The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th, 1922. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th, 1922. THE WEEK.

Again it is necessary to refer to affairs in distressful Ireland which arc maintaining their unfortunate turn to the hitter end, The recent death of Mr Griffith is now followed by the death of Mr Collins, poo of tho most notable figures in recent timen In connection with the flr?al iK*rptnw>B nf the Trc'ty,

Mr Collins stood out among his colleagues, and it is recognised on all sides that his death, the result of an ambush, is of the gravest concern to the Free State interests. "Both Mr Griffith and Mr Collins were conspicuous leaders standing together loyally to the. pact which was to assure peace and prosperity to Ireland. Those who- appreciated the former leader at the graveside spoke of his loyalty to the Irish cause, and his recognition that as Britain had done the right thing, he, too, would act similarly and do the right thing by the Treaty. Mr Collins’ attitude was along similar lines and he took the field fearlessly to support that line of action. A young, vigorous man devoted to his country’s caxise h 0 had the opportunity of going far in tho effort to build np its broken fortunes. The persistent and elusive rebels, however, secured him for a victim, and the loss is certainly Ireland’s. Fate seems to play rather cruelly with Ireland. Hopes centred in the future are blighted from time to time by the death of some of her most prominent leaders for peace and security. Four or five notable figures have passed away now suddenly, and of them all perhaps Mr Collins can he spared least of all. These deaths for a common cause bring up the question. what does Ireland really want? Home rule she may have under her own administration but the fatal leadership of do Valera has conniired at diverting thoughts and action to a re-public-which can never be stable, and which course of action is robbing Ireland of her most capable administrato;

Tin-; measure of Ireland’s loss by the death of Michael Collins can lx: guaged very readily from tile cabled comment from all parts of the world. His death at tills juncture is a national loss, for young man though he was, he possessed qualities which gave him a. pre-emin-ence among his people. One line of comment by the British press indicates that “Irish peace is in the balance again.” Unfortunately it has been there for far too long, as Air Collins’ untimely death bears witness. A state of violent unrest prevails in Ireland, the outcome of the rebellious spirit which grew up from the extreme methods practiced in revolt of constitutional government. The rebellion still prevails and the guerilla warfare goes on, peace still being in the balance. A fresh outbreak in and about Dublin indicates that the rebels are still in considerable strength, while the mass of war material they have access too, shows how expensively they are organised. Mr Collins’ death will create, a great wave of sympathy, and there are signs of its passing over the nation, hut whether the new-born feeling will be lasting depends on the strength of the two principals to be appointed to succeed A-fcssrs Griffiths and Collins. The Dail Eireann has been summoned and Afr Cosgrove is suggested as the new Premier with General Mulcahy in military leadership. Both Messrs Griffiths and Collins placed on record their high aspirations in regard to the cause of Ireland, and if their successors are imbued with the same spirit all will be well. Tf tho situation can be seized now in the same spirit which animated the former leaders, the extremities of the moment may leave the people in tliat frame of mind which will ensure the curly arrival of peace. Let us hope with all fervency that the psychological moment for Ireland to retrieve herself. is at hand.

Al. I'oiNCAIHE lias continued to prove an eloquent and plain spoken Premier for France in regard to the settlement of German reparations. The outburst by the French Premier, at the time of writing, has not provoked any rejoinder from ti.e Allies, least of all from tile British who assailed in the public, address by M. Poincaire. As usual Air Lloyd George is exercising benign patience with the partner to the Entente, and is not disposed to rupture that alliance precipitately. France seems determined to wring from Germany all possible payment, and at the moment representatives of the Reparations Committee are in Gennany seeking for some eompromiso whereby France will be met at least provisionally. Interest in the European situation is evidently going to be aroused* by the plight of Austria which turns in her extremity for aid and help from Italy. Austria is in a very desperate plight financially, and has been told she has received the limit of tli© Allies’ invited support. Evidently the neighbouring Powers are bidding for s. fruitful alliance, and there seems to lie some rivalry among Ozeeho-Slovnkia Jugo Slavin nnd Italy, while 'France seems disposed also to hnve a. finger in the pie. The rivalry can have only one effect to further embroil and embitter the European situation and probably in the end make things easier for Germany, the arch offender. The Allies so united and resolute iri war, are without unity and indefinite in peace and fail to sec the error of their ways. The state of affairs means that the position in Europe will continue seriously unsettled, and that there can he no real settling down towards rehabilitation while the international in- , trigue is rife.

Tin! attcqulapep jit Mr Hammond’s prohibition Jpetur® on Thursday night was net *o tinrpnnr'.te wff-h i]ir>

which will be excited in the question by the time polling day arrives. It is going to he a burning question for more reasons than one, for it is evident from the references in the House this week to the financial side of the issne, that the electors will have a very serious problem—one that will affect them personally and directly in the matter of future taxation—to determine when casting their vote. Tho “meaty” portion of Mr Hammond’s address was not very pronounced. He spoke his part with evident earnestness, with much introduced humor to brighten the dry subject but with an absence of that convincing detail for which one looked in vain after his two visits to America. Air Hammond says he searched in vain for a “drink,” though admitting it could be got. His experience is diverse from that of other visitors to America who state liquor is obtainable with a good deal of freedom. Gen. tlemen of repute who have returned to this town from America, do not hide their views on that question. Afr Hammond had a good deal to say alrout the increasing “dry” vote in America. We looked up ■ seme New Zealand figures to note the trend in places whore nolicense has prevailed for a few years. Clutha in 1893 carried no license by 1642 (77%) to 487 (23%). At the last poll in 1919. Clutha cast 2387 votes (43%) to 3191 votes (57%) for restoration of licenses. Tho swing of the pendulum in favour of license has thus gained 20%. Ashburton adopted no license in 1902 by 2870 (62%) to 1734 (38%). At last poll on the restoration issue Ashburton voted 3646 (53%) to 3157 (47%). There was an increase of 15%. and substantially more than a bare majority. At Oliinemuri in 1908 no license wn s carried by 3333 (63%) to 2035 (37%). For restoration in 1911 the electorate voted 3058 (54%) to 2559 (46%). Here again was a. majority and a voting inerfease of 17%. The experiece in our own Dominion is certainly worth taking a note of.

On the general issue of prohibition there will be ample opportunity in the days to come to sum up public opinion in the Dominion, but just as we have bad Air Hammond’s ideas and can study them with interest ns far as they can be applied to our own national conditions, so it is interesting to note what comment is being passed outside in regard to th c problem by others. Prohibition orators have been forecasting for many a day about the advent of tile “dry” period. It seems to be part of their stock-in-trade. When Mr “Pussyfoot” Johnson arrived in London from America, early last month he made the prediction that Britain will be “dry” in fifteen years. Upon this the “Daily Alail” comments: “We know that tho wish is often father to the thought, and we have little doubt that when the fifteen years is up Mr Johnson will have to make another prophecy. Nevertheless, it would lie unwise to treat the prohibition campaign too lightly. Apart from the fact that no nation likes to have its personal affairs interfered with by a visitor from another country. what is the real truth about prohibition? Observers admit tliat in Russia it was largely responsible for tho demoralisation that led to her collapse and the triumph of tile Bolsheviks. As to America, Lord Noitheliffe, an impartial observer and a firm friend of the United States. Wrote last year: ‘One of the worst curses of this perpetual talk about drink, as American friends have over and over again assured me, is that it drives people to drink who never drank before.’ Everybody agrees that as a. nation we drink too much, but the cure for that is not prohibition but moderation and education. Forced temperance is not temperance at all. It simply lends to subterfuge and corruption. Public opinion can alter national habits more efficaciously than an Act of Parliament secured by ‘wangling.’ ”

Ihkiik is an obligation this year more than at any time for the people to enrol. As regards the Westland electoral roil there arc about a thousand names less on the roll than was the case in 1919. At tliat time the number of electors on the effective roll was 3.242. Tho roll issued this weak totals <2-14. There i= a big discrepancy to

•:iakc good. All those still within the district who did not vote at last election from any cause, are off tho roll. No doubt many will find themselves off the roll because of chango of address which has not been notified. 11l the purging process people hnve been found to have left their previous place of abode, and there, whereabouts being uncertain, are off the roll. It would be well for everybody to make sure they are on the roll, and if not to enrol at once. Copies of the roll may, !m seen at the Post Offices, where also enrolments may be obtained. There are many new oversea arrivals in the Dominion. Those, if twelve months in New Zealand may enrol in the electorate where residing permanently. 1 The . twelve months will count of course up to the closing of the roll, which is expected to be some time in November. Young people coming of age (21 years) may enrol also up to the iinie of closing the roll. The occasion ibis (.leclioi. for casting votes, is be-i cause of the very great financial issue l involved affecting all the people. Now Zealand taxation is now at its highest, but if the poll were to bring in prohibition the result would be serious for the people as a whole in the reeasting of the finance. Mr Massey has indicated alrrudy that the position would lie too much for him and he would have to call Parliament together to deal with the matter! It - is therefore of the greatest importune that the public should recognise the gravity of the issue and he prepared to, take nil active part in its ; settlement. j

A Hockey Club dance will be held in the Supreme Hall next Tuesday evening.—Advt. The many friends of Mr and Mrs Bert Key will hear with regret of the death of their month old son, which took place during the night. The baby had been ailing since birth. To-night 1 To-night! The usual Dance is being held in the Supreme Hall. Good music. Good floor. Admission Is.—Advt. The Railway Department advertise special train for Greymouth leaving Hokitika at 1.0 p.m. on Wednesday next, also afternoon train from Greymouth delayed until 5.10 p.m. On Monday and following days we are making our first display of new season’s. novelties, which we are enumerating in our /new advertisement when we hope to have the pleasure of a visit from you. Schroder and Co. — Advt. At the Public Hall, Kanieri on Monday evening, August 28th,, a benefit entertainment will be held ill aid of disabled footballer, Community SingDong (leaders Messrs A. H. Lawn and T,. Aldridge), at 8 p.m., to be followed by a ball. Admission to Sing-Song, silver coin; to ball—Gentlemen 2s, Ladies Is. Supper provided and good music arranged for.—Advt.

A very fine range of new season’s novelties are now daily openilVg Itt Schroder and Co,’s. New sprifig millinery, new silks, riew flowers. The latest in millinery trimmings, blouses, jumpers and frocks, all of very highclass and at very moderate price I A , few of the leading lines are enumerated in our new advertisement elsewhere. Schroder and Co.—Advt. The Salvation Army will hold special services thus afternoon and evening and on Sunday morning, afternoon and eveming to inaugurate the opening of a branoh in Hokitika. The Groymoutli Band arrive this afternoon and will lie heard soon after arrival in the streets There will be a special service this evening at the Town Hall, to which everybody will be welcome. The usual weekly euchre and dance took plaec at St Mary’s Club rooms j on Wednesday evening. The attendance was large. The first ladies’ prize was won by Mrs Hatch and the second by Mrs A. Fox. The first gent’s prize fell to Mr Nightingale, and the second to Mr W. Zeigler. Miss M. Pascoe supplied the music for the dance, which was largely attended, and under the direction of Mr T. Rouse as M.C. was kept moving until a late hour. A Vancouver message (dated August !)th) stated that the Los Angeles film colony is greatly excited over the published statement that two stars have left their husbands—Gloria Swanson, who lias left Herbert Sanborn, and Blanche Sweet, who married Marshall Neilan after rushing across the continent in June to marry him. Bill Hart, the movie actor, announces that bis wife, formerly Winnie Westover, has left him. They were married last year, •

The Hokitika Athletic and Cycling Cl ill) are holding a Road Race on Wednesday :50th. August from Hokitika to .'Woodstock and hack. Medals and trophies for the place winners have been kindly donated by Mr W. Hall, Mr A. Lawn and Mr Ongley. Nominations 2s 6d. close with the Secretary on Monday 28th. —Advt. The public 'at last have an opportunity to obtain genuine bargains. Ever since opening in business “Paterson’s” have been noted for their reasonable prices and the quality of their goods. Now flint they have decided to have a sale for two weeks only, everything has been substantially reduced, as an inspection of prices will show. Don’t delay, but call at once and save disappointment. If you are unnble to get into town just post money order and we will forward goods by return mail. Money cheerfully refunded if goods do not meet your approval. Agents for C. Taylor and Co. expert dyers and dry French cleaners. Satisfaction guaranteed. Box 86. “Paterson’s” Hokitika. opposite National Bank. Revell Street.—Advt. Cheap eggs all the year round if you preserve plentiful supply now. Sharand’s “51oa” brand egg preservative keeps eggs fresh for months. Clean and economical.—Advt.