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Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1928, Page 2

Whatever one may think about tho causes of the Great War, and the methods by which the Germans conducted it, they are undoubtedly a wonderful people. For, while they are abreast of the most progressive nations in the van of civilisation, they have retained a faculty common to all primitive people, hut largely lost in the modern world, which enables them to discipline and to organise themselves and to .submit uncomplainingly to absolute authority in the interests of the community or the state. Last week, Germany has given the world two striking illustrations of this special capacity. On the third subject an exchange said: There is to be a great gymnastic meeting at Cologne, and 12,000 el ulus, with a total nicnilierKhipi or 2,000,000 will compete there. Hundreds of special trains arc conveying visitors to the city, and 20,000 swimmers, men and women, have started to swim from all parts of Germany, along the countless streams and canals that eventually lead to Cologne. It is an extraordinarily impressive project, i>ossihlc only to people who arc capable of being inspired in vast numbers by one idea, and are equally capable of organising themselves to carry it into practical effect. The second illustration is tho Schubert festival just held atf Vienna and attended by Germans from all parts of the world. As a climax to the celebration, 250,000 people marched in procession to the Concert Hall .and proceedings were watched by a million spectators. Comparisons in such matters arc, of course, difficult, hut speculation wuindciis how many spectators or participants a Sliakesepearean .festival would draw to Stratford or London. There is no doubt that in such matters the Germans are not only much more enthusiastic than the English people, hut they are also better disciplined, better organised, and better disposed to cooperate. together for any great purpose. It must he added that tho competitors at Cologne are to include "rc-pres-entatives from Gormany’s lost colonies,” and that the countless' thoaSehubert represented Germany’s colonies and possessions throughout the world, and the effect of all this on patriotic enthusiasm is clearly shown by the eagerness with which fervid nationalists have seized on the Schubert festival as a text for discourse on the necessity for uniting Germany and ATistria.