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Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1924, Page 2

Apnoros of the raid threatened by the .Minister of 'bonds iti this Dominion on the ] rivileges accorded men who served in the New Zealand Army, under the Soldiers Settlement 'Act, we notice from a cable message that in his tenth war anniversary appeal on lie half of the British I.egum fund lor es-servicemcn. Karl Haig says: “A decade ago we were lavish, from the pulpit and stage, and thousands of platforms, with promises to those, who stemmed the tide of German militarism. Have we fulfilled these obligations? The answer is: Thousands of these men and their families are in great want!” Now Zealand can present a less sombre picture than that, but the point about the proliliic promises made from every platloim to the men who served when the enemy were at the gates, so to speak, is worth takiag to heart in this country •is well as England. Circumstances record that the nation is too prone to forget wlrat it owes to its soldiers. In time ol warfare, there is no one of greater importance than the soldier, hut when the danger is past, and there is security brought about liv the valour and service of the soldiers tlreir services are far too readily forgotten. Karl ll’aig’s reminder is therefore well timed, and is a pointed lesion for the Kmpire at large, which it is evidently necessary to Ik* instilled in the minds of those at tho beau of affairs in tbo State.

poi.i.o wino Karl Haig’s remarks came all account of the laving of wreaths of leiiiembranco at Vines in Belgium to mark Britain’s entry into the war. A more fitting place to deposit the memorials could hardly he chosen, for at Yprcs the British Army gave an outstanding instance of its valour and courage in the faro ol “fealllll odds.” There were in all three* battles at Yipres, where the British on every occasion were beset hv superior forces, which were also better armed—particularly in the matter of armaments. On several occasions erven the camp followers had to be rushed into the British firing line to help keep tho long front intact. It was a notable achievement, not yet fully appreciated at its true worth, hut no less renowned than Verdun, dhere the French had resolved the enemy should not pass. Recalling the splendid defence at Ypies there is every reason why the worth of the ex-servicemen should never be forgotten either in Britain or overseas. Although there were not any New Zealand troops at Yprcs. at other battle Joints the Dominion troops were as resolute as the F.ngfish Army, and they should lie held in the highest esteem. The promises made were as delinitc as sealed documents could lie made, and if our word is to be our bond, the promises should he kept as sacredly as any other liational obligafiion. written or implied.

Tiikkk are some crimes this "eck of Jutland. There is criticism always of tactics is warfare. Tlic arm chair ciitio tan Generally find some :tpi>arent weak spot in t lk* armour of the greatest tactician, ami military moil' in ] articular arc prone to air their vijjtvs. All great wars arc the subject of criticism when histories come to he reviewed. But the gravamen of Lord .lellieoo's offence is that he did not take risks to ensure a more complete victory. Ilis victory cannot lie denied for alter Jutland never again was the Herman fleet tin active instrument in the war. Admiral Jeiiicoo elected to choose safety first, and in that decision there was a world of wisdom, seeing the serious disaster which would follow were the risk to l:e taken a mistake. The whole circumstances of the great naval engagement were suck as to plate those on tiio spot tlie host judges for action. It is olear that no pal pat tie mistake was made, and there is not any suggestion of lack of courage at any stage of me eonllict. While oil the defensive with the capital shiis of the fleet. Lord Jolliroo inflicted all the harm lie coilltl. A<> the enemy, and certainly struck terror into the Herman command. Jutland was a notable milestone on the road to victory, and that important aspect of the ease should not lie lost sight of by the captious critics.

Tilt: County Council is now enforcing its vehicle licensing by-law. According to statements made at the Council table this week, the revenue is required urgently to meet obligations affecting road repairs. The Council very properly paid a tribute to t lie sound advise of the County Solicitor (.Mr Park) under whose direction the by-law was drawn and subsequently upheld liv a Full Bench of Judges. Such a tribunal makes the judgment an unusually strong one. it is now for the utsers of the roads to do their part. Taxation is never popular, but in this instance payment of the fees will give the right to expect the roads and the privilege of demanding them mi sound reasoning. At the same time improved roads should lessen the cost of the tyre hill and afford greater comfort in travelling. The Council lias certainly attempted to do its part by procuring machinery as an aid to effect lictter roads, hut funds are necessary to work the plant to the best nnviuitage. ft- is for the users to cooperate wisely and of course readily as a first step to help the local body to do what it has been anxious to do always—provide an improved road surface. Tile Council has had to negotiate a difficult position in its effort to secure a sound hv-law, l.nt having accomplished that task it will ho necessary now to strictly enforce the by-law with the object of raising more money for bettor roads.