“FIGHT FOR LIFE.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1377, 23 March 1915, Page 4

“FIGHT FOR LIFE.”

EMPIRE AT A CRISIS. “A BRAVE, DETERMINED AND FEROCIOUS FOE.”

SERIOUSNESS OF THE POSITION. Oa board the* Tninui, which arrived <it Wellington on Saturday from London, was Hr E. Cf. Jellicoo, formerly a well-known barrister practising in 'Wellington. Hr Jellicoo has been in England for some years, and has become notable as the author of a series ol articles published in the Labour Leadcr. and entitled “Why Britain is at War.” When questioned by a New Zealand Times representative as to the position at Homo, Hr Jellicoo displayed a first-hand knowledge of the subject, and indicated the seriousness oi the crisis, a seriousness which is not generally appreciated in New Zealand. “The war has developed,” lie said, “into a light for life as far as Great Britain is concerned. Lord’ Haldane has told us that one and all we must be prepared to throw all our possessiong into the melting pot, and that sacrifices are demanded now from each one of us. The position is that the Gormans have already extended their western frontier into ten provinces oi France, and practically over all Belgium. Their eastern frontier now comprises nearly half of Poland, and the war is no longer confined to France and Poland. It has extended to the Turkish Empire, and covers a vast field in which important fresh developments are always possible. Germany is in the advantageous position of being able to move troops from one frontier to another, and the recent withdrawal of German troops from France to Poland has not enabled the Allies to attempt more than a limited offensive ‘nibbling,’ as General Jolfre eajls it, -I he balance of forces is such that neither the Russian. French, nor British troops, oven with their first line of their best trained soldiers, are able to do more than hold their own. 'I be patience of neutral powers, too, regarding the general dislocation of trade is fast bocomin<r exhausted, and may create considerable differences in the situation. The following extract from the letter oi an English officer at the front, published in the Horning Post of January 10th, expresses the military point of view: “ ’The papers ought to put things as they arc, . iz.:—That wo are up against a. brave, determined and ferocious enemy who use their brains—that it takes' the Russians, the French and ourselves alj our time to match them. Especially highly trained mop and every ingenion.-. • ■ vice and method that can - them are needed,’ The Post says that this quotation represents tjie view generally hold by all thoughtful ollieftrfj at the front.” NEW ZEALAND'S PART,

“Our people at Homo,” continued Mr Jollicuo, “Imo not yet realised the meaning oi : war. Me look at the tyap with ‘commercial’ minds only, and regard the accumulation of wealth as the end of civilisation. All the talk about the Germane being played out, about the economic pressure necessarily resulting in starvation lor the Gormans, that the Allies are certain to win, does not represent the sound frame oi mind required to prosecute the war, wlnch is to decide the fate of the whole of the Empire. Those in New Zealand, so far removed from the tenable carnage, slaughter, and devastation on the Continent and the ‘terrible anticipations before' ns in England, should rejoice that by the cultivation of every available acre in the Dominion they have the inestimable privilege of providing a supply of food to alleviate the snllei nigs Of the famine-stricken peoples. Australia, owing to the drought, is powerless to assist. A® New Zealand has led the Empire on other notable occasions, i look forward to her taking the initiatne to win men back to the staple of hie ‘the jovs of peaceful work, simplicity, sincerity, and a fpik’t hopefulness, ft

she will do this whole-heartedly and with the foil consent of Labour, her shores will attract the very best class of immigrants from Europe, people with means that are seeking a now country.”