GREAT BRITAIN'S DAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 555, 6 August 1920, Page 2

GREAT BRITAIN'S DAY.

Since the last issue of the "Times" was published a great day has come and'gone, namely, August 4, anniversary of Great Britain's entry into the Great War. As time goos on the atmosphere clarifies, and more it is recognised that August 4 is Great Britain's Day. On that date in 1914 commenced the stupendous effort, the self-sacri-fice, the heroism, the dogged endurance unparalleled in the history of nations. But it is more fitting that the tribute should come from another than from ourselves. One of the foremost of the leading journals of the United States, the "New York Times," pays the following tribute to our Empire:—

"August the Fourth is a day, peculiarly England's. It belongs to England and the Empire. That day fe England's. The glory is hers. On it she made her great decision, and it is her high privilege to congratulate herself that that decision was right and noble.

"Britain heard the call of duty and knew the cost of what she did by doing it. If the world is not yet saved it can confidently hope to be, thanks to Great Britain, who gave the world the chance it needed to prepare for battle at its leisure and in vastly better conditions than Great Britain chose to insist on for herself."

A glowing- tribute in prose, but it remains for the poet to express the noblest sentiments on so great and intensive a theme. That ornament to the ranks of British men of letters. Mr. Alfred Noyes, chrystalises the lesson of the Great War in the following lines published in a stirring volume of verse: -

There's but one gift that all our dead desire, One gift that men can give, and that's a dream. Unless we, too, can burn with that same fire Of sacrifice; die to the things that seem; Die to the little hatreds; die to greed; Die to the old ignoble selves we knew; Die to the base contempts of sect and creed. And rise again, like these, with souls as true. Nay (since these died befone their task was finished) Attempt new heights, bring even their dream to birth. Build us that better world, 0, not diminished By one true splendour that they planned on earth. And that's not done by sword, or tongue, or pen, There's but ojie way. God make us better men.