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Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1923, Page 2

The position in the Ruhr, it is plain from the serious comment in the Hritish press is drifting into a serious plight. The •‘Observer’s’’ comments from the weighty pen of Mr Garvin will go a long way in stirring up public thought on the critical character of tlie matter. It is plain that it is being realized in England that the ruthlessness of France, however, much it may t>e in keeping with the tactics of Germany when it had the power to oppress and dominate, is not in keeping with the lessons of the Great "War, nor for the purpose for which that tragic event came to pass. It is not creditable to France that Germany’s methods should Ire imitated so closely for the acts are a negation of our boasted civilisation, and are hut creating a condition of affairs in Germany

yhich can relay the foundation for retribution to come sooner or later. France is going the right way to break the Entente and to undermine the whole fabric of international good will an which it was hoped to build a lasting peace. AYith France rattling her . sabres in Germany there can be no peace, nor the semblance of hope for peaceful prospects in the future. France seems to be bent on doubly de--troving the situation in Europe, first by putting an end tb prospective payments in regard to the reparations, and second bv creating an atmosphere of war and military preparation, which will he confounding to the economic j recovery of the European countries. France lias great military strength and she is trading unduly on that prestige. The influential writer in the “Observer’ asks how far France can go in her escapade with Britain looking on and practically recognising the extremism of France. The British Prime Minister may protest in word, hut it would appear that the time is at hand to protest in deed, for a passive attitude is almost one of approbation under the unwritten alliance with Fiance. If Britain wishes to disassociate herself with what is now passing in Huhr under the guise of peaceful penetration. Mr Garvin’s reminder appears to he a very timely one. The proposal for a central dairy factory is being very generally discussed throughout the town and in the country. It will crop up again to-morrow no doubt, at the important meeting of dairy fanners which is to he held at Kokatahi. The case for the factory was very well put at the public meeting last'Friday by Air W. A. Jamieson of Koiterangi. who is imbued with enthusiasm on the subject. There was no real opposition to the proposal ill tile meeting. Some ot tlio speakois set up a negative attitude, but there was nothing said actually In negative the salient features of the proposal. llt esc are to concentrate, to centralise in one large factory, thereby avoiding the administrative costs of the numerous factories in the country, all remote from the railway. Much transport is involved in taking essentials to the I arteries and in bringing in the manufactured article. All this handling cost and (Icily could lie saved and avoided by a i mitral factory. A good system of collection can ho adopted, for the lay of the country with its dillerent valleys and its coast-lino railway. ta\onr economical and methodical handling. The factory would be in a populated centre where there would he much ready sale for farm commodities without, trading through the middleman. The co-operative suppliers would derive the henelit ol this. Quick and sure despatch to market or for overseas shipment would be possible without risk of deterioration through delay in road transport and hold-ups in goods’ sheds. The butler could pass from the cool store of the factory to the insulated railway truck direct, and thence to the cool store or ship’s freezing ehamhei at the other side. The highest grade would he maintained and that quality would reflect itself in the average for the season. There seems to he so much to commend the proposal that the settlers and the public alike should closely review the matter and take early steps to indicate practical interest in the venture by notifying the district canvassers what their support will he to ensure flotation.