VIGOROUS OPTIMISM.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1917, Page 7

VIGOROUS OPTIMISM.

"KEEP UP YOUR SPIRITS." 'DETERMINATION' TO SEE WAR THROUGH TO END. A spirit of vigorous optimism (says the N.Z. Herald) characterised the references to the war.made on Saturday evening by the Hon. Arthur M. Myers, in a speech at the Auckland Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association '•'social." The Minister remarked that a small section of the community seemed to think it necessary to become despondent over the present situation. He disagreed with these people. "The great thing at present is to keep up your spirits," said Mr. Myers, amidst applause. "We must see that our industrial machinery goes smoothly, but we must also see that we do not become downhearted. Are'we clownhearted? (Cries of "No!") Are our boys at tho front downhearted? (Renewed emphatic negatives). • No, we are not downhearted; 'but, behind our ■smiles let our faces show our determination to see this war through until.'n glorious peace is proclaimed. (Applause), Keep up your spirits; 1-augh and sing, always provided that it .does, not interfere with your duty. 'W*b have the satisfaction of knowing that, at present, we have the greatest military' machine the'"World' has seen for 1 2000 years beaten. (Applause). it* lis impossible for JJertuany to. win. .We knew it is only a. question of time for the Allies 'to be successful. (Applause).: Peace may come this yea* or Aibtj&M; in the meantime our best endeavors are needed.

"When the great storm Voice (jut the question asked was whether we should he able to stand.the test from the military, the financial, and the moral point of view,, Sines then there, have been. tremendouß increases in our Navy, our Army, and our aerial services, whilst our output of munitions has increased over 5000 per cent. (Applause). The military position to-day, as compared with that of three years ago, is one we have reason to bo proud of. Not only is Great Britain stronger from the military, the financial, and the economic standpoint, but her cause, and that of her Allies, has attracted the leading nations of civilisation, who are now espousing her cause. It is only a question of time when iwe shall he able to see realised the ideals for which the sword was unsheathed by Britain. (Applause).

"There is no suggestion of an inconclusive peace on behalf of the Allies," declared the Minister. ''l venture to say that Russia will rehabilitate herself, probably sooner than wfc expect, and will help to bring the war to a victorious conclusion.' (Applause). lb is also a matter for congratulation, that we now have America as an 'Ally. (Applause). ,Her fleet is already in European waters, and her first contingent has reached the Mother Country. (Applauso). There is no doubt that the financial and military strength of America will help to bring about a speedier termination of the war. In the meantime. keep up your spirits. It is the last ounce that is going to tell."