The Taihape Daily Times. AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1917. SECOND DIVISION RESERVISTS.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 December 1917, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times. AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1917. SECOND DIVISION RESERVISTS.

(With which is incorporated The Tai hapo Post and Waimarlno News).

There is an obvious absence of definite knowledge of what reinforcements are wanted from New Zealand for the purpose of keeping the established Dominion brigades in the fighting line up to full strength It is most desirable that reservists not already called, particuarly those of the Second Division, should be reliably informed of the time they are likely to be wanted. In fact, it is ci supreme importance that married men should not be allowed, for want of information, to break up their homes and disorganisA the industries in which they are unnecessarily engaged. Telegrams of a most conflicting nature have been sent to newspapers during the last two months, and their publication has resulted in such confusion that a Philadelphia' lawyer could not clear up. Many married men do not know now when they are likely to be called to the colours; very many are unsettled owing to the belief that they are to go into camp at an early date. This uncertainty is causing derangement of daily life and routine, and putting the men and their wives to much avoidable trouble. Men in Taihape, as well as elsewhere, are endeavouring to sell up the little homes they have by industry and thrift got together, so that the wife left behind may not have property Worries, also that a little ready money may be at her disposal should any unforeseen trouble arise. Married meii are advertising their homes for sale, it may be without any real cause or necessity, and for which they may ever after have cause to regret. On the other hand telegrams published to the effect that Second Division men are not likely to leave this cov for the seat of war during 1918, *is taken by very many to mean that they will not be wanted at all, and should they be called up during the next six months cases of real hardship will assuredly result. The Defence authorities surely realise the increasingly unsettled condition they are contributing to, and why they do not hasten with some definite pronouncement as to when Second Division men will be required to go into camp, is not quite understandable. It has been demonstrated at Military Service Board sittings how hardly going into camp on limited notice presses on many single men, and it is only reasonable to assume that conditions will be of an accentuated character, with married men. As there seems to be no occasion for any unsettled state of mind on the subject, it would be in the best interests of homes and industries, as well as t 0 individual pecuniary benefit if th e Minister would fix a date, of which he is sure, as the earliest that Second Division men will have to answer a call to the colours.

NO UNCERTAIN SOUND. Whatever baneful effect the Rus-sian-German peace may have upon the Allied cause, it has not disturbed the American equanimity of mind with regard to what Americans are fighting for, and to what extent they intend to go in attaining their objective. President Wilson speaks with no uncertain sound about what America is out for and about the steps she will take to acquire it. Ho

leaves no doubt in any mind about America’s feelings in connection with the differing varieties of peace; whether it be the Russian species, or thatemanating from the Pope, or from elsewhere, they are answered once for all. “We cannot talk peace, until Germany is thoroughly beaten,” said President Wilson, in a message to the United States Congress. “Peace can only come when' Germay makes it through rulers the people can and do trust, and makes reparation for brutal and ruthless destruction of life and property.” “America,” 1 ;said the President, “will use all her re'sources in men and money to win the war, and nothing will divert us frouT that purpose.” This is followed by an announcement from (Washington that America, by June of next year will have nearly a million and three-quar-ters of men in the fighting line. President Wilson has made it clear to the world that it is waste of time to talk about peace till all America’s manpower is exhausted and her last cent is spent, or that Germany is thoroughly beaten and anxious for unconditional surrender. Mr Wilson’s peace dictum will send such a cold shiver down the German spine that it has not hitherto had any experience of, for the Kaiser and his swankers know that Germany has neither the men or the money to win the war against similar resources in America. The old Allies have to hold their ground against German increased man-power resulting from cessation of hostlities on the Russian front, until the new Ally can get her men and guns to work. Germans arc boasting of what they will do before their latest and greatest enemy can get to work on them and the Allies, both in Italy and on the West Front, are confidently awaiting them. The “Contemptible Little Army” was so brave and So cleverly handled in the first few weeks of war in 1914 as to sound the death knell of German visions at the Marne. To-day, that army has grown to a manhood greater than that of the army of Germany, is better equipped, and man for man is vastly superior, as the last few days fighting show, when Germans numbered three to one of the British south of Cambrai, and were beaten back with fearful slaughter. It must be conceded that the Franco-British are better able to resist a repetition of Verdun tactics now than over before since war ■was declared. President Wilson speaks confidently, and his confidence will become epidemic throughout all Allied ranks. He has decided to declare war against Austria, indicating that American operations are to be comprehensive and far-reaching, but America wil not listen to peace talk from any quarter till Germany is thoroughly beaten, no matter from whence it may come, or from whom it may emanate.