Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1922, Page 2

Since the foregoing was written the rather pleasing news has come through that the actual fusion has been brought about between the elements, the progressive political ideas of which are likely to work towards a common goal. The name finally selected is rather long drawn out, though it might finally boil itself down to the single word “Progressive.” Actually there is no ocacsion for this. There is no need to be ashamed of the old title “Liberal” which conveys so much. It was politic, perhaps, for the other party to dt«p the cognomen of “Conservative” and subsequently “National Association”, but there was no inherent necessity for the “Liberals” to lose the marked political identity conveyed by that long established name. Still the term “Progressive” conveys the uplifting idea of the Liberal policy which, it is hoped, will be practiced under the new nomenclature. The personnel of the executive of the party suggests the reality of the fusion. Messrs Stntham and Veitch represent important elements outside the old political party. Messrs Forbes and gidey are stalwarts of the old party itself. Mr Masters is one of tho newer Liberal party, and Mr N'gnta is a brilliant representative lof the Native race. There is no one within Parliament at the moment to seriously dispute the leadership with Mr Wilford. It remains to be .seen if he will draw all the Liberals to him. Messrs Vigor Brown, Witty, Hanan, McCallum have had differences with their party about the leadership, and it remains to be seen if they will become reconciled to the new regime or elect to plough a lone political furrow. It is not unlikely that in the end the new party will number about 24, and if in a reasonably aggressive spirit that strength can be exerted with good effect even though they are a minority in the present House.

At the meeting of the Beautifying Association this week, the Hon. H. L, Michel put forward a very practical suggestion for the effective upkeep of the more important reserves of the town. It was in the direction of appointing a gardening caretaker, whose duty it would be to keep Gass Square, Mncandrew Square and the public monuments in proper order. It would appear that the funds of the Association are strong enough to meet half the cost of the proposed work, and the suggestion is that the Borough Council might provide the remainder of the cost It is a. very practical way of doing an obvious duty, and the rate payers will get very good value for the expenditure in the improved outlook, and the enhanced condition of the public grounds and buildings. Hitherto the work has been very indifferently done in a, spasmodic way. A good 1

deal of expenditure takes place* but It is not long enough sustained to give lasting value. The scheme will meet these requirements. One of tho speakers referred to the obligation upon the community to keep the grounds on Cass Square about the War Memorial; to be erected next month, in-fitting order, and condition. This task to be done effectively will require labor, and to prevent acts of vandalism, a caretaker will be necessary to bo in authority. Mr Michel’s scheme therefore fits in with the general needs of the position, and it is to be hoped the Bo’rough Counci will fall in with wliat is proposed, and assist on behalf of the ratepayers generally to bring about a permanent improvement in a most desirable direction. Tho public are apprcicating already what is being done in regard to Cass Square. The complete scheme now indicated will give greater public satisfaction still.

The address on Wednesday night by the Revd. Muilineux on the restoration of the war graves in Europe wa<* illuminating. The story was of poignant interest and was in fact a moving address calculated to stir the imagination of all who had the privilege ojf hearing an outline of the last and greatest of all the war work. Mr Mullineuv invested the aftermath of the war with a new atmosphere, and instilled into the mind the fact that though powder and shall had ceased to claim victims there were still lost victims to be recovered and their remains cared for in a seemly Christian manner. The task is being performed heroically in a way which is, evidence of our humanity. Mr Muilineux’s account of the tending to the graves recalled those wonderful lines written by a Canadian soldier “In Flanders’ Fields.” :

In Flanders’ fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amidst the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved and now we Be In Flanders’ Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe! To you, with falling hands, we throw The Torch. Be yours to hold it 'high! If you break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though Poppies blow In Flanders Fields. An address like Mr Mullineux’s reminds the Empire we still have to keep faith with those who died in tho war that we may live in peace.