The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, MARCH 4th, 1922. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, MARCH 4th, 1922. THE WEEK.

The great event in London this week proved of absorbing interest, not only within Uo King’s realm, but also beyond. The marriage of the King’s daughter seemed to strike a note of loyalty which reverberated round the Empire, 'me cable news sensed out the. cause of the great rejoicing in the fact no doubt that the King’s daughter made her nuptial alliance with an Englishman. It gave great delight, following on the fact that the domestic life of the Royal Family has been so much before the people, a reilex of what true home life and family associations should be. Princess Mary had become a great favourite with the people, born of her charm of manner and graceful action in going among the people. She was as the Archbishop remarked, a true type of English girlhood, and in that lay her inherent power for popularity In the (bridegroom there was a typical Englishman who had faced with his comrades the rigors of war and borne the burden bravely and with distinguished honour. It was a happy alliance, and the Londoners who of course love a pageant, rejoiced greatly when the alliance was being consummated within their sight and hearing. The King and Queen have expressed their gratitude for the recognition given thei r son-in-law and daughter but the measure of that recognition is chiefly attributable to the foundation laid by King George and Queen Mary in their pleasant sensible family life, and in their appreciation of the British ways of doing things. The trbute to PrncGSS Mary was a notable one, but the reflex of that tribute falls equally upon the King and Queen for their loyal subjects recognise how much is due to their Majesties for the part they have played in the upbringing of their Royal family.

The now order of things pensioned \

by the war and its aftermath is e|» amplified again by the appeasement *f ■Egypt in Uni .matter of its internal Government. The British Protectorate is ceasing and an independent Sovereign, state is to lie created. Thejo are important reservations which w?l retain to Great .Britain all that is required in the matter. These include security as to communication, specially affecting of course the Suez Canal region; defence against out aggression; the security of foreign interests within Egypt, and the care of the native minorities in the Soudalr. The British Imperial will oil the foregoing matteis would be paramount. Martial law £ to cease, and the internal governmeiit will be handed over to a stable domestic government. It is an important step ; and a complete change, which has the whole-hearted support of Lord Allenby who has made a closb study of the Egyptian situation. The action fe evidence Of Britain’s fair play, and desire to see local rule paramount wherp thd nations are capable of controlling their own affairs. The change is a somewhat sharp one and will be subject to criticism probably as sharp. There are extremists in Egypt as elsewhere and when their views are not met, there is a degree of trouble to be expected. I/ord Allenby was a very capable leader in ' the war period] a man after the manner of The last named 'found his greatest field for usefulness in Egypt where his best work was done. Lord Atlenby, has a further opportunity noy to add to his reputation in the Neap East and with proper support hfe should achieve a great deal. 1 | Struck matters have taken an ugly turn in South Africa where it has boL coipe necessary to use force to muintaift order. The law lias been limited fo'y some time in a country where there ifc popular government hut where organised labor is so tyratliious in its metht ods that it desires to be a law only to itself. This is on a par with Rusi si an eonditfons where only right is might, and the end of such a form of rule is chaos. The Bolshevik element which is upsetting matters in South Africa is an extreme party action, and it has its counter part in most countries, be the rule most benign in the world. Democratic government in all British countries is now most liberal. Each party has a fair field to rise to heights of Government if it. has the voting power behind it, and by that means there is the opportunity for all to have their say. But well organised minorities with extreme leanings try repeatedly to dominate the position for the object of securing their own aggrandisement. It is the class against the mass. That is the struggle now in South Africa, where the opportunists seek to upset sane government based on law and order, and by a reign of terror enforce their own mandate. It would be well to take a lesson from the South African experience. There where they had the benefit of wise leadership by one of their own tried and trusted leaders, revolt has taken place. The lesson is that there should be some curtailment of the liberties the subjects enjoy. Freedom of action is converted into license which is being abused, and the developments are giving food for thought how best to meet such situations,

Once again the political bogey is being ronred in Britain, and there are suggestions of a. split in the Coalition party. The party has weathered worse difficulties than at present present themselves, and with unity among the Cabinet, the political talk should soon evaporate without serious results. The week has seen the Irish outlook assume ai brighter aspec. The visft of the Irish leaders and their assurances have cleared the air. Mr Lloyd George has met the French Premier at Boulogne, and the Entente is again, in an atmosphere of greater content. The indemnity settlement with 'Germany promises to take a more conclusive turn, Egyptian Affairs are being settled. Each of these large items in the poliotical world improved as they are, should make it easier for the Coalition. Perhaps the larger and more difficult problems out of the way, the lesser troubles are obtruding, and not being overshadowed by the greater troubles, are coming into prominence. Mr Lloyd George it is asserted is annoyed by the pin-pricks from within. Naturally lie resents the states in the back. Tt is easier to face the attacks of the direct opponent, than the undermining influences working from within. These can not always be sensed till they have done their worst, and if the party cannot have loyal unity, it will soon fall asunder from internal discussion. With the different political parties going; their own way in. a general election, the outcome would ho a; mixed one, and most probably an unstable government. At the present juncture Great Britain requires political stability or disastrous results might ensure.

It is very pleasing to note that Hon. J. G.. Coates, Minister of Public Works, has lost no time in keeping his promise to Mr Seddon M.P., for tenders for the Waitangi bridge, South Westland, are now invited, and close in Hired weeks time. Tin's bridge is the last of the large structures on the main road route to Waiho Gorge, The Little Wnitaha Bridge is completed, but the approaches iwe still in hand, This matter was re« f«rr»d to in Thursday'* issue find it J?

surd to be a subject for comment .when Mr Coates is here in a little over ai week’s time. The approaches must be hastened, so as to be completed in weeks instead of months’ time as the present rate of progress suggests. At the Little Wanganui the bridge work is being advanced satisfactorily. Pro- , bably wheel traffic over tlie main stream

will be possible in a couple of montln L time. There remains then the Waitangi Bridge. It is satisfactory to note that - very little time is being lost in calling tenders, and if the successful contractor ! is active in the matter, by next Christ•J mas all the large streams between Hoki,j tika and Waiho Gorge should be bridg--1? ed. Tljis will he something to be thank- ;■ ful for. The time will synchronise with

the opening of through railway communication, and that will mean a. great boom in, the volume of southern traffic will result when it is known that thei barrier of the bridgeless rivers is being removed, We have had to wait and exercise patience in this matter, hut that the rights of the district are being recognised is some little compensation for waiting. Perhaps, also, it may be said, we have known how to wait, and the virtue displayedl is now to have its j'eward. j It is a matter of great regret that the tour of the Minister of Public Works is to be of such lightning speed. Here- tonight and gone to-morrow is the programme' right alone the Coast. The stages are extended, so that each day most of the time will have to he devoted to travelling. Mr Coates will be due here next Saturday night, and after meeting local deputations, he will Ix 3 off the next for Okafito, add so oh right down the Coast, till lie tu:tkes his exit from Westland via, the Haast Pass. There are many matters the local bodies and settlers will require to bring before him. Although the Minister has done so well in regard to the principal bridges, there are numerous other works to claim his attention. Westland is beitlg stinted ill the matter of railway extension, aticl in substitution a great deal will he required for the roads; Thb main roads need improving and the bridges overhauled. A work such as Waitaha bridgt should he brought into speedy use. The general requirements of the district in regard to tourist roads should have some satisfaction, for in respect to the expenditure of tourist grants, the district has been starved. All tourist roads are now under the Public Works Department, and Mr Coates is the Minister to appeal to where attention is required. There are so many matters requiring looking into tluijt it is to be hoped the Minister will be able to extend his programme so that some extra time can be spent in a personal visit to see the conditions exactly for himself.