GERMANY’S GREAT EFFORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1668, 30 January 1917, Page 4

GERMANY’S GREAT EFFORT.

The German Government, in its determination to stop at nothing to concentrate the whole resources and energy of the Empire in preparation for the next year’s final effort, is sweeping aside every obstacle, silencing all critics, and ignoring all Parliamentary forms, wrote Mr Leonard Spray in the London Daily Telegraph recently. Not a moment, not a man, is to he lost to the service of the Fatherland. The Socialists' opposition, not to the principle, but to the operation of the Patriotic Auxiliary Service Law. is as nought. Despite all their protests about rushing through the measure without any safeguards for the labouring interests, the Government has commanded its passage, exactly as it stands. This draconic action is described as a “demonstration of the, decided will of the great majority of the Reichstag to make an impression, which it will not fail to do.” It is hardly possible (<> over-estimate the extent of the ,-o.ciiij revolution which this civilian conscriptiop is designed to effect. Many industries are to he suppressed, amusements cut down to a minimum, travelling for recreation absolutely forbidden. Dr. Helfferich, the Home Secretary, has announced that whilst many unessential industries are to be stopped altogether, others will be diverted into more important channels. These “channels” are new works for the manufacture of war materials, which are being created in great number. It is now stated definitely that anyone wishing to travel must prove that h i* absolutely necessary for business reasons, pearly yll the express passenger trains are to cease, while different classes are to be abolished. The press, including the smaller journals, is not to be touched, as this is regarded as an industry of patriotic necessity. It is tar 4isereul with the stage. The great bßafe aptji jupjnieip.il theatres will remain open, but wuj?i,c hull and similar entertainments must cense.