WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 March 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

■ ■ THE great offensive. •• * PUBLIC CONFIDENCE. WELLINGTON, March 25. The news received from the front yesterday morning caused only a mild sensation here and no dismay. “Germans broken defences,” “British retreating,” “Paris under bombardment” were the startling epitomes of the first brief message that flew about the city, but the community thought only of the brave men holding the line and never doubted their ability to keep It intact at all essential points. The fuller messages this morning place the position in a better light, and though the vast battle is still progressing, and may progress for many days to come, the opinion of the military authorities are adding to the confidence of the public. The Prime Minister, taking a broad view of the situation, has struck the right note in appealing to the people of New Zealand to remain steadfast in their courage, loyalty and endurance, and to grudge no sacrifice that may hasten the victory of Britain and her Allies. The city remains quite unperturbed. ./ PRIVATE WEBB, M.P. After all, Mr. P. C, Webb, of whom better things had been expected by many of his personal friends, resolved to go to gaol rather than don the King’s uniform. His resolution will | not render his seat in Parliament va- J cant, the Crown Law officers 'having advised the Government that his re- > fusal to go into camp does not constitute a crime of the character contemplated by the Legislature Act, and probably one of his Labour colleagues wil las kthe House to grant him leave of absence for the term of his incarceration. The friends who have been pinning their faith to the member’s good common-sense, however, are now hoping he will not he a party to disfranchising his constituents for a couple of years. In any case they ought to he consulted and, it is certain Mr. Webb will wish them to express their mind on a question which is rather their concern than his.