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Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1929, Page 4

The visit of the German warship to New Zealand waters is a tangible proof of the return to peace conditions Our sometime enemy is to be congratulated on the spirit in Which such a visit is paid, and the people of New Zealand are to be credited with showing the right spirit in receiving the visitors as tliey have. At; the same time, it would appear it is not too much to say that the visitors are justifying their reception by their conduct and bearing. According ,to all accounts they are an exemplary contingent, and by tlieir manner and methods attract rather than ..repulse. The warship is a spic and span example of a first-class German warship, and is manned by a picked crew. The officer commanding is an officer of note, and has a creditable war record to his credit. He did his best for his country during the period of-the war, and as a H-boat commander accounted for many thousands of tons of British and allied tonnage. But he did his deadly task in as humane a manner as possible. Now he is received witli all honor and credit, and seems worthy the marks of attention. It says something for the progress of the peace spirit that this should, be so, and that fact gives hope that the feelings of the nation are trending in the proper diection There is in many quarters a strong spirit of antagonism to the late enemy, but with the burying of the hatchet, and a proper perspective of the new conditions, that antagonism should fade out. Such a visit as the present will be a eontrbutng cause to that end. The Prime Minister this week spoke very ably and clearly in favour of a peaceful understanding and his advice and sound leadership should be helpful in bringing all to understand that in the striving for peace and particularly no more wars, there must be the recognition of the facts as they are to-day and the obligation of all to act fairly. If that spirit grows as it promises to grow, then the hope for the world is the matter of a sure-founded peace, is not as remote as might be thought by keeping only memories of the war period in mind.