions, all places of accommodation being crowded to overflowing. To-day’s weather has proved in keeping with that of Boxing Day. About an inch and a half of rainfall through the night, and with morning, water was everywhere. The heavy rainfall put the race course out of action, and it is quite an unusual circumstance to have the second day’s races postponed. The ocejunronce is unfortunate for tho Racing Club which has a splendid list of acceptances for the second day events. The Cup will be undoubtedly, the race of the meeting. With the promise of fair weather to-morrow the meeting should yet retrieve itself.