CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, 21 December 1917, Page 5

CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY.

WAR CONDITIONS AT HOME

AN AUCKLANDER’S IMPRESSIONS In giving his impressions of war conditions in England, Mr D. R, Caldwell, who recently returned to. Auckland from a trip Home, yesterday said he considered the authorities were acting wisely in discouraging women and children from travelling overseas. In fact, conditions were such that it was wise for everyone but those absolutely compelled to travel to remain at home*, Mr Caldwell said he witnessed several air raids, during one of which a building just opposite the hotel in which he was stopping was severely damaged. People were now much more careful than formerly when raiders were signalled, and took cover as soon as pogsible. There was no panic, however. Referring to the Coalition Government, Mr Caldwell said the public appeared to be well • satisfied with the present Ministry, the appointment of shrewd business men to fill offices of importance having inspired confidence. One could not help forming the opinion, however, that the nation was still rather conservative, and that it always required some disaster to make them realise that new measures were necessary, or that earlier action should have been taken to prevent a blow which seemed obvious. In regard to the propable duration of the war, Mr Caldwell said the feeling was steadily growing at Home that w r e were in for two or three years more of war, even with the advent of the Americans. However, the spirit of the nation w r as not daunted, and the people w r ere determined to see the war through to the bitter end, with the firm belief in our ultimate success.

Mr Caldwell said no reference to war conditions at Home would he complete without mention of the wonderful work being done by the destroyers and mine trawlers. All sorts or risks were being taken by the men who manned these vessels, and every man was a hero. He considered that any fund promoted for these men or their dependants should be cheerfully subscribed to by every New Zealander.