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Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1923, Page 2

The dissertation by Mr Lloyd George on “war memoirs” was of importance because of the light let in on the license to use State documents for personal purposes. Casting back the memory over tho war period it will be recalled that from time to time the course of events and their cause were often bitterly criticised. For long months the war did not go very well for tho Allies. At the outset, everyone, almost, was too prone to believe that tho British had only to enter the fray to settle the matter! But tho hosts of the enemy were not realised for some time and in relation to his legions, the Kaiser was critically correct in referring to the first British Army thrown into the war as “contemptible” in point of numbers, yet it was “tinwhole” British Army at that stage. Not- to put too fine a point on to tbe whole circumstance, England was quite unprepared militarily for the great war. Were it not for lier strength with the Navy, the war would have been of brief duration and Germany and her comrades in arms would have triumphed speedily. Unprepared on land, it is not surprising that tbe army was soon thrown into confusion by tho weight of the advancing foe. England bad not prepared for a trial of strength on land, that remissness being due primarily to public opinion. Hut if an army of 10,000 could not defeat an opposing army of 100,000. the public were ready to blame tbe leadership, rather than the fearful odds. The leaders were roundly criticised from tlio heads downwards. Even Kitchener who had the widest outlook of all. did not see far enough to prepare for tlie eventualities which came, and in the end he, too, had a round of criticism levelled at him. All the time, too. opinion was inflamed and quite out of focus, for the full facts among those who knew them could not be divulged, and tbe people were not patient enough in the days of stress and trial to wait for details which time only could reveal. Then came the raids bv sea and. air and public opinion was more jumpy than ever. It was a imtural happening. iuitl nil sort* of erlt-ioUm

poured out. Those in high places who | did not suffer from tho criticism, had Duly to await tlreir turn—it came rather sooner than later. So, as tho ex-Pre-mier of Britain points out, we had a sequence of apologies from the great men, all excusing and some accusing. The world is greeting the Great War into better perspective, and opinion is more sound, for it realises tbe importence of the first forces launched against the foe. On that account, many “war memoirs” were better unwritten for in every case they disclose partiality and a disposition to shift blame from one to another when as a matter of fact wc know all put their back into the job( and failed only because of their enforced limitations by circumstances beyond their control. It is pleasing to note that steps are to be taken to again organise a winter school session for the district. The initial success last year should encourage the sealing of the bargain for this year’s event. Last year tbe ideo was new to the district and the educational opportunities were not fully lealised. The school offers an occasion for intellectual refreshment, and an opportunity to rub shoulders with a body of men ready and anxious to impart a store of knowledge to all who care to take it in. The enthusiasm aroused here on the previous occasion can still be recalled, and it should ensure prospects for greater interest on the coni- } ; M g occasion. It is understood several prominent lecturers from Canterbury ! College will Ik: prepared to come over | and now that foik realise the scope j and possibilities tor the school, the see- , son in mind should be an exceptional j success. The farmers about tbe dis- | ti'iet should watch for full particulars. and arrange to be present if at all posj sible. either personally or through j their families. It may bo expected that the public school teaching stafl generally will avail themselves of the school session for the syllabus will be designed to he of special help in their work. Altogether the event should he more popular than ever, and bo of distinct educational advantage to all who patronise the school.