The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1933. THE YEAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1933. THE YEAR.

.The year 1933 lias closed almost, and many will be looking forward to welcome 1934 with liigli hopes and renewed ambitions, ‘‘Hope springs eternal,” as it lias been said of old; and again ‘‘Hope to joy is little less enjoyed than hope enjoyed.” That is just as well, for many hopes and expectations of tins year have been deferred or postponed, and it has not been a time of happy fulfilment. But temperament always saves the position, and folk have had to adapt themselves to things as they are, and not as to what they might have been. There was a period in the year when the representatives of the world were brought together, and all things seemed possible. But national rivalries were too strong, and the conclave broke up before it had settled down to real business. The United States definitely stood out against stabilisation of currencies, and elected to follow an attempted eiourse of recovery of its own designing. This month the United States has tried to stabilise with Britain and France, but the report says the former will not. Yet stabilisation of currencies to enable international tfade to be recast, is said to be the most essential factor in world recovery. Britain, no doubt wants the whole, and not a part to agree to the readjustment, and it is pos- J sible that with America’s half-baked schemes for recovery still in doubt, the general trend is considered too much in d-mbt to decide definitely on | the great issue. Time is passing and ' the world’s destination is in doubt. There are those who prophecy disaster ahead in world affairs, but the evil effects are still remote more or less, i It would appear those who have the national power to deal with intimate financial concerns are still waiting for something to 'urn up. something which of its own effect will put the world ! back into a less difficult period. Tnaction is better than a forced action of uncertainty, if in the meantime Ihe patching up wit! hold filings together. America has taken an individual .

plunge which no cmirtry is disposed i.u .'jhoiv, and suggests that for tlie time being it is safest to await results.

One of the contingencies which might change the world out-look, is believed to he another war! Thorp lias been a possible setting or two to suggest such a development, hut that a grand conflict has been postponed is at last hopeful, and in itself something to b.g appreciated There have been grave difficulties i.i the East, and in Europe. Japan went to the limit in defying the League of Nations and has taken possession of a large section of China. Thereby Russian interests are affected, and there is danger of the two nations clashing. Russia is “digging in” in the affections of many nations just now, while Japan in view of trad-- competition is on less friendly terms. Japan is.well equipped with armaments, and Russia is expanding activities in that direction. Perhaps the evil day is hut postponed, for both nations are making preparations, and Russia will he a different problem to that formerly engaged with Japan. Meantime, China after long travails; is showing signs of national recovery, and will be always because of her millions, a factor in the general situation. Germany has been the upsetting medium in the European situation, and has been a difficulty for the League of Nations ‘and the Disarmament Conference, The end is not yet. It is a new Get* many which the world seas to-day and deals with, and there must be a considerable measure of rehabilitation in tlie coming year, or very complete chaos will result. Treaty obligations are being ignored to such an extent that a revision will be a necessity at no distant date. France fears Germany as much as ever, and it will be difficult to satisfy the former. Italy is assuming greater prominence in the world affairs because of her national V ittepment. The Tittle Entente is not too happy with the neighbours. Spain is torn asunder from within. Ireland is again distraught among her own peoples. Turkey lias weathered the pains of a real revival and is growing in' strength. On the whole,

omitting Germany, Europe is advancing. Central and South America have had their little wars and revolutions, so that look where you will, there is the element of unrest, and with the talk cf war that is a disquieting state cf affairs.

The rivalry in trading is likewise an important element in the world situation. Japan lias developed her manufacturing interest, and is seeking fresh markets with, cheap goods to the discern fortune of local trading. India has suffered, but Japan is going further afield, land there are few countries 'where her goods are not on the markets.' Britain feels the rivalry and is trying to stem same, and help India likewise, but without success. Italy, rejuvenated, is obtaining a foothold in South Africa where a favoured shipping service Is being established to the chagrin of British owners. Germany is increasing her manufactures, and for financial reasons, may soon distribute as a nation, instead of ex-factories. Britain seems to be in the happiest position, increasing exports, absorbing unemployed, and generally enjoying a period of better times. The United States struggles with a vast scheme having national recovery for its object. The fight flares up and wanes again as; conflicting interests arise. It is a mighty challenge to the old order, for the whole nation is being dragooned to ordered living and production The financial pendulum swings as the depreciated dollar to rival British sterling, dances to new tunes of the financial experts. But the end k not yet, and the resources of the vast icouinhry are being brought into action to secure the victory. The South American countries are assembled trying to conform their difficulties, but a portion of Central America is still in revolt, and the main situation is uncertain. Most of the countries are indebted in largo sums to the United States, which under its Monroe doctrine is at least willing to leave the nations as they are. Britain, however, is likewise interested financially in Argentina, where a trade treaty was consummated lately the conditions of which affedt to some extent the meat and dairy producing countries of the Empire. China shows some signs of awakening. A new era is appearing, and modern progress is becoming more marked. But the internal situation is complex for authority, • and public administration is largely mixed and uncertain. Still, if the new order obtains the footing it desires, so great a nation marshalled in orderly form will become a power to be reckoned with.

The International issuer, continue uncertain. The League of Nations has collapsed almost, and Britain co-operat-ing with Italy is making another effort to save the position. The fate of disarmament is bound up in the s"me situation. The distrust within the nations is still manifest, and the unrest in some of the countries does not help towards an ordered settlement. Meantime preparations for military, naval, and aerial preparedness go on. The main Powers followed each other like sheep, land the lesser in alarm are doing all they can in the same direction. •It is a very unsettled world, and the problems are most difficult because they are deep seated. The debts aro a heavy burden, and no solution shirt of repudiation is suggested to ease the j load. The financial pligh. is a prime j ransj. .in trading rivalries, and the ] effort at recovery. On top of that is j war’s alarms, and the desire to protect wh.it interests there are. These huge questions of international range jre

I orespnt continuously, and no road to recovery can yet be mapped out. This uncertainty casts its shadow, and creates the feeling that while these great matters of state .remain unsolved, there can be no real recovery. The international questions have grown in volume as never before. There j s interdependence now which did not exist previously. The period of the great warsaw one nation leaning on another, a nd out of that intimacy debts and trade rivalry are the unsatisfied legacy. Meantime, many nations have suffered internal revolts, which have created r. new order and fresh problems. The;;? developments have retarded rather than helped .foj- a general betterment. Affairs in each of the continents are very much akin in their serious aspect, and hi s (universal condition is the great brake on the individual recovery efforts. The hopes engendered by the gathering for the World Conference was very gre?t, but was hi'glitcd very early ii the sittings. Such a conference may not be possible to call together, again, but the course of events will require some influential and guiding effort to retrieve the position, and it remauis to be seen where the initiative will come from. Come it must, jf there is to be a happy Issue. The unified work of Britain and Italy may be a beginning to that end.

The British Empire stands clear in a very cloudy world picture. The Empire has plodded on. The financial irtaghates at Home have done well in controlling sterling—so well that the 'linked .St'tes vs trying to \imitate Britain’s financial achievements. London .remains the financial centre, and the latest statement in regard to the national recovery which has taken p’ace so far, is most heartening. Th, s Do-! minions are standing up to the strain i well. In 'South Africa there is an im-' proving outlook, revenue rising, and markets for produce being established. Canada continues to yield vast quantities of wheat, and the mining industry is a bright spot. Our nearest neighbour —Australia—has made material progress. The trade prospects are good. The seasonal output—mainly due to wool—will be large. Tariff and taxation relief will be afforded, and gen•crally there is a greatly improved tone over the country. India is concerned greatly .in her trade which Japan is threatening, and- the country is receiving every personal support from British traders in the effort to save the situation. New Zealand is finishing the. year on a brighter note. The oudook has improved over, the year, and the wool sales are just now bringing gri'at comfort, The dairying industry is the chief concern, am- ft is •hoped we are g.t 'the blackest hour before the dawn of bettor prices. The exchange position' a disturbing factor, because it. is so uncertain. The tariff inquiry which has gone on should bring about a revision in favour of Britain wlr’di should make their market m<we stable next seasofi. The country has en-'oyed a good producing season, and the earth has responded with greater production, Still, we have the unemployed with us in large numsers. Parliament has gone into recess, and in the interval Cabinet must strive to do something practical to create useful work and end the dole which at the best is very unsatisfying. The late session was remarkable chiefly for pass\ng tha much contested Rest-we Bank /a-t, which the Government hopes •to utilise for the ultimate financial beneiit of the country. So mote it be.

Westland has passed through an ini- j proving year with its prospec-s greater j than ever. The capital town has grown, j dwellings increasing and population is greater. The sawmilling in the later months has made a useful and forward move, and ■in the increased shipping there is practical evidence of thg export benefit, which h.;s been a help to the Harbour Board—hitherto largely moribund. The interest in gold-mining remains unabated. Various projects ire afoot, and those under way en-, couraging. The move to prospect large areas is meeting with encueragnng i- j suits, which give promise of better Lings to come. There are many tracts of Westland which are worthy of similar j treatment. The mining industry will j have the benefit of the Gillespie’s i dredge to aid it s .returns in the coming | year, for good results are 'expected | from that quarter. 'Enterprises no less j large in a like direction, are' expected to come to pass in the district in the near future. Settlement has become Miore established. Produce grows and !he flecks and herd s increase. South Westland helps in that direction, and j new roads in that quarter give access J 'b fresh areas. The pushing on of the 1 great south road remains the most j vrgent need of the south—a district j capable of great expansion. There is, n vast extent of country to be served and which will add materially to the j, wealth and prosperity of the province. l Our scenic attractions continue to sriind , out as something unique among the many novel features centred in the Dominion, and if the authorities gave! this wonderland more attention, the influx of visitors could be. increased very substantially. Despite the fact ithat Westland glaciers, ,‘rivers and ( takes are competing with well-favoured j Government resorts, thg patronage, so j Drgely unaided by the State, continues ( to grow out of the publicity created bv their inherent worth. In the scenery there ar.g enduring assets, wh : rir combined with mineral and timber re-, sources spread up and down the dis- j trict, give a permanency of great prom-J \se as developments go ahead. That l outcome, with the labour and produce 1' of the various settlements, and the • volume of trade created thereby, should , ensure still blighter prospects for land. In that belief w.g may with all encouragement wish out readers A Hippy New Year.

The "Guardian’! will not be published on Monday next (New Year’s Day).

In this issue the Railway Department advertises particulars of train alterations in connection with traces at Reefton <jn Saturday, 6th and Monday, January 8.

A dance will be held in the Kokatahi Public Hall on Monday, . New Year’s night. Admission ladies 6d, gentlemeU Is. Proceeds in aid of Gun Club.—Advt.

The Arch Little Shoe Store always after Christmas clears up all lines by reducing heavily. Must keep their stocks clean, no oddments in til’s shop after their sale. Bargains galore.—Advt

The Grey Jockey Club’s races commence on Monday next land will be continued the next day, Tuesday. On Wednesday tile Westland '4cot ting Club’s meeting, ta'kegl places on Sue Hokitlika haOecow.se. The tratk 'will be found in capital order.

Come to Koiterangi this (Saturday) evening ’ (New Year’s Eve), when the usual fortnightly dance will be bald. Music by Cook and Ackers. Qipper, ice cream, and cool djrinks free. Gents 1/-, ladies, a plate.-—Advt.

To-night at the Soldiers’ Hall the BlacMufmf ‘orchestra hold a festival hall to welcome in the New Year. Again on Monday night another, ball will be held under the samp auspices and holiday joy -will prevail.;. Music will be provided by the full orchestra of' seven instruments.' ' I. .;.

The Kokatahi Gun Club will hold a clay bird match at Kokatahi on Monday (New Year’s Day). Annual competition for Meharry Memorial Shield; (1.2 birds, nomination 8s). Also events for novice shooters (nomination is). Scooting to start at’ i.iO p.m.—Advt. 1

Only seven cases of notifiable diseases occurred in the Canterbury and West Coast district during last week. These cases, which consisted of . one of scarlet fever .one of erysipelas, one v* hydatids, and four of tuberculosis, were all confined to Canterbury, the West Coast having a clean bill of health. One death, due to,tuberculosis occurred during the week.

5 For the Westland Trotting duffs meeting on Wednesday, the system of I j. paying out three dividends will pre- " vail, when there are eight or .more starters in a race, the proportion bfe--3 ing 70 per cent for Ist,. 20 ,for 2pd ’ and 10 for third. Where 'there aye "i six;or seven starters in different interests there will be two dividends arid less than six starters, one dividend 1 . •• 1 ■ - •' ,• 1 , • i j 3 The Matron (Miss M. E. Anderson) ’ of the Westland 'Hospital, wishes ip - acknowledge the following 1 additional ' donatjon s towards the patients’ Xirias 1 and New Year cheer:—Mr, J. J. McltP 3 tosh £1 1/-, Mr H. M. Coulson £1 1/-, 5 2/6, Rev. KliightS 5/-, Mi’s 1 H, Thompson 10/-, Miss L. .Wilson 10/-, •’ Mr W, H. Shannon 10/-; gifts—Mr • and Mrs S. Preston, Dr Teiehelmanti, . j Mrs F. Preston,; Mr J. Johnson, 'Mr : j Yarrall, Mrs Ditely, Mrs B. L. Wfl* i j son, Miss Madge King, Mrs* Keller, I Mr W. Jamieson, Mrs Geo) Perry, > I Mi’s Garnet Perry, Mr R. Tennent, Mr > j Sellers, Mr Ivortegast, Fords Brewery, ■and Messrs Taylor and Gumming.' , The road-, to Dorothy Falls at Lake Kanieri which was damaged by the ! floods and slips, as well as fallen ,tim- | her, is again open for traffic. The j bridge at the falls lately washed out, , i his been re-erected, and visitors will j enjoy the sights and scenery in com--1 i fort. Considerable damage was done by ’ falling trees as the result of the late easterly, and it took three days - to clear the road. The lake was in high ' sea also, and heavy, swells rolled In on Bunny Bight corner, where some campers were washed out on Thursday night. The position is now quite nor- •• mal again for the New Year- boll-. 1 , days. 1 ! The All Saints’ senior Sunday School I held their summer. outing," which had been postponed from the previous week owing to the weather, on Friday in | Mr Newman’s- paddock along the tram | track. Assembling at the Vicarage, at 10.30, the party arrived on the ground in time for a. good swim before dinner, land after’ dinner,- further swimming i sports took plac-c, being concluded by a water' polo match between teams representing Hokitika and Kanieri. The festive season of Christmas was befittingly celebrated* at the Westland Hospital and tlie Old People’s Home. I The Matron, in the role tof Father j Christmas, heavily laden with gifts, |on Xmas morning, did the rounds of | both institutions, which had been gaily 1 decorated for. the occasion by the 1 staff. An enjoyable Xmas dinner was , partaken of hv the staff, the chairman j' of the Board (Mr IV. Jeffries), Mrs ' Jeffries, Dr and Mrs B. L. Wilson, Miami Mrs Cep. Davidson, Dr. T.. W. J. Childs, and the secretary'(Mr F.<? ; McCabe), all of whom had not been for- ' gotten by Father Xmas. Prior to the dinner a visit was paid to the wards of both instiu'tions by the chairman of the , Board, and the chairman of the House i Committee (Mr Davidson), who. exj changed greetings with the patients, jlt i s of interest to note that never , before have there been so many , patients in the Westland Hospital as at present, the number being 50. Last j Christmas there, were 24 in the instiS tutioh.

Practical gifts for men—Cream pullovers, ties, hats, handkerchiefs, blazers, bathing snits, and hose. Schroder’s can also do splendid value in curtainb, linoleum, carpet runners, hearth rugs. Stock i, s selling fast; call early, before the piek is gone at Schroder’s.-—Advt.

Limited quantity of zipp front shirts in loekni interlock, etc. Shop early at W. H. Stop fortFs. —Advt,■