The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1914. LOOKING AHEAD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 121, 15 October 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1914. LOOKING AHEAD.

Some time tack it was pointed out in these columns that there should be a universal endeavor to make use of every available piece of unused ground for the purpose of growing food supplies both for local consumption and for sale. Since then English, files to hand contain news that similar advice is being acted upon in a systematic manner in the Old Country under the auspices of a committee on which local authorities, landowners and agricultural societies are represented, the agricultural colleges giving expert advice. It is recognised that apart from the benefit derived from the crops, the cultivation of the land improves its prospect, while the amount of capital involved is insignificant, labor and intelligence being the two main requisites. Moreover, wherever there is unemployment, or only partial employment, this cultivation scheme forms an excellent medium for keeping artisans and others in good physical condition, instead of their becoming idlers and loafers, and in some measure, provides them with food. There is one great outstanding point in connection with the war that is apt to be overlooked by all except those who look ahead with a wisdom that is the outcome of experience gained in previous conflicts between "nations. As a consequence the generality of people do not realise the fact that the problems of war do not end with the war. Hence the necessity for extending the outlook beyond the immediate present so as to prepare for the inevitable aftermath. Tt is necessary to consider what are the effects of war, in order to be able to provide for tho state of affairs that follow on the closing chapter of hostilities, and the longer a war lasts the greater is the need for adequate measures to cope with tho chaotic conditions that must prevail in every branch of economics. War destroys capital, disorganises industry, reduces the consuming as well as the productive power of the world, while it leaves in its train a far-reaching wave of poverty, sorrow and desolation that for a more less lengthy period enhances the sufferings of the who would certainly be overwhelmed but for the limely sustain* ing power of pity and charity. All the great wars in history have exemplified this fact. Englaii,'. suffered more after Waterloo than sho suffered when fighting with France, and Europe was too poor to buy what she needed. It is only to be expected that after the present war there will be a great shrinking in purchasing power, and every additional nation taking part in tho war must bo a factor in multiplying the distress of the future. Wqst people recognise that tho strain of ifhc present war must prove very great before tho end comes, and though th«y may justly feel perfectly confident in the result, it is only wise to estimate that the stress which will come after the storm is past will bear a relajtive proportion to tho severity of the 1 struggle itself, while the exaltation 0 f j 6elf-sacrificp and patriotism "whloh buoys Up the nation during the strife will no longer be so vivid and powerful. It is, therefore, just as much a duty and obligation to look ahead and face tho after problems of the war as affecting every phase of national life. .Although a large portion Of Germany's trade may be captured, thero will of necessity be a considerable lessening of industrial activity owing to the shortage of money. Hence the pressing necessity for ensuring that tho food supply shall lie the first consideration. It i 8 here that the, overseas dominions limy'be of the greatest service. They have exhibited a magnificent patriotism and 'will continue to do so, but let it take a practical shape by producing to the utmust of the capacity of the land, thus ensuring the Homeland an ample supply 0 f the necessaries of life. The Empire need ; not depend on outsido supplies, it being '• virtually self-contained, Ise! g i um has ! also a claim on our help, and France may ' need assistance. Now is the time for tho overseas dominions to prove their I sagacity as well as their loyalty, by j preparing to minimise the after effects I of the war in every possible way. '