The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY. DECEMBER 30th., 1922. THE YEAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY. DECEMBER 30th., 1922. THE YEAR.

“Kvery street lias two sides, the shady side and the sunny. When two men shake bands ancl pait, mmk which of the two takes the sunny side; he will he the younger man of the two.” i:„ K another issue of the paper is prepared. the year 1922 will have passed into the limits of history, and young sprightly 1923 will have stepped into the light of day. Pray, God, he will lead us along the sunny side, and with iis youth, and sprightlinOss, go far upon the highway of life into that newer world the older was for c\oi making whete peace and contentment may liml a surer footing, and happiness and humanity a more abiding resting place. I let ore setting forth upon the new year of adventure, custom calls a halt at this stage of life’s journey to look hack on the recent past. It is a custom of value to those who would care to profit by what has gone before. The dying year carries away with it many dead hopes. ft embalms in its memories many cherished thoughts which failed to come to pass. It was a year of opportunity at the opening, but the closing days found the opportunities unrealised.

The year 1922 in the measurement of time is some four years after the armistice of 1018. The armistice of tho Great War with its welter of death, and debt and destruction, was soon followed by a treaty of peace; but, alas, that treaty has never been really consummated. It was a paper peace, a scrap of paper, whereon were imposed conditions of peace it was not found possible to realise. Germany lias not been able to foot the bill of costs the Allies drew up, and is still defying the Allies to a degree where even the Allies mav themselves separate. Turkov found in 1922, a year of great opportunity to escape from the peace conditions, and has made tho most of that opportunity, creating a crisis which lias led up to the downfall of Greece and to the political upheaval of Great Britain, resultant in the dramatic change of Government, followed by it no less remarkable general election wherein new problems reared themselves and a changing outlook came upon tho situation. The aftermath of the war, the post-war problems, are still the burning issues of the day, and towards n satisfactory solution of difficult times. 1922, was not. vorv helpful.

The financial and political authorities are still engrossed in the deep and unending argument ns to what Germany can pay. France, like a veritable Shvlook, demands her pound of flesh, and there are alarms and excursions that she will insist on her rights. Great Britain can see economic difficulties ahead, and does not countenance the French methods which are plainly annexation of German territory thereby creating a fresh Alsace-Lorraine problem for the two neighboring nations. America, like a big sleeping partner, in all this fray after the war is at last showing signs of waking up to play a man’s part In the final settlement pf tho European affairs which she, through President Wilson, did so much

to creute. If the reparations were settled on an acceptable basis, more than half the troubles of Europe would be solved. But it is a great and intricate problem, with ramifications (but faintly understood at this distance. As lias been said on behalf of Italy, the present plight cannot continue much longer, and there is justifiable hope that 1923 will witness a material step towards adjustment. It will make tho year a memorable one, indeed.

Turkey, far from being the Sick -Mini of Europe, has heroine one of its most positive forces. Turkey lias to bo reckoned with. In a rather remarkable way Turkey accounted for Greece when the latter over-reached herself, and , broken and bent, Greece is now the suppliant. The Great Powers have lost , their hold on Turkey to a great extent and must give up some of their own ( hardly won advantages to save Greece which was such a difficulty all through the Great War. It is a strange rd- ' mixture of cause and effect the new . situation which has arisen, and the experience will lie an object lesson to statesmen great and small of the pitfalls ahead when dealing loosely with foreign nations. The redeeming point of the whole business was Britain's consistency to the point of facing another war to maintain the national prestige. The nation would not have had the course of events otherwise once Britain was in the toils, but when the situation was through, the United Kingdom used the incident ns a pretext to get rid of the Coalition Ministry and remove from power the omnipotent T.loyd George, the greatest figure in all English history over all the centuries. It would be a difficult task to lWicw at all adequately the labor of love which Lloyd George has devoted not only to the Empire, but to tbe world it large. Tbe partisan politicians will, of

course, view those services from diffcrent standpoints, hut no one honestly reviewing the crowded life and action of our greatest Prime Minister, can fail to recognise his force of character, his dominant virility, his per-

ceptive genius, and his tremendous influence on imperial and international history. It would bo difficult to state with satisfying accuracy wliat was the most notable achievement of this man of outstanding spirit and courage. Ho was to begin with, a great patriot whose greatness his enemies at least have not yet plumbed. He has lieen n man of amazing energy. Ho had to face stupendous difficulties at every stage—aiid he triumped over all. In tho Great War he shone forth above all others, the captain of the nation, whose courage never failed, whose vision never quailed before the oncoming dangers. Whether it he in finding men. money or munitions, in organising food supplies, in recovering trade, in grappling with economic problems, in dealing with international questions, in winning over to his side hosts of political opponents, in earning the pra- . titude of peoples overseas, David Lloyd fJenree was sirmnlk- victorious, and has

titude of peoples overseas, David Lloyd George was signally victorious, and has

placed the nation and the empire, forever his debtor llxs labors to Inina peace to Ireland, to adjust the difficulties of the complex issues between north and south, and to bring the country to a sense of regard for the dominant partner, were no doubt among the most notable of hi.? great domestic services. Ireland was for so long a cause for serious concern to the United Kingdom, and the magnitude of the dispute had spread far overseas. Statesmen in modern times from the days of Gladstone onward, tried hard to find a solution to give Ireland tranquility. AVlien the opportunity served, Mr Lloyd George stuck to the task with that indomitable sprit of his which has always carried him so far. That a solution was ultimate ly found is altogether creditable to Great Britain, and a liberal share oi that credit must lie apportioned to the British Prime Minister, who u the midst of many other complex questions, always made time to give personal attention to the efforts to reach an agreement acceptable to the Irish representatives. And. he succeeded just when success seemed hopeless, gaining success it may he believed by a dominant personality when man to man the arbiters of Ireland’s fate met at the round table conference to settle the broad lines of the constitution. It was a veritable triumph, won in the interests alike of Ireland, and the Empire.

Thu Motherland has had a difficult year The draining of man power consequent of the war period, and the loss of trade owing to the business of war overshadowing everything else, did not permit the United Kingdom to readily adjust her local conditions to settled properity. British trade was down nnd out for the time being, and with the millions of people affected, . that meant national disaster. Expenditure consequent upon war conditions was still enormous, and revenue was naturally short. Taxation was imposed upon the people. Great difficulties were presenting themselves on all sides. Unemployment reared itself. Ex-Ser-vicemen found themselves neglected The general condition of affairs was universally had, and called for prompt action. That action well co-ordinated was applied, nnd there was a gradual revival in trade which was the most effective remedy for the restoration of stable times. Britain is slowly recovering. Her recuperative powers are something to be proud of. She has carried on nohly, honoring her debts, meeting her obligations and maintaining her high level for commercial lion- , estv. Tn a sentence, 1022. has seen | Great Britain win through and recover. or rather, retain the proud position of esteem she has over enjoyed among the community of nations.

Tnp varying changes of the times, coupled with this reactionary spirit which asserts itself inevitable under stress of circumstances, found Great Britain verv distraught political' v There was the desire, if not the need, for a change. The Coalition Government which had served the country so well in times of stress when unitv A action could alone cerve in regard to the great issues at state, had outrun its usefulness. The stress was not so great, and ambitious minds desirous of flattering their vanity sought for a changn, The plight qf unemployment'

was another fnctor in seeking for a chango, and so came about the some what dramatic end of the Coalition, which necessitated a fresh gcneial election to ensure stable government. The Conservatives won the day, and in Mr B<,nar Law there> a capable l’rime Minister—a sale administrator wed tried ill war times. Labor made a good showing at the polls as was to he expected fiom the enlarged franchise and serious state of unemployment. In fact the wonder is Labor was not more successful—particularly as British La- . 1,,,, has of late shown itself less mili- ' taut and more constitutional. Actu- , ally the political changes were not at , all alarming or even disconcerting.

Ai.l. round the Empire the oversea Dominions have had their difficulties deli nj; the year—lndia and South Africa notably so. The position, at last, is mending, and there is hope of tranquility. Egypt has, like Ireland, been | generously served. Concessions are being made to India and in South Africa a full measure of well-directed demociatic Government lias the task of pacification in band. Australia and Canada have been more happily placed, their chief difficulties being of the minor domestic older arising largely out of the course of political events. But all the Dominions have their post-war problems following the dislocation of trade, the unstable prices, and the natural sequence of unemployment.. History has been repeating itself all round the world, and the familiarities of the events has reduced some of their terrors. The sequence has Irecome so natural that after nil it would appear there is a partial, if not a comi plete cure for these industrial diseases, | and statesmen might well collaborate ( in research work to prevent the tilt- ; ing of trade balances which has so important a hearing on industrial tro.iibles. Thrift in good times will be a good thing for nations as well as individuals ,to practice, if funds are to ho available when stringent times set in.

In our own Dominions trade dislocation following the drop in prices of primary products has been the major difficulty, combined with the fact that those in authority were slow to realise the necessity for prompt action to stem the adverse tide. Bankers, commercial authorities, and others, gave ample warning, and the Government preached economy, hut all too few—the Government included—failed to practice "t. The Country lias weathered the financial {stringency sratlier well. There were no heavy crashes, though a serious position was reached at one time. Now we are told the tide is turning. Certain of the primary products are bringing better prices and more money will be flowing into the country. The serious drain of the excess in imports has passed, and the trade balance is swinging the other way. The advanced price for wool is very material, and the good price for lambs etc., is proving a great relief to the producer. Dairy products are at a more stable price, and on a plane more adequate to recompense the dairy farmer. The year is closing with a brighter promise for the season, giving the man on the land lietter heart and causing a general buoyancy in trade, which is making ifs reflection all tlirou gli the oommunitv.

Thk prosperity of New Zealand is bound Tip largely in the sale price of the products from the land, and with fair prices prevailing, the country will enjoy less stringent times. It has taken folk a considerable time to settle down after the orgy of war prices when money was so plentiful, and there was an absence of thrift. Tho=e days led to prodigal expenditure all round, and the country in every walk in life has to return to normal trading conditions before the stringent tines can he left behind. Capital Ims become less prevalent because so much, of it wont into higli-priced land which has depreciated in value, and the money interest in it has to he written down. A considerable percentage of the value has disappeared and there is so much less to operate upon. The war times taught the people many lessons in economics but we are not sure that they have all been fully grasped. The general adjustment in prices and rates of pay which has yet to be made, will have some disturbing effect on the minds of the people, lint the adjustment is one which has to he made inevitably and to many it will be among the unpleasant task and duty of the coming new year. But nations, as well as individuals, must face facts as they are, and not as we would have them.

The financial position of the country is largely the governing factor in its politics. The treasury, we have been told, is empty, and the Government has come into much well-deserved criticism for its inadequate financial administration. At the general election this month the Massey Ministry was weighed in the balance of public opinion. and found wanting. Tbc results place the Prime Minister in a minority and the ordinary constitutional cause would lie for Mr Massey to resign. He lias not done so, but it' is forecasted will call Parliament together in February. Mr Massey has less than half the new House behind him. When on a former occasion, the polls gave Sir ,Total'll Ward a majority of one or two, he did not elect to carry on, but {endured his resignation. It is suggested in some quarters that meantime the the Prime Minister is endeavouring to reorganise his party and secure the addition of some converts. There ’s little disclosed outwardly as to what kind of intrigue is going Forward, lint the 1922 elections revealed the broad fact, that Beform has failed to carry , on the government of the country, and has lost the confidence of the electors. Prnhablv there will he some reshuffling of the noliticnl cards to save the overdone exit of the Government.

The general election was notable to Westland because the electors thought fit to make a change in their representative. We have commented on the fact already and it is not neoossnrv + o restate our opinions. Hint we notice several newspapers were in n‘’Teenier’' with wl'at has been stated in these column® en the result of the noil. It was contributed to in the main by t'-e action of Mr Massey, who. even again®! the advice of poitienl supporters, put up ,n Reform candidate to split the

voting. The result which ffiany feared, came to pass, and Mr Massey and his supporters must share in the credit of placing a Labor-member in Parliament for Westland. The result is one that is being much regretted by many who now feel they were led away, not to ; say misled, by special pleading and a one-sided statement of the case. In j the defeat of Mr Seddon, Westland j lost the services of a member whom 't I will be difficult to replace. In var ou i j ways his absence is being felt already, ' hut the electors having made theilchoice must abide by the consequences and put up with the results. The bos* ! way to retrieve the position is to give I the sitting member all possible suppo t | and help to make good, and to trust that in the end the disadvantages to • the district will be minimised to the 1 fullest extont.

Wksti,and affairs continue to promise well. Hie year which is dying h..s been « hopeful, active year, all branches of industry being well main tabled. Sawmilling suffered through the general slump in trade, but we hav to remember that milling is now a

very extensive industry, and that it is capable of meeting very large denuui • If the industry is to be operated fo its fullest capacity, it is essential for the public to take a closer interest n the welfare of milling There is gradually developing a forestry policy which is of a very restrictive nature. The people should be alert and look more into this question, for so much of our general prosperity is hound up with the volume of the timber trade. It is a provincial question, and not merely a matter for the individual miller, or the local body only. It is a question whereon public opinion should lie a:on? ed, and the economic aspect as affe, ■. d ed, and the economic aspect as affected application of the resultant revenue should be made clear to the public There is room, as there is certainly occasion for some healthy propaganda work up and down the Coast to st'.r up public intercet so that the people will realise what is happening, befoie it is too late.

Evkkyjiody is rejoiced to know iliac the year has seen the dredging propo sition at South Hokitika fully j Unify the enterprise displayed. Under fhevery capable and efficient management the large' dredge has been operated most successfully, doing everything that was expected. The returns have proved equal to expectations, built upon tbe prospecting done so thoroughly in advance. The pronounced success of this venture, assures a very long life to the company with the prospect of other similar propositions being taken up Inter iii the district. This latter .sequence will carry with it the provision of more electric power, which of course would be a very useful development bideed, affecting the general progress of the province. In these later days when gold mining is supposed to he a de dining industry, it is encouraging to see this useful branch of dredging give such promise, for it certainly revives the prospects ahead for more practical development, in regard to goldminiug generally, an industry far too indifferently treated by the country as a whole, which can well afford from past profits to turn more attention to its development and ultimate expansion.

Land values are coming more into their own in Westland. Fortunately for th? general prosperity of the district, the district never suffered from boom values to any extravagant extent, and now, at least, it is only enjoying the reasonable increment of values following local developments. The movement to recover the swamp lands for increasing settlement is a- good one, as already the land is ronded, and after all. drainage is not excessively- costly, and has a recurring value in ally case by virtue of the constant utility of the drains. With farm products and stock prices, firming in values, local settlers may face the immediate future with a good deal of hope. prices are going to lie more stable in the future, for with the near approach of the opening of the through railway, a more permanent market will lie available all the year round, and production need not lie so restricted, as it has had to be in the past because of the lack of a ready market. Dairy produce in particular will, henc-e-forth, lie more assured in price to the small farmer who can build always on having the open market of the Dominion at his call now that through railway communication is to be possible in the very near future.

The dawning year is going to be a very memorable one for the West Coast in general and Westland in particular by reason of the final consummation of the East and West railway traffic. The means of communication will specially serve this portion of the Coast which will he brought into direct connection with the great province of Canterbury and all the facilities afforded over there for trade and commerce. In 1923 the hopes so long deferred are to be gratified by the reality of many ardent expectations in the past, and for that particular reason the coming year will he welcomed specially. The occasion will lie epoch making, and it is proposed to mark it with a great exhibition to he held there in a year’s time to synchronise 'vitli the diamond jubilee of the settlement by Europeans of Westland province. It is a very worthy way to celebrate so important a happening, and no doubt the citizens will rise to the occasion, fully realising both their obligations and their duty at such a time. The people here have been always worthily public-spirit-ed and we are sure the coming great event—easily the most important in the provincial history—will not he any exeeptfon.

Wttli these thoughts of hopefulness in the not distant future, this reference to the special occasion of to-day may be brought to a close. The dying year will carry with it, perhaps, many memories of hope deferred, of expectations not realised; but the future is largely in our own making. Opportunity from time to time opens the door to action, and if we have not taken all the advantage of the openings in the past, perhaps we will he more enterprising in the future when the greater opportunity will soon open to us. If with courage and resources we go forward there is no reason why through the ports] piereipg the moun?_

tain fastness which through all these long years lias been a barrier to the more material progress of the country, there pnay soon flow a volume of trade and commerce, and an interchange of people and ideas, which will bring to us, we hope, both pleasure and ' profit, making this beautiful part of ; New Zealand more wonderful still, and j more bountiful, too, in the provision |of those worldly goods, the sum of -s| i whjich spell- .prosperity. These good * | things are possible in the very near ' future, and so there can be no qualms ' of doubt about the good wishes we extend to our readers to-jlay when wo , wish them one and all -< ~ A HAPPY NEW YEAR.