The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1926. EUROPEAN DIFFICULTIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1926. EUROPEAN DIFFICULTIES.

The spark that set- the world ablaze in 191-1. remarks the “Lyttelton Times,” originated in one of the Balkan States. Since the war these belligerent countries have developed various crises, some of which have been settled more or less satisfactorily, but others, still in suspense, threaten to disturb the peace of Europe. The comparatively recent Graeco-Bulgarian incident might easily have precipitated h Balkan war, and while the League of Nations separated the contestants, Greece still smarts under the decision of the Commission of Inquiry. She considers that the League turned # Christian left cheek to Italy after the Corfu incident, but, from her, exacted the full pound of flesh. The most satisfactory suggestion made by the Commiissiifh in the interests of future peace, was the formation of an international corps of frontier guards, who would be less liable than the explosive Greeks and Bulgars to shoot each other at sight for reasons not discernible to the other nations. Since Finnic became wholly Italian in 1921. Yugoslavia has made insistent claims for unrestricted access to

Salonika, not only on account of the openly advanced trade purposes, but also for the unexpressed strategic reasons that in times of hostilities both Yugoslavia and Rumania might find themselves cut off from their patron Franco, who supplies them with war materials. Bulgaria’s natural enmity to Greece forces her into the Yugoslavian camp. Recently Greek Ministers visited Rome, and it is understood that past misunderstandings were dismissed and views were exchanged establishing improved relations between the two Governments. France, Italy and Yugoslavia are all vitally concerned in preventing the, suggested absorption of Austria by Germany, for both Italy and Yugoslavia have large numbers of ex-Aus-trian subjects within their borders, who might eventually be attracted toward the more powerful German State. Signor Mussolini has made it plain that Italy views with disfavour such a union, and, this new direction given to Italian policy accords entirely with French interests. There are indications that France has seized the opportunity for suggesting a tripartite pact of mutual guarantee in opposition to Pan-Germanic aims. Whether the two other nations can agree is uncertain, for France and Italy are rivals for controlling influence in the Balkans, and Ttaly scored a distinct snccecs when sue attached to herself an important- member of the Little Entente bv her treaty with Yugoslavia. in 1924. Intrigue seems to be i the whole life of the countries of the ' Balkans und though the interests of i some of the more powerful nations < may make for peace, the traditional lee ire of centuries-old enemies to fly it each other’s throats on the slight- ' >st pretext still stands as a menace j :o the peace of -Europe. Well-defined intagonisms take the place of any lesire for peace and therein lies the 1 anger. t

■Thkkk is a story told in thoughts for the times today, -which whether true or otherwise, conveys a useful lesson as to the. needs for thrift if success in life is to be Attained. There are at the disposal of the [icople many avenues nowadays for thrift, and 1 it is pleasing to know that they are availed of greatly. The savings hanks have proved n useful factor in accumulating wealth in a useful way for the people, and especially in family circles can it he made a means to a' most desirable end. Many folk lease tripped off fo Dunedin of late on holiday bent, hut tlie trips have been possriole only because of the thrift which prepared in advance for the excursion. The saving habit is a good fault, for it is well to provide for a rainy day ns for a bright trip away. After all, the practice of saving is not over difficult of accomplishment when there is the will, and the pleasure to he derived from the result is sure to prove worth-while. In both public and private banks the practice of saving goes on till the amount accumulated is of substantial proportions. AYe do not know that the practice of thrift so far as the young are concerned, is as general as it whs in former years, hut if not parents should see that the remissness should not heroine chronis, and make good any neglect of the recent past. The present year with the prospect of more difficult times ahead, seems to suggest n special need for carefulness in management, and the practice of thrift would have a useful effect 011 the whole community. Thrift creates oportunities which should not he missed.