The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, FEBRUARY llth, 1922. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, FEBRUARY llth, 1922. THE WEEK.

The fact that Rome was not built in a day, should help us to bear in mind that the Irish question which lias been ft disturbing question for centuries cannot be settled in a. week. The way has been paved for a very complete settlement, and the onus of achieving that desirable ending is upon the people themselves. There is a very sharp division of opinion between the North and South. Ebullitions of the old feuds are likely to recur for some time. A difercnce has manifested itself between Sir James Craig, and Mr Collins, but the difference will surely be possible of settlement without a criminal resort to arms. A good deal of extravagant talk is coming to the surface, but by tho exercise of common sense and the display of a little patience, good results should accrue ultimately. It was patience and common sense which enabled Mr Lloyd George to secure the treaty of peace now being put into force. If he were spoiling for a fight and wished to resort to arms to enforce authority, lie had ample provocation to do so, but a better and truer spirit manifested itself, thanks to his sincerity, and if the Irish leaders in the respective c&mps will be patient likewise and not too ready to take unbrage at every detail the adjustment of which does not satisfy their particular leanings, all will be well. Negotiations are now proceeding in regard to boundary questions, and some unsettled spirits appear determined to provoke a serious situation. There are fire brands on both i rides, one being as blomeable as fihe i

other, but with reasonable judgment by the leaders and a sane regard to secure the peace which is possible for Ireland it is to eb hoped the leaders will lie patient and deliberate in all they do.

The later messages received with regard to the raiding, indicate that the position in Northern Ireland is worse than was first believed. A state of affairs, something akin to a civil war is in progress. Arms are being served out and with minds aflame ns they are, the serious consequences to follow may be imagined. Opinions differ as to the immediate cause, but the situation appears to be so serious, that it must ultimately have the effect of having an important bearing on the settlement. The divergence of the minds from the other difficulties which were besetting, will lead to a happier solution we hope. The British Government’s messago to the Provisional Government in the South contains a note of firmness which can hardly be misconstrued. It seems clear that from whatever point the position is viewed, a remnant of the Republican Army has taken the law into its hand and ncted in such a way as to create consequences of the direst extremity. It will be seen how the Provisional Government will deal with the situation. There is the onus thrown upon that Government to uphold law and order, and in this incident there is the first sense of responsibility thrown upon them. The situation will create additional sympathy for Ulster and perhaps make it more difficult to settle the boundary question. The new position created is an example of the damage done by the precipitate action of the hotheads who believe force is the only power to effect results. If the Provisional Government does its duty those responsible for the new position will receive u. rude awakening.

After sossionß lasting for several weeks the Conference at Washington, • convened to deal with some of the most important questions affecting the world at the present time has concluded. It is comparatively easy, remarks the Lyttelton Times, to summarise its material results, since these aye embodied in the most explicit of agreements, but to estimate the moral value of the conference's achievements is more difficult. From one point of view it may be said that in so far as the decisions in the matter of the reduction and limitation of armaments are tlio results of a mutual conviction on the part of the nations concerned that they could not possibly continue to pay for defensive and offensive preparations on the scale into which they had bfcen . led during the world-war, it is futile to look for evidence of a roally new spirit, in the results of the conference. From this standpoint the proceedings of the conference became only a method of adjusting expenditure, so far as the limitation of armaments, is concerned, while in regard to the Far East, whose racial conflicts occupied so muoh of the time and. attention of the conference, the results must be accepted as limiting the degree of coercive interference which the principal parties feel that their present resources will enable them to attempt. This is the ultra-sceptical view of the conference,. its aims and accomplishments which has been voiced by such writers as Mr Bernard Shaw, and to the ultra-sceptical it is doubtless the only possible view But whatever the motives of the delegates, and no matter what neccssfties have urged them to their decisions it cannot be denied that something substantial has been achieved—something which would not have been done had not the gentlemen who compose the Government of the United States been prepared to stake their reputations and their political existence upon a courageous proposal to grapple with the question of armaments and with the unsolved problems which constitute the present necessity for armaments so far as the world’s Great Powers are concerned.

, So far as land armaments are concerned the of the late war has taught us that huge armies can be so quickly trained and brought into action that the maintenance of a large permanent army is of very doubtful utility even to a nation cherishing such dreams of territorial conquest the rulers of Germany in 1914. We havo also learned that supplies of munitions of poison gases and other barbarities of modern warfare are capable of speedy extemporisation. A navy alone among the modern weapons of offenco and defence requires years of preparation and establishment. An interesting example of the truth of this generalisation is the insistence of France upon maintaining a huge conscript army to meet the menaco of Germany dis- j armed. France knows that armies ( .nn be made at short order, and relies upon the dictum that “thrice armed is he who gets his blow in first.” The Washington Conference has “stabilised” navies, and left tho armies to look after themselves. It has also endeavoured to prevent the exploitation of China being made the casus belli of the immediate future. In this respect its concrete achievements seem rather disappoint-' ing, but the root of tho matter is that ( China must help itself. This huge in- • chcate nation, groping ineffectually nf- j ter the power of self-government, can- j not expect the rest of the world to supply its deficiencies. It must either I

become an effective State or suffer the process of partition and disintegration. That is the hard logic of history, and if the delegates at Washington could find no escape from that logic they are hardly to be blamed. What Washington has given us is a clear and Strong precedent for the subordination of national ambitions to the common welfare of humanity. That is a vast stride to be made in one year, and we can only hope that the world will be wise enough to build upon the foundation thus provided.

The reorganisation of the official Oilposition into a concrete body, embodying some three sections of its party following, is a hopeful sign for the future. The great majority the Reformers have wielded lias been a menace to the country. The Ministry has been all powerful, and the supporters of the Government all over the country have been pressing for legislation favourable to themselves, and have been securing the advantage, The trend of legislation of late lias been pro-farmer. We showed the-other day the difference in the attitude of the treatment meted out to the farmer and the miner. That has prevailed all through the omnipotent reign of the Government. A strong Opposition can do much to enforce its views 011 a Government, but up to now 1 the Ministry had a runaway majority | and was indifferent to criticism. The new Opposition will have a stabilising effect on the political position, and if this bo realized, the advent- is not a moment too soon for the political wclfaio of New Zealand. Mr Wilford now the accredited leader of a more solid party while not having as yet the influence of his predecessors, will gain prestige from having behind him a more compact party. His Executive is a, strong sextette of capable earnest men, who when they stump the country in the coining recess will be able to make a good impression up and down the Dominion. Tile moment is opportune for the revival. This is the year of election, and ai strong Opposition will create a. healthier public opinion, and bring to the surface a true estimate and measure of the political situation.

The work of the Beautifying Association promises to result in material benefit to the town, for tha Association is going to be a most useful adjunct to the Borough Council. It is pleasing to note that a very fine civic spirit is manifesting Itself in connection with the work of tlie Association, which of course is purely voluntarily, and entirely in the interests of the town. The cleaning up process now going on in respect to reserves and waste places- is a very useful work. For too long matters were left to take care of themselves, and the neglect looked like drift ing into wrack and ruin in some instances. An awakening of the right citizen spirit will do good and the results wll bo far reaching. There is a buoyant note about, and it is good to take advantage of the improving conditions to push on for! greater results. An advancement such as is promised is likely to be contagious. We hope it' will spread through the town and infest all quarters. There is room for much simple improvement, the sum of which will give very gratifying aggregate results. To carry on, the Beautifying Association will require the practical support of the public. Townspeople we are sure are delighted with the condition of Ma-ca-ndrew Square. It will be very pleasing indeed if in the next month or two Cass Square can be brought into the same orderly condition. The grounds will respond to the proper care, and seeing the special asset to the town Cass Square is, it will be wise indeed for the Association to concentrate on the grounds and by proper attention ■with the help of the Borough Council, place them in seemly order, and see that they are so maintained.