The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1917. TIME AND THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1917. TIME AND THE WAR.

One of the most striking, though probably not the. most important, of-the recent speeches delivered by the British Premier (Mr. Lloyd George) was his address to his constituents on Saturday last. In urging the public to subscribe to the loan, he emphasised the necessity of there being- no delay, no loitering, no lingering in giving the greatly needed financial assistance for the prosecution c. the war to victory. The forceful language use;] on the occasion is deserving of universal attention. The IPre:nkr'- words were: ' "Time, whici is hesitating, and has' perplexed neutrals, has not yet decided on which side he- is going to ■swing his terrible scythe. For the moment the scythe is striking both sides, and causing great havoc. The hour will come when it will swing finally to one side oi the other. Time is the most deadly of all neutrals. Let us enlist him among our Allies. The only way to win time is not to lose time, whether in the workshop, council chambers, or on the field." Although this masterly appeal 'was made to Welsh people, it has an Empire-wide significance and application. If we look back to the early stage:! of the war, one of the most reproachful thoughts is the realisation of the irreparable losses resulting from the failure to act piomptly in organising the resources of the Empire, and utilising to the utmost the opportunities which siid by one after another, piling up trouble for the future. If we turn to America, and review the President's attitude in connection with German atrocities, we find an even worse example of that baneful policy of hesitation and taihua. The progress of the war on the part of the Allies has been unfortunately marked by frequent repetitions of being "too late.'' The one great factor of .promptness in decision and action had been greatly wanting until Mr. Lloyd George discarded old methods and infused vigor into the British administration. Britain is not the only sinner in this respect, for King Ccnstantine reduced the system of playing for time to a science, and now the Kaiser is adopting the same pernicious plan. Whatever may have been the shortcomings and delinquencies in the past, the moment has arrived when, if we are to win—as we must—there can he no longer any hesitation in taking the imperative steps for securing victory in the present year. This caa

only bo achieved by thorough appreciation of the value of time, thorough organisation, and a thorough yielding up of physical and material assistance.' We are fighting for a peace that can he'attained in no other way hut through complete victory, and the strain is becoming almost unendurable, yet it has evoked a courage and determination commensurate with the great object in view, whereas Germany is fighting with mad desperation to escape the penalty of her diabolical outrages and systematic brutality. It is above all things necessary for the Allies to cause the •scythe of Time to swing on their side, and, as Mr. Lloyd George so vividly aiid forcefully emphasises, "to win time by not losing time." The moment for eon-, eentrated action is at hand, and the various conferences that have been held in the capitals of the Allies clearly indicate that a concerted offensive movement of greater intensity and power than any previously made has been agreed upon. If Germany thinks that by initiating unlimited piracy she w' ! upset the, Allies' plans, it nvill not be long before disillusionment arrives. By this time Hun tricks are well understood and appraised. Heretofore the Allies have not acted as one, but they are now coordinating their plans and movements for the supreme effort thai it is believed will secure xictory. T'te only pressing problem is that of food, and every part oi the Empire shouldmake unprecedented efforts to overcome this dilliculty. Mr. Lloyd George has again shown his fitnes for the exalted position he fills, and his words of wisdom and warning should be taken to heart, so that the supply of men, money, munitions, and food , may be forthcoming as they are required. The Empire should be grateful to the British Premier for his nnich-needed homily on the value of time, and the people of all classes should profit by his remarks. Especially would ■we commend the speech to the Now Zealand waterside workers, 'who in this period of vital crisis are wasting time, instead of helping forward the great' cause we have all at heart. In this war, as in many peaceful contracts, time is the main essence, and we must, take it by the forelock.