The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, November 12, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1323, 12 November 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, November 12, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The amount of enthusiasm displayed in connection with the local effort to raise funds for the poor and distressed of Belgium, Great Britain audlielaud isau eyeopener. Too long we have borne the reproach of indifference in public matters. We have, time and again hurled brickbats from these columns to break down local apathy in' matters vitally connected with the welfare of the town and the happiness of the people, But there is a something —is it an undercurrent of paltry prejudice, pessimism, and petty jealousy —which obscures the desired object. Foxton's welfare should trauseud all else. There is no leason why the same enthusiasm which at present animates us in connection with the Belgian Relief Fund should not be evinced in matters of local concern. Certain spots in the town need beautifying and the ladies could set the ball rolling for an effort in this direction. We have no doubt that the Borough Council would welcome and subsidise any efforts on that behalf. We hope some one will keep this enthusiasm going for the welfare of the town.

Russia possesses a Kitchener—-a young military genius, General Sukhotnlinoff, hero of many successful engagements iu the RussoJapanese war, and leader of the new band of youthful scientists who have been reorganising the Tsar’s army. General Sukhoraliuoff has been Chief of the General Staff at Petrograd for three years, and there is no doubt that, thanks to him, the first line of Russian soldiers is perfectly equipped. He is a simple character, and one of bis reforms was the simplification of the official routine. He made the Russian officers a plain living, happy family, in which the junior is as free to talk as the senior. There is no undue parade and dignity about the Russian General Staff. Whether Sukhotnlinoff has had time to reorganise the reserves remains to be seen.

Tin; destruction of the light German cruiser Emden which has wrought such havoc to British shipping, and which has harrassed British trades routes, has been read with satisfaction throughout the Empire. This enemy cruiser has exacted toll to the extent of upwards of two million in ships and cargo. The honour of putting her out of action goes to Australia, for it was the the Australian light cruiser Sydney' which engaged her off the Cocos Islands, and drove her ashore battered and afire. The Sydney received comparatively little damage. The Australian squadron has received its baptism ot fire, and covered itself with glory. The Empire cheers for Australia. This feat should make opponents of the local navy Idea think hard.