THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 26 March 1919, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Peace . Celebrations. Judging by the progress being made by the Peace Conference, there is every prospect of the crucial treaty being concluded within a few weeks, in which case the nnich-talked-of and longprayed for peace should be "celebrated at no distant date—probably early in May. In order that this unique occasion should bo fittingly and properly celebrated, it is quite time that the public wore giving the matter duo consideration. We notice from our exchanges that in many centres definite arrangements have already been made for peace celebration programmes, and in quite a number of cases committees have been set up, and these are hard at work in arranging details. If Otaki and district is to have a celebration in keeping with the importance of the occasion, it is quite time that initial steps were taken with that end in view. These matters cannot he arranged hurriedly. There is a great deal to consider, and much preparation needed if the function is to bo carried out worthily, and we suggest that a public meeting be called nt an early date, at with representatives of local bodies, schoolmaster*, ministers, and other representative persons from ali parts of the district bo specially invited to attend, to make preparation for the great event. It would be far wiser, we think, for the whole district to combine in one ,big function, rather than each little centre having its own small celebration, and that is one reason why wc urge that action be taken at an early date. It seems to us that Manakau. Otaki, Te Horo, Ilautere. Waihoanga, and perhaps Waikanac and Paraparaumu, might witii advantage concentrate their efforts in one big celebration, that would be something for even- resident of the district—and especially the children—to remember, and we make an appeal for the residents of ail these centres to put their united zeal in one great effort to make a celebration worthy of the district. Let us suggest that the chairman of the Otaki Town Board, the chairman of the County "Council, and the chairmen of the various patriotic societies combine to convene a public meeting to consider the matter.

We Must Go To Berlin. ' In our cablegrams of late, the opinion has been expressed that there is a (volmg that the ultimate peace treaty may possibly be signed at Berlin. In this connection, the. following, which we clip from Horatio Bottomley's "John Bull," will b e read with interest:— "There is, of course, a kind of poetic justice in settling the Treaty at Versailles, and I do not for a moment begrudge France that sentimental satisfaction.- But settling the Treaty is one I thing—signing it is another. And if,

I as I hope, the Allies do not mean to discuss the terms with Germany but to dictate them to her, I don't'see the j slightest necessity for having any Huns at the Congress at all. Let the Treaiy be discussed and settled at Versailles. Iby the Allies and America, and then.

taken to Berlin for signature, guarded by British, French, American, Italian and other associated troops. That's the only way to make Germany understand that the war is over and'that all

£ is lost. And I know that it is also the | view of Cleraeneeau. I hare before me . the account of an interview with him (in October last, and I find that be was then in favour of the Peace Conference itself being held in the German capital. Le ae give you his own word.?: 'The conference mast be held in EerHn. T rementber,' he costintied, 'Earl Curzon in the earlies stages of the war pro- . phesied the marching down. "Unter den Linden of Indian troops. The idea f pa just, but it did not go far enough. Detachments representing ail the Allies mast march, down Biter den Linden, not only to see that justice i» done, but to coarinetV;the German people of the' fact . i '--. . peace man be made -upon ] ! German soii. .in the "German eapiiai.'J And not'onlyjJiis. but ;he old •'Tiger' ! added7-"An*i the trial, before an icier- 1 nations!' Court of Justice, of * tie-] ■Kaiser.'and of those tsdjndged respoa-. j sible with Mil for" tiki crime of ' this j war, .must be- held before the £-?n of ! The Gem°T people. . . . The only •srsj" i

to impress the enemy people, and to turn their minds from the blood lust oft. which they arc guilty,' is to arraign, and if necessary hang, their War Lords in their own capital.' Nov,' that is tho kind of talk we understand, and I commend it to tho Prime Minister. And I assure him that he Will hear,a good.deal of it when Parliament meets." -Many'' of our readers will-heartily-agree with Horatio Bottomley and 11. Glemenceau. "When Wo read of the German guards being welcomed homo at Berlin with great demonstration as an unconquered and "practically a victorious arm*', it makes us feel that the German people feave not been sufficiently humbled yet. and the presence of the Allied armies in their capital city would serve as a fitting reminder that Germany has been completely crushed, and that her blatant militarism has been killed for ever.

Volunteer Nursing Keserve. The Palnierston North Hospital Board is to be commended on'its endeavour to promote a Volunteer Nursing Reserve, some particulars of which are set forth in our advertising columns. Tho object is to have a reserve of young women, possessing a certain degree of efficiency, who would be available in case of any emergency, such as the recent pandemic. The proposed - scheme, as arranged by the matron of the Palmerston North Hospital, together with Dr. Whitakcr* Is for young women to be trained for a fortnight at the Palmerston North Hospital. During that period the volunteer nurses will live in the nurses' home, and obey all rules of tho institution. They will require to attend lectures, given by the medical staff, on important subjects, such as dealing with the general functions of bodily organs, • origin of disease, sanitation, invalid diet, preparation of foods, care of patients, etc., and will also kav« lessons in practical work such as sponging patients, bedmaking, temperature, and general care of patients, to bo taught by the nursing staff in the wards. The scheme, it seems to us, is an admirable one, deserving tho warmest 'support, aud_wo believe that there are plenty of young women who will be glad to avail I themselves of this opportunity of titling themselves for nursing in cases of emergency. Not only should the scheme provide a staff of competent nurses to fall back upon in times of epidemics, but it should also prove a great help to those who undergo the brief term of training, when setting up homes of their own, or in assisting neighbours. , The Hospital Board now invites applications from women over the age of 19 years willing to take up this work. Volunteers will incur no expense, but will receive no nayment. All willing to offer should send in their applications to rhc secretary of tho Hospital Board, Palmerston North, not later than tho end of the present month. It is hoped

that some residents of this part of the district will offer their services, for the Board wishes the reserve to be representative of the whole hospital district.