CURRENT TOPICS OF THE DAY

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 January 1915, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS OF THE DAY

(from- various sources") All One Colour There is a remarkable similarity between the flags, of the Allies. France, Russia, and Servia all employ the same colours, only the arrangement differing. In regard to the flags of Russia and Servia, it may be pointed out that, as the colours are the same, a Servian flag upside down would be the Russian and vice versa. Belgiumflies a tri-colour, with the colours* vertically, as in the case of the French flag. The Belgian colours black, gold, and red, are said to symbolise the emergence of the country from darkness into l^ght —through blood and fire —a most appropriate device. The "X" War In the Old Country the present war is named by some people the "K. war." It is Kaiser, Krupp and kultur against King, Kitchener and khaki. A New Zealander, who has just returned from a prolonged visit to England says that the country is stirred to its depths. Money is being poured out like water ; London is an armed camp, and all classes are working their utmost for the Empire's protection. One big financial institution, well known in the Dominion, sent 750 of its employees on full pay to the war, and in order that extra work might not press too heavily on the staff, directors and shareholders volunteered to lend a hand. A former manager of the institution, now over 80 years of age, took on the somewhat monotonous task of a junior clerk. Lord Fisher's Navy Lord Fisher was the creator of the British Navy as it exists today. Good or bad —and about that there is only one opinion— it is what he has made it. His years', as First Sea Lord were yelrs of uncompromising reform which he carried through in the teeth of ceaseless and powerful opposition. He is best known as the inventor of the Dreadnought, the all big-gun battleship, but that is very far from being his J chief claim to gratitude. He modernised the Navy in all its aspects, swept away its effete traditions, established a standard of severe efficiency, went far to democratise its control, and improve the conditions of service. -Ai *• ■>".' When the War Is Over " What will happen as regards the clerical work of London after the war ?" asks one of the London dailies. " Hundreds of healthy young men who are now in camp declare that never will they take up city work again, but will try their luck in the colonies, farming and such like. The call of the open air is well nigh irrestible when once one has responded to it."