The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31. 1927. THE YEAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31. 1927. THE YEAR.

“The. moving finger writes; and having writ, Moves on; nor all your piety nor wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all your tears wash out one word of it.” The years pass, and with the ending day, another year follows in the train. Fatalists will argue that the year will claim to itself all flic joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments of the past twelve months, and that nought might change the course of events. But time itself works wondrous changes, and in turn those very changes affect the

course of events, and even man-made conditions due to science and invention. play tlioir part. But with it all, time rolls on, and waits for none. The most desperate hour passes, as also the gladsome time. Then, what of it? “Why formed at all. and wherefore as thou art,” was the unsatisfied pessimism of Pluto in the ages gone by. The same query is often spoken or suggested nowadays to the mind. The answer is with ourselves. Time brings and gives its opportunities. The reply to the question of the pessimist, as to ourselves is by making the most of our opportunities we shall get the most out of our lives, and help to fill the year with good results. With such a spirit there would he no room for pessimism, and that is the manner in which our destiny is to he worked out. The

world at large has not had a jo.vlul year. Disaster has been recorded on all sides. America ,the land id' big things, has had its full of great disasters in flood and fire and catastrophe. Europe has been on the verge of war. and has perhaps been saved from that terrible excess more by the financial plight of the nations than by statesmanship. Asia is overshado’ 'od bv Chinese affairs, the end of which is not yet. Africa has had its serious disasters in the northern territory and political crises in the southern. Oceania has had strikes in rapid succession, political upheavals and island eruptions. It is all a doleful account, and hut for the fact that “hope springs eternal” in the human breast, it would be a sad world indeed. But there is something buoyant in the feeling that it is hotter on before; that life is worth living; and that the duty cast upon the people, is flic endeavour to live nobly. The assimilation of these (Ordinal conditions provides that form of national character, which in the end creates public opinion, and upon which the world thrives. Public opinion has grown out of the democratic institutions, which have lieen created through the years. Our own nation is essentially democratic, and when wo speculate on the prestige of Great Bri-

tain—a little Island in itself—w<* musl realise that there is something in those free institutions which unified, control the government, of the country and give to the people constitutional freedom and the facility to develop and expand the national interests. Mr Amory, when here with 11s lately, spoke of his experience in travelling to the Antipodes and making his way back again to the starting point in Great Britain He said that in his long journey he had been under the Union Jack throughout Ho had met people of the same Empire, living under the same Flag and Constitution, and enjoying the same national freedom. Sprung from a common stock—in the far-off Homeland—the nation had expanded and grown till it had built up itself as the one great world power which was looked up to and respected, and expected to lead the world itself in all great, international movements. The country and peoples which had achieved so much, had made life worth living. Fostering hands had designed laws which worked for the additional betterment. Trade and intercourse had Ijeen encouraged to go abroad, and protect-

ed to even tbo far ends of the earth. Great Britain is'a wonderful example of nation-building, and there is nothing to compare with it. America and Russia, two great nations in themselves. have not the repute (which Great Britain has in nation building. Roosevelt acknowledged that on behalf of America, and history is acknowledging it on behalf of Russia,' while Trot : sky has tjint opinion,

we conclude that the following years return to us just what we have sown, and nations and individuals prosper, not mechanically, hut from their own resources, and the proper uses of those resources. Tiik guarantee of the world's peace has been made more hopeful during the dying year. The European outlook is more favourable in that with ros]>ect to international disputes which seemed to threaten war, were settled amicably in the end. The Eastern States, jealous rivals as they are, were a source if serious danger for a time, but that : s now passed, happily. Italy appears to" be something of an uncertain quantity, while Mussolini dominates the i-ountry so thoroughly, but at least ho is redeeming the general situation, and the Fascists regard him with undying favour. Russia coni in lies aloof. There arc signs of internal schisms, hut Rus,ia is still something of an outcast so far as national trust is concerned. For the rest., Europe is in an improving condition generally, and gradually recovering from the exhausting effect of the war period. Great Britain seems to possess a typical John Bull in its Prime Minister. Mr Baldwin cannot lie regarded as an assertive man. He is almost shy and certainly refiling But when ho elects to come to flic front to speak his mind, the logic of his utterances is very convincing. There was tlic recent case In point when lie replied after due consideration to the petition of those hundred thousand Britons who petitoned for peace and unified refusal of support in the event of war service. Air Baldwin summed up the world situation with admirable clearness and stressed the danger of allowing Britain to become impotent. Ho made it clear there was necessity in the interests of the world peace, that Britain should remain a first-class Power, and that there was everything to lose if tiie country were to drop hack in naval and military power to the level of a fifth-rate Power. If was a clear and intelligent view of the situation which should stimulate confidence in the policy of the nation to maintain its Navy and Army at the first class standard, and warrants the pubic taking an intelligent interest in tin 1 matter and focussing opinion on the need of seeing that our national interests cannot lie maintained, or i in’ Empire held together unless by the authority of a loree the very existence of which will induce respect. The practical value of the Navy was demonstrated in Chinese waters this year, when tin' interests of humanity prompted Britain to assemble naval strength, which was used for the common protection ot all nationals in

Chinn. ITihappily China has been seduced largely through communistic influence's from the Soviet Republic. The Russian emissaries according to all ac.(Hints have over-run the country, and exercised a tremendous influence. Opportunity was taken of the revolutionary spirit, abroad in China, and the footing so gained was used with evident evil intent The true position in China is still very obscure. Tbo Nationalists of China proper arc showing some objection to Russian interferences. an<i where they can arc wreaking terrible vengeance on their victims. But the aspect changes quickly in China, and the Soviet may he levying revenge in the next stage. Britain, it would appear. rnntcm.pbitos evacuating her concessions in China. They arc nut lightly held, hut there are other possessions ill Asia more precious to bold. It would not lx- surprising if the line of defence wore shortened mi that account so as to consolidate attention where the interests are the greater. 11 Britain leaves China the situation will develop into something akin to what Mr Baldwin predicts would happen, were Britain to withdraw from the League of Nations. It would be interesting to see how other nationals would net, without the lead Groat Britain had always been ready to give in time of foreign emergency. The salvation of China is going to rest with the Chinese, and at present they arc very much of a rabble who have not appreciated what tlioir best friends could and would do for them, and left to their own devices it will take a long time to reach finality. A Chinese Mussolini is necessary to arise to tackle the task. 'Hie United States is seriously considering her naval problem just now, A strong Navy with n nation which has so much in common with Britain, will he helpful in maintaining a world ponce. Britain and Ameren are never likely to he rivals in war. and if China is to he left to her own devices, an American Navy Would be some additional security for the Pacific, in the northern part of which in particular, the United States has valued possessions. These must not lie menaced, so that on the whole the fact that America wants an all powerful Navy need'not l>e a disturbing factor affecting the future security of Great Britain or any of her scattered possessions.

New Zealand has had a difficult year to contend with. Early in the period unemployment began to stalk the land, and the unwelcome visitor is still not laid. There was a financial stringency despite borrowing and the spending of large sums of borrowed money. Industry was restricted. That all important industry as a means to create employment. sawmilling, slumped badly. Producers of dairy products received restricted prices, and in many instances had to make up deficits on year-old sales, the ramifications of Dairy Conrtol being mainly to blame for this contretemps. Politically, the country endured the longest session on record, but there was more than the usual waste of time. Some of the legislation proposed ended in a fiasco, and altogether 'lie session can lie considered hardly of value in relation to its duration. The leadership has been much canvassed, nnj'tqkf' all round stringency in finai;& and • labour made the whole Domj^j on position most difficult, and nei^g r pick nor leadership managed to corn e to the rescue. The dying yearhowever, gives promise of things keXg r on before. Markets are wore jt-

seems certain that the end of the financial year will see the trade balance for the Dominion at a very satisfactory figure. It is to be hoped that happier conditions will not be seized as a special occasion for more borrowing, for which as usual Parliament gave tne (Government liberal authority. The better markets prevailing give promise of an improved period for the producers, and that is sure to reflect itself in the general prosperity. The coming year will be tbe third and last in the life of the present Parliament, which means a good deal of general stir along familiar lines. The political issues will he much to the front in the coming year. Doth in regard to general politics and also specific questions, such as licensing. Bible-in-schools, etc., there will be much baranging. and the social disturbance will be considerable. Tbe liveliness in polities it is to be hoped will reflect itself in other and more reproductive channels. The swing of the pendulum in trade is really the deciding factor in our national prosperity, and it is to he hoped the favourable prospects will he well maintained. New Zealanders have much to he thankful for in residing in these lar-ofl isles, and there is the need to make the most ot their opportunities which arc in the grasp of all who well and truly endeavour to seize them.

Westland has weathered the year extremely well. Despite what must he regarded as a very serious slump in the timber trade, the result of restricted work was not as serious as it might liave been. For this minimum of inconvenience tbe mill-owners are deserving of a word of commendation. There is no doubt the mill proprietors did their best to tide over a difficult period, and the workmen must realise that what was dune imposed considerable financial sacrifice in sonic cases. I fie men in many instances also adapted themselves to 11 10 set of circumstances which arose, in the light spirit. The relations as they panned out showed a realisation of the position, and the very successful effort to make the least of the difficulties. .Milling is an important industry for this district, involving as it does so much labour to handle the product. It is pleasing to learn that the immediate prospects are most promising and that many mills will be able to start, the new year full handed. Tbe producing section of tbe community has conic through a difficult period also. Prices were at a low level for most of the past dairying season, and left little to come and go on. Hie new season opened better, but just at tin.* moment prices are not too robust. However, there is tbe compensating advantage that production lias increased, giving greater value lor tbe period. It is a promising season for feed and stock are doing well, and every advantage can be taken ol prices as they improve. Our scenic attractions bail a special boom from tbe visit of Mr Ameiy. Nothing lias been said or done hitherto which will go so far as tin* remarks of our distinguished and enterprising visitor in praise oi tbe special and peculiar glories ol Westland. It was a great and lasting advertisement, and tin* value li'oin it will accrue for many years to come. An event of extraordinary importance is in store for Westland in the early new year—tbe introduction of hydro-electric power for the northern past. It wP be used largely for industrial purposes, and a recurring interest in gold-minin" is not tbe least of tbe prospects in sight. For milling and dairying purpcses it is to be adapted also, while it will give much comfort and convenience to many settlers’ homes. The outlook is indeed a very pleasing prospect. and tbe promise for Westland as a whole is very comforting. A good vear seems in store. Ihe sol tiers and |lie workers all deserve it. amt we can only hope and wish expectations will Tie realised, and that our readers one and all. in common with tbe community at large, will enjoy A HAPPY NEW YFA It.