The Hokitika Guardian

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian

SATURDAY, MAY 13th, 1922. THE WEEK. Tub difficult task of restoring peace n Europe is well examplitied by the course of events at Genoa. As a Sydney puper remarks, ever since the conclusion of the Armistice the attention of a war-weary world has been largely concentrated on the Peace and Disarmament Conferences at Paris, Washington. and Genoa. But there has been also much interest in the minor discussions carried on at Cannes aud other places which had as their object the Maintenance of peace between the larger States. Concurrently with those gatherings there have been persistent, and. from the standpoint of world peace highly important endeavours on the I art of the more enlightened statesmen of the Central and European nations to establish such political atu economic relations between iliese sin teas would permit of the restoration of normal conditions, and leave the wayclear for peaceful pi ogrc-ss. While hate nod suspicion animate the peoples dwel. ling along the corridor between Germany and Constantinople, which it was one of the chief aims of Imperialistic Germany' to dominate, there is little possibility of peace for Europe or the world. Tremendous difficulties had to be overcome, hut by patient and sagacious statesmanship most of the Central European nations realise that the way to rehabilitation and sanity lies along the path of co-operation.

Following the Armistice, Central Euro,, e was in n condition aptly described as “Bidkanised.” The new States, exasperated either by military' defeat or by the memory of their late servitude, were hostile to one another, and they maintained a policy of complete isolation. Amongst the defeated revenge was the only thought, and that mentality forced those States which had espoused the Allies’ cause to ensure their security by entering into a combination now known at the Little Entente. The pact between Czecho-Slovakia, Ju-go-Slavia, and Roiiniania, guaranteed military assistance to any olie of tin* parties il it were unjustly attacked : and despite, or perhaps because of, it“ military character, it cleared the way for agreements of a peaceful nature with those ncighlHiurs who were formerly bellicose. The Little Kntenta did not come into being merely for the purpose of assuring the application of tl .* terms of the Peace Treaties. It had the higher aim of recoils Luting Central Europe, politically, economically and socially. It was not alone a military enterprise; it was the expression of tile constructive forces at work ir Central Europe; the vertebral columns (as it has been described) of the ne.v political and social systems in those r - gions. Step bv step a new system Is being built up upon this basis, which respects the political anj economic sov. ereignty of the new States, and which endeavours to he the expression of the particular conditions of each one.

lx working out this policy, which if j carried to its- logical conclusion, will I ultimately- end with the formation ot ■ Uie United States of Central Europe i the lead has been taken hy the statesj men of Czecho-Slovakia. That- enligh- | tened republic and Central Europe gen , ‘-‘rally are fortunate in possessing lead ers of the calibre of President Ui surky and his Prime Minister, Dr | Uenes. Since the foundation of tile ReI public they have consistently followed , the policy Qf Central and Eastern Euj ropean .settlement, inaugurated by Pr sklent Masarky during the war, an] under their direction Czecho-Slovakia has demonstrated to the other States her readiness to resume normal relations with them, and her desire to ho oa a good footing with all. Faced with the almost complete breakdown prevailing at the time of the -Armistici, Czecho-Slovakia (ir.st made ai-rangjo-- I ments with her neighbours regarding | posts, railways etc., which were ahsolu- J tely necessary for economic intercourse. > Then the establishment of the Little I Entente opened the way for efforts to ! wards a larger conception of interna-1 tionnl unity. During the past two i two years the Republic has initiated j and concluded a series of commercial j treaties with Jugo-Slavia, Roiiniania. j France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Hun- j gary, Bulgaria, and Poland, which have been followed by beneficial results, as the individual countries, have nor been content to conclude such treaties J with Czecho-Slovakia alone, but have in many cases entered into similar arrangements with each other. |

These epmmerci.aj bends, have, however

been only stepping stones to the attainment of the political agreements between the late enemy States, which alone can give security for peaceful development in a world which ought to be, and probably is wiser and more honourable in an international sense than it was in 1914. While Poland, of course, cannot be described as an enemy State, her political course has lain somewhat outside the Central European orbit, hiit an agreement has recently been arrived at between l’o. land and Czecho-Slovakia which is a distinct contribution to permanent, peace and the consolidation of Europe. By this treaty conflicts of whatsoever nature arising between the two countries are to be settled hy arbitration. Further should one party to the agree ment he attacked hy a third Power, tile other signatory will observe neu trality. The two States also declare themselves bound to one another by the obligations coining from the Peace Treaties, which they have respectiv ;- ly concluded. Life is not yet normal or easy in Central Europe, hut viewing the situation as a whole there appears to Ikjustifieation for the satisfaction expressed by President Massaryk in his last New Y'ear’s message. In it he stated that the policy instituted by Czecho-Slovakia had safeguarded the Republic, and had perserved the friendship of the Allies and neutral Powers on the one hand, and on the otfier hud done much to dissipate the animosities surviving from tile war. It had create,-] nil atmosphere of conciliation among the States of Central Europe, and had thus prepared the way for their friendly co-operation in the pressing work of reconstruction and in the maintenance of all-round peace.

Tub social function held during the week to honor Mr and Mrs T. Seddon on tl e occasion of their marriage, was one of those pleasant events which the h tic town has the happy knack of carrying through so agreeably to all. As the Mayor aptly said, the desire was to show ail affectionate regard for the young people, and to appreciate their worth. Mr Seddon is well known to all, and ho possesses personal qualities which have an endearing charm. The young lady who is now Mrs Seddon showed a keen desire to meet the people and make Mr Seddon’s friends her friends. By her bright and pleasing manner there is no doubt from the expressions heard on all sides the young lady made herself quite at homo. Mrs Seddon henrs a nnine honored and rc-

:■ ported throughout the West Const, slid will find it the open sesame to the hearts and homes of the people at large. The good wishes extended to the happy couple will he generally endorsed by tlie public. Mr Seddon’s association with the fortunes of the district is now of the closest ties. llis home and personal interests are within the district lie represents, and his record is such that he may Ik? expect I, d to fully enter inlo the joys and sorrows of the people as they recur, and to he in truth and in fact one of ourselves. The popularity of the young couple was well evidenced at the time of the celebration of their nuptials. That popularity is proof of their many good qualities, and further testimony was evinced in that respect hy the whole-hearted manner in which ti e social last Wednesday night was so happily celebrated.

The week at Genoa has not been remarkable for any extraordinary features. The Conference-is still in session, but the parties are still very much divided. The French are still disposed to work in opposition to Britain and to some extent has secured the co. operation of Belgium. Russia is still a big factor in the adjustment of the peace pact hoped for, and her delegation is not to be ignored being diplomats of great capability. Mr Lloyd George holds on to the Conference with faith variously assailed as lie is. A section of the British press under the Northeliffe influence continue to act iu strong opposition to the Prime Minister, openly siding with France. The opposition to Mr Lloyd George is very aggressive from that quarter, and the methods do not seem to add to tlie lustre of “The Times” as the British mouthpiece. The fact that the Conference holds on suggests that the principal parties arp hopeful of some line of settlement being attained. Any progress towards such an achievement would be pleasing discounting as it would the awful con. tingency of a fresh outbreak of war 'l’he British Rrime Minister despite all that has been said over the cable.

seems to he rlie master mind of the situation, -tic diplomacy is at least open, and therein we have its safety. He has been able to stem the tide of attack, which descended to all sorts ot mean and unreliable statements, ms readiness to confide openly to the press representatives gives him an assured position, for through that channel he can speak direct to all nations which he desires should know of the position from his point of view. In that wa« the silly misrepresentation made against him is being counteracted very quickly.

| Tiib account of the visit of the Prine.* I of Wales to Japan reads like a trip 1 through fairyland. “Prince Charming " | for the time being, was in an atmoI sphere which might be conjured up ns j his every day breath of life. The i friendly disposition of Japan to Britain ! has been very cordial, and the ex- ' pression lately conveyed ill the recepj tion given to Britain’s representative j is but further evidence of all that was I made plain during the war period. Now when there is so much talk of the EnI tonte weakening through the attitude oi j France it is pleasing to know that in i the fast friendship engendered by tile . Anglo-Japanese alliance of useful covenant in the past, there is no sign i f weakening. On the contrary the silken bonds of regard and esteem, wiil have been drawn tighter, and as a rc j suit of Prince Edward’s sojourn great 1 good will be consequental. Today it is interesting to recall is the anniversary of the Prince’s happy visit to Hokitika two years ago. Since then His Highness has been fully occupied with his ambassadorial work throughout the Empire and abroad. Tho Prince serves a high purpose in his peaceful missions abroad, and in that reßpect is a groat asset for world peace. At the same time he is fighting himself more and more for the great office of Stnte he lias yet to fulfil in the natural order of events. The Prince by bis charm of manner, and the thoroughness with wich lie goes through the difficult part he has to perform under all conditions, wins more and more the respect apd admiration not only of his

own people and of every rare within the Empire, but also of the nations abroad who, too, appreciate him for his real merit and outstanding ability. The entries for the fat stock sale at Arahura on Monday appear in this issue. Afternoon tea will he available at the 'Winter Show at Kokatahi on Tuesday, from 2 o’clock until the conclusion. A general meetings" of All Saints Tennis Club will ,h|F held on Monday evening, the lotjjf'in the All Saints Schoolroom at affren o’clock. Business i m |. orta n t. —Adrrt. During farmers week Mr A. Little intends giving patrons special prices. Every boot and shot in shop reduced that.week. A special lir.e of children’s slices 4s lid. A choice line of eight purebred Jersey heifers went south yesterday, having lieen imported by Mr J. Mineban, of Hari Hari. The heifers were the subject of much interest at the lailway station yesterday. Tlie Commissioner of Taxes draws attention to taxpayers to the notification appearing in to-day’s issue that leturns of income must be furnished not later than the Ist June. Forms of return may he obtained at any postal moneyorder office ; they will not he sent to taxpayers front the office of the Commissioner Of Taxes unless written application is made ior tlieip.

There is the promise of a good show of West Coast scenic photographs at thp Town Hall throughout next week. A large number of pictures are being hung to-uuy, and will be on view next week during the Winter School, the classes for which will he held at the Town Hall. The little exhibition lias been organise! as an advertisement for the scenic at. tractions of the district.

The Winter School for farmers and students under the auspices of the W.E.A. and.the Progress League is to open at the Town Hall at 9.39 o’clock on Monday morning. There will be a civic welcome to the visiting lecturers at the hour named, and the first lecture will commence at 10 o’clock. On Monday night tlie visitors will be entertained for a social hour at Preston’s tea rooms as the guests of Mr W„ Jeffries, the retiring President of ti e Progress League.

A reminder is given of the address at. the Town Hall at 3 o’clock to-morrow afternoon. The speaker will be Mr G’lutlia Mackenzie, M.P., and the subject, “How the Blind Live.” The Mayor will preside. Mr Mackenzie arrives to-night and is on a mission to help the civilian blind hy raising a sum of money as a memorial to Sir Arthur Pearson to extend the influence and work of the Jubilee Institute at Auckland.

In connection with the Taraniakau Ex'ension Road, Mr Seddon, M.P., lias received the following letter from the Minister of Public Works:—“ln continuation of my letter of the Ist instant i now li,uve the honour to inform you that the District Engineer already holds an authority in the sum of £l42* in lespcct to this work. He has been instructed, under date 3rd instant, to have the work put in hand and to requisition for the balance of the vote which I have already agreed to authorise on receipt of the requisition.”

A case relating to the great importance of finger-print evidence in sheeting home the crime to an offender was referred to on Wednesday in the Wellington Supre.me Court by Mr Justice Reed. ‘His Honour pointed out that the absolute reliability of such evidence had been accepted as a foregone conclusion by practically every civilised country. His Honour spoke of the fnct, so. well established, that not only were a- person’s finger-prints peculiar to that person, hut a similar infallibility existed as to the prints taken from any part of the human body. In this particular case, continued His Honour—against Mervvn John Cudby—finger-prints had been discovered on glass; which was probably the most fatal medium upon which a criminal could place his fingers, so retentive was it of prints from which excellent photographs could so easily be taken.

A meeting of the Hokitika Tennis ( luh was held last Monday evening to discuss various matters relating to the courts, Mr R. F. Perhnm (President) being in the chair- In view of the success of the past season, it was resolved that the work of improving the courts lie continued during the winter months under tlie supervision of Dr Teiehelmann, Dr Baird, and Dr Buchanan, so that by the commencement of next season the three courts should be in equally good order. It was also decided to enlarge and improve the pavilion and generally provide better facilities to cope with the increasing membership. These improvements will enable tlie Club to accommodate more members next season, and assist in every way those desirous of taking up the game.

That the public appreciate good value is quite evident by the number of people who visit “Paterson’s” when in town. We have still a few sample stockings in cashmere and silk, also men’s socks, and if you have not already purchased your winter requirements do so at once while you have the opportunity. A further consignment of blankets just to hand in white and grey. Single 29s 6d; three-quarter 37s 6d and double 49s 6d. Prepare for the cold weather. Wonderful values in men’p clothing etc. Agents for C. Taylor and Co., •Export Dyers and Dry French Cleaners. Box 86 “Patersons”, -Cash Drapers. Opposite National Bank, Revell St. Mail orders promptly attended to. Satisfaction guaranteed.—Advt.

Dependability is a big word right now with the factory owner. But that is our claim in respect to "CANDY’S” GENUINE BALATA BELTING and tlie other leather belting we sell. Manning Machinery Co., o Bedford Row, Christchurch.

Can you beat this P Striped brown J Turkish towels 4s 9d per pair, extra large 22in by 48in 5s 9d per pair, best 1 quality 80in white sheeting at 4s lid 1 per yd ; also football trousers, belts etc. ] at W. Stopforth’s, opposite W. E. Wil-; linms, chemist.—Advt. 1 t Eor Influenza, take / Woods' Grpqt PepprWHt Cure.

North Island mails and passengers connected with the West Coast express at Christchurch this morning.

To-niglit 1 To-night! At the Sui. preme Hall, the usual Saturday night dance is being helw The members of the Hari Hari Fociball Club are being invited and commences at 8.30 sharp. Hpsie. Good floor. Admission Is.-—Auvt.

During next week in connection with the Winter School, many of the shopkeepers will he making special displays, ior shopping week, and will light up their premises specially throughout the week.

Exhibits intended for the Kokatahi winter show on Tuesday, if left at Robinson’s garage, adjoining the Railway Hotel, on Monday afternoon, will be taken to Kokatahi early on Tuesday morning and returned Wednesday afternoon by the County lorry, free of charge.

“Did you have any provocation for striking a player-” queried a member of the committee of the Rugby Union at Wellington of a youthful culprit who appeared to answer a charge of rough play. The boy denied having struck anybody, and added: “I was in a scrum, and I found an opposing player kicking me. I asked him what he meant. He replied that he thought I was the ball!” (Laughter).

Mission Services, conducted by Rev. John Bissett, continued with good attendance during the week; the interest increasing with each night. Tomorrow he has three services, morning and night, and a special rally of Bible Classes in the afternoon at 2.30 to which young people over Sunday School age are heartily invited. The singing of Miss Bissett is a most attractive feature 5n the best sense. Woodstock service is postponed till next week.

Great interest is being taken in the forthcoming Winter Show at Kokatahi on. Tuesday next. The catalogue will contain about 650 entries. With the exception of some classes in the poultry section, there is splendid competition throughout. For the best home made loaf of bread there are no less than 22 entries, while many classes contain over a dozen competitors. Given al fine day the Show should prove a great success, and every effort is being made by the controlling committee to have everything in complete readiness by Tuesday morning.

The District Racing Committee met at Greymouth last night. Present: — Messrs Coates (chair), Kettle, Waltfin, Pnrfitt, Pinotti and Evans. Notices were received from racing authorities giving particulars of licenses suspended or cancelled. An owner wrote in respect to the irregular conduct of an apprentice. It was resolved to cite the parties to appear at next District meeting. Fines etc. imposed at Ihe late autumn meetings were reported and confirmed. Racing dates for next season were approved as follows.—Westland Club, Dec. 26 and 27, Greymouth Club, Dec. 29, January 1 and 3; Reefton Club, January 6 and 8 ; Westport Club, March 23 and 24 ; Kumara, April 2 ; Westland Club April 4; Greymouth Club April 7; Rcefton Club, April 11. It was reported that all applications for trainers and jockeys licenses should be lodged prior to next District meeting to ensure being dealt with by tin Racing Conference in July.

In connection with the special mission being conducted in the Presbyterian Church by the llev. J. Bissett and his daughter, a thrilling lecture will be given on Biilv Sunday, the ex-champion baseball player and great American Re. former on Monday night. Mr Bissett was with Billy Sunday in nis great Mission in the city of New York and will speak as an eve-witness of this wonderful inan and his work, how he attracts 25,000 people night after night to listen to his message. How he moves communities and cleans up whole cities This story is marvellous, interesting, inspiring, fascinating, and draws large crowds wherever' it is given. The citizens of Hokitika not miss the opportunity of hearing this lecture.