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Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1925, Page 2

A cut cat American licet is in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere just now, and will in less than a month's time ho the observed of all observers in our own four chief harbors. It is almost a. century and a half since the signing of the Declaration of Independence by which America’s severance from hugland's rule was marked. It was on 4 th. July. 1770. when the fnited States entered into nationhood. Declaration Day has remained always a great national anniversary. Xow from overseas comes a great armada to visit the outposts of Empire to which, but for the blunders of the pro-Repitblie days for which the ignorance of English inters was responsible. America would still have been attached. Ibe fnited States, however is an Englishspeaking nation, and there is a sentimental alliance between America and Great Britain, which even the character of Independence Day does not efface. The Americans yisiling Australia and New Zealand will have a cordial welcome, and "ill see that since America "as lost as a colony to the Empire. England has learned how to keep- her overseas countries nowadays, and that in these distant parts of Empire there are loyal people cultivating a. second England, well .satisfied to remain attached to the British Empire. The American sailors will he accorded fraternal greetings in countries which speak their own language, and enjoy their common heritage, won through the centuries by the much abused England herself. A great fleet is in our waters, a licet which in the time of peril participated in the Groat AVer. \Ye know bow the leaders ol both the Army and Navy of the l; idled States attached themselves to all that was British in the war period. It was an intimate demonstration ol what fellowfeeling will do. The American fleet, is a great power, modelled in the main like the Japanese. on the British Navy. Il is something worthy to pattern by. for it is the best, the product of decades of sea supremacy. A worthy reception is sure to he accorded the Americans who are on a peaceable mission, and with whom the best good-will will lie established. The modern ships of the Ended States "ith their niarwh of electrical power will excite great interest wherever it is possible t'l inspect the fleet, and at cvere point there are sure to be large gatherings of people interested to know end understand or bat Enele Sam is doing on the high seas.

Eno.u all accounts there is the need lor some kind «> r special benevolence at this period ol the year. Not of the Ostentatious kind. Inn- the quiet method of going about, and doing good where most needed. A revival ol the Women's Benevolent Society- in times past Would be useful and helpful to many families, where wives and yniing children are going .short ol pro; or clothing at this season of tie- year, and possibly short at times of good food also. The community always supported t tic henevolenl ctlorts well in the past, when tlu-re were those who would give a lead ill the matter. It was a useful and direct- way of reaching the needy without undue publicity. 'I he subject is one which should appeal fo i hose charitably inclined, and some of the women of the place might, well lake the matter up. By forming a committee and establishing sewing boos

Hood dca! could he done with a limit<>d amount, of funds, and many lamiiios would bo benefited. The former Committee worked tor yoars on rigliL linos lindor the major body. and was responsible for much humane work, it. would ho to the advantage of not a few deserving oases that the good work should lie taken up again in a praetioal way.