The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1915. THE ALLIES' TASK.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 4, 6 January 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1915. THE ALLIES' TASK.

Though matters generally may be said to be progressing satisfactorily for the Allies in their titanic struggle for Europe's freedom, it is well to remember the words of Britain's Premier in his groat Guildhall speech and all that those words imply, when he told the world that Britain would never sheath the sword which she had by, no means lightly drawn, "until Belgium recovers in full measure all .and more than all that she has sacrificed, until France is adequately secured against the menace of aggression, until the rights of the smaller nationalities of Europe are placed upon an unassailable foundation, and' until the military domination of Prus-I sia is wholly and finally, destroyed." Mr Asquith went on to say that the task was a great one for a great nation and: "It needs for its accomplishment that every man among us, old or young, rich or poor, busy or leisurely, learned or simple, should give what he has and do what ho can." New Zealand can hardly realise the very greatness of the task, and the enormous strength of the enemy, who after five months continuous fighting has not been driven back over the German borders. But France and Russia are making supreme and splendid efforts, and the German hordes are slowly but surely giving way. Germany's powers of resistance must not be underestimated, and though final complete victory to the cause of the Allies is certain, there are tremendous obstacles to be overcome. A writer in the j Wellington Post also points out that now the Allies are assuming the aggressive; they, too, must be prepared to face the losses inevitable to the assault of strongly defended positions. The German line in France and Belgium has been described by experts as one of the most formidable by nature in Europe, and its pos-' sibilities of defence Tfave been greatly enhanced by fortification and entrench.

tnent. Gormany's powers of resistance are not to be underestimated, and the press both in England and throughout the Empire has been warning the people not to take too much for granted. While Russia can, it seems, be safely left to accomplish her task in the Eastern theatre of war, France and Belgium, it appears equally certain, do need help in the West. , Nevertheless there is not the slightest reason for faint-heartedness: the

great silent Navy is still there and the further discovery of German falsehood and treachery is oven alienating Turkey and such other few misguided peoples who ha.ve been bribed, bullied or deceived into at least pretended friendship.