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Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1924, Page 2

Thkiik seems to he, as the Christchurch “Press” remarks, evidence of the disloyalist mind in the attitude of the London Labor paper on the course of events arising out of the Egyptian crisis following the fatal shooting of the Sirdar. Referring to the British Note to Egypt, the London paper sought to draw an analogy with the Austrian Note to Serbia which was the first step in the Great War. But this was ridiculous and was used merely to cloak the views to he expressed subsequently in tbo desire to belittle Britain, and so show an evident form of disloyalty to be observed generally in most I.al>or publications. As the Press remarks tbo “Herald” is far too intelligent to be ignorant of the difference between the two eases, hut in any case its malice and disloyalty are made clear in its subsequent comments. “Britain.” it says, "is more fortunate than Austria, as no big Power stands behind Egypt as Russia did behind Serbia. We may therefore pursue a policy of c-ru.sbing a small nation without fearing armed opposition by a State of our own size.” This stupid insult dees not merit repudiation, but

it requires notice for its revelation of the recklessness and malice of the disloyalist mind. We should merely have thought the “Herald” hopelessly and dangerously misguided if it bad blamed the Government for not meeting the outrages of Egyptian nationalism with tender forgiveness. But- its wrath is not directed against what it may think is the wrong way -of handling Egypt; it is directed against Britain because Britain is Britain. The man who can so atrociously defame his native c-otjji-

try, not merely putting tiie woist construction upon its actions, but consciously defying facts in order to clear the way for his defamation', wditld hardly fail to rejoice over his country’s misfortunes. Such disloyal men are worse enemies of their country than open enemies abroad. And the ‘ Herald” is not the organ of some insane traitor; it is the official spokesman of the British Labour Party. It bv no means represents, in this matter, the average British workingman, and it probably does not represent the majority of trade unionists, but it does represent those who furnish the driving power of the Labour movement, and its article demonstrates quite clearly that whatever virtues militant LnbottrSocinlism may claim, loyalty is not olio of them. And what is true of militant Labour in Britain is so true of militant Labour here that we shall be surprised if anyone in authority in the Labour movement in New Zealand expresses disapproval of the monstrous article of the ‘‘Dailv Herald. *’

At the recent meeting of the Hokitika Borough Council a choice was made, of a new overseer of works, in the place of the officer resigned. The appointis an important one bearing on an important aspect of the local administration, and the ratepayers have very direct interest in the appointment. The officer will he taking up his duties shortly, and apparently does so with the almost unanimous consent i f the councillors, judged by the filial voting. The general condition of the streets, including the footpaths, calls for considerable attention. Not only lias the population grown, necessitating the extension of streets and the formation of new footpaths, hut the volume of traffic, and in particular its speed. has grown greatly, with the result that the wear and tear of traffic is new vciv considerable. In all centres where motor traliie has taken charge, it is a problem to deal with roads, and it will be no exception bore, because the Council cannot go to the large outlay of laying down special roadways. The newly appointed officer will have plenty of scope for tin 1 practical application of his knowledge ill keeping up the roads to a reasonable state of good order for the free running of motors. Pedestrians oil the other band, will be looking for improved footpaths, with ] e maucnl channelling and kerbing in concrete, giving the streets a more sliapefnl presentment. There "ill be plenty of scope for ibe newly appointed i tficer to exercise bis knowledge in providing better travelling conveniences for the ratepayers and public generally.