The Daily News. MONDAY, NOV. 8, 1915. LORD KITCHENER.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, NOV. 8, 1915. LORD KITCHENER.

No British soldier has ever had to face the colossal task that has fallen to the lot of lord Kitchener in consequence of the' present war. It was to him that the nation instinctively turned on the outbreak of hostilities as the one goneral above all others best fitted to cope with the emergency, and it is on his shoulders that the full weight of the conduct of the war lias rested, and the confidence of the people, as well as the Allies, in Lord Kitchener has not abated, though malicious criticisms have been hurled at his work by the Harmworth press. The recent discussions in both Houses of the British Parliament and the lengthy reply of the Prime Minister have given some indication of the tension which exists, but beneath this there exists a confidence and courage that will carry the nation through its trials and secure that victory which must precede a final peace. It will be seen that the audience which took place between the King and Lord Kitchener on Friday was, in view of the lung's illness, the cause of exceptional concern in London, and that the event was immediately seized upon by the Globe (a Harmsworth paper) as evidence that Lord Kitchener had resigned. The rumor was immediately denied officially, and swift retribution followed on the dissemmiuation of this false report, the paper being promptly suppressed, while a prosecution will doubtless follow. It will readily be understood that the matter was exceptionally grave, and that the mere publication of such u fabrication would cause an almost paralysing shock, for it would portend disaster. The crisis through which the Allies are now passing is of such a character that it demands the utmost forbearance from all sensationalism, and no greater or more disastrous catastrophe could have happened at the present time than the loss of Lord Kitchener's service?. Happily there is no danger on this score, rather is it matter for congratulation that the director in chief of the British military system has decided to personally visit, the Eastern theatre of operations (by which the Balkans is probably meant) iu order to be on the spot so as to deal promptly and effectively with the critical situation. Nor is it surprising that the Secretary for War should have deemed that his presence in the new theatre of war was of greater importance than his attendance at Cabinet Councils. The mere fact that he decided to go to the East is of itself sufficient evidence of the imperative need for prompt and decisive action, and it is quite possible that it is the outcome of General Joffre's recent visit to London. By this time the administrative work at the War Office should be working' smoothly and efficiently, and the only pressing problem to be settled is that of devising means to checkmate Germany's latest move in the. Balkans, and to further the prosecution of the Ciallipoli campaign. There should be a general feeling of relief experienced at the step Lord Kitchener lias taken, and we may confidently hope that the. best possible good will result from his action. There are many tactical problems that can only be dealt with effectively on the spot, and we may safely assume that the length of his stay will depend on the nature and importance of the matters demanding his personal attention. We do not look to him to perform miracles, but he has the whole-hearted confidence

of the Empire, as well as of the Allies, and in going where hia services are moat needed lie will add another to the long list of services which have been of such incalculable value to the Empire and have justly earned for him the undying gratitude and appreciation of its people.