The Guardian And Evening star witn which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1932. IRISH AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening star witn which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1932. IRISH AFFAIRS.

Probabi.y Air de Valera who has been elevated to the Presidency of the Irish Free State, realises ere this that lie has been lar to voluble in the preelection speeches and in his subsequent remarks - since finding himself ' in office. He has said so much that there is a force in the Tree State disposed to keep him to his word, however much he may try to palliate with compromise or postponement. Already he has ventured the opinion that “with , the impending removal of the oath the Irish Republican Army would have no reason for existence. But that organisation no doubt has other views, and in any case under the present patronage of the President has been able to blossom out in all its strength, and that is not going to be given up lightly, and in the end may be the master of Mr de Valera rather than the President, being master of himself. Nevertheless., the situation as it is developing in Ireland, does not appear over-pleasant to contemplate. There is evidence of a very strong anti-British feeling being exhibited to back up the Republican demands. At the same time the loyal element does not olitvude. Air Cosgrave has stated he awaits the political proposals to be put before the Bail, before offering, opposition. How far he will be successful at that stage rests with the Labour party in the Irish Parliament. They have some compact with the Republicans, and it remains to be s?en just what the bargaining has been. In the meantime the British view has been made very plain, and the attitude must have its effect on the sober minded Irish. It is believed in some quarters that while the Lower House will support the de Valera policy, the Senate may not be disposed to accept it, and there may be a stalemate for a time. That situation might lead to a compromise with less harmful effects for Ireland. At the same time the general nttiture of the Irish majority will bo causing alarm in Croat Britain where ro much of the Irish trade is centred. I The general situation mint have a disquieting effect on the Irish external trade. There is (lie probability of a j definite break with Britain, and with ; the Km pi re at large. Tlni.t result | would lu\ye far reaching effects, probable not fuUv realised yet in Ireland. The Republican nartv is strong, and now that it is definit dv in the open lit »vi! 1 have more freedom to grow. ,Tlmi means ■> definite leaven bent, on -en ira'nm if not see< ession. Probably all that Unit carries in its train is not realised, but it will be too M» !o mend mat i.c— i" I he tie, it ion is not i I’tillv realised before ilit* definite step. is taken. Tile peneo which was given | Ireland when the Free State was e tnMMied. it was booed, would end I the Iri ll ‘ quo lion.” It L licii".revived new in greater intrust iv than ever, not o ii list anding that with the pence cafn • i>ros|>e! ity and aovancr--111 e 11 1 ill t: le. llle bulk ol \\l.icll Wits with th<‘ United Kingdom if tired Ib'daiii. Irishmen should count the east, of jeopardi ing the better times which have come to the nation, and not be misled by fanatical hot heads.

Now that the holidays are terminating, public interest may he centred more on the immediate future. Industrially, the sawmillers are having a very quiet time but nothing definite is being done, to bring about a revival. A suggestion was made about reducing loyalties, but with trade at a standstill that is not very material help. Only a fractional reduction could oe expected, under that heading, but if freights and transport were reduced in conjunction, it would be helpful in putting out cheaper timber and that might help the market. There is evidence of a reduction in wages • and when this applies all round, the overhead costs of timber production should decrease. A cheaper commodity should help to create a demand, and off ores should be made to bring about the concessions suggested. Ihe farmers on their part are now enabled to procure more free labour, and that concession should assist production if more land is brought into permanent profit. But withal, there will be for some time an army of unemployed m the district, and it is necessary from every point of view that their labour should be utilised and directed to the host national purpose. Under the financial proposals to be put before Parliament next week, ways and means are to be provided to produce over three millions of money to be collected over the' year, For this large stun there should be some practical showing. We suggest that by continuing the Great South Hoad beyond Web ok a towards Otngo', and from the Otago side continuing the junction road over Haast Pass, a national work is offering which will be of groat ultimate benefit. A road circling the South Island will realise the Macandrew dream of over sixty years ago, and will offer to the world at large the firj-iat tourist route (extant. More particularly it will open up- great tracts of Crown lands which, are idle mainly because of the lack of regular access. This road would be a national asset of immediate and permanent value. The construction of the road itself would absorb hundreds of workless men, and provide them with definite and useful occupation. In conjunction with this work, their© would he the opportunity for the Minister to try out his land settlement scheme. There is plenty of land available, and would be settlers among the unemployed workers could have a wide choice in South AVestland. It is possible to visualise under, this idea that small settlements would grow up along the route, and the permanent settlement of the hinterland would follow. Then again, it is known that the southern territory is highly mineralised. Among the unemployed would he those with some ambition to so prospecting, and various finds would bo located, for already there are known outcrops of minerals suggesting valuable deposits. Between Bruce Bay and the Haast. there is a lens range of country, which is not. known very intimately. A road would open up this great tract of country and much hidden treasure would, doubtless, be irevealed. The country has notable scenic attractions. There are groat .stands of timber. There are facilities for hydro electric power for redivffnpdl deve’ooments. This notable aree. is practically oil Crown Lands, and it is suggested it will be very valuable following development. ■pf.jM-e there is in'load e. great opportunity fo’- the State to deveon it* greatest unemnloyment scheme in the Deni in ion. Whv not, a reddle move in this very important matter?