THE FEELING IN ENGLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1918, Page 2

THE FEELING IN ENGLAND.

■ A IUOJIAKivABIj; CHAW}]?, .STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WAPO), By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association. t Auckland, Oct. 12. Asked us to the feeling* in England regarding i'iie war, Sir Joseph Ward said that from tho time of his former visit & remarkable change was noticeable, especially among the people. Their spirit was splendid, and there was a complete absence of uncertainty anu Wondering what was coming next. Much more information was giyen out to the publio than formerly. There could be no question that the British people preferred to know tlie very worst, and the publicity now given was, in his opinion, one that had heartened the people and made them more determined to let no temporary set-back swerve them from the path to victory. "The progress made since early in July makes tho position regarding the future of the Pacific Islands more assured than ever Uhat they will not pass back to the control of the enemy, and consequently the people in the southern seas will be free from the menace of great strategic posts being again in the possession of Germany." "Tho propaganda work now carried on by the British Government is splendid it is enlightening the people of Germany and Austria and giving them a true glimpse of tike war situation, tho truth having been consistently kept from them. With the knowledge that they are now receiving, the elements of distrust and alarm in the Central Empires must develop, as time goes on, against tfheir military, rulers, and all this, of course, is in our favor."

Asked how the New Zealanders on the battle-fronts were, Sir Joseph said tlliat no finer body of men could bo seen anywhere. So did not say this in the spirit of parochialism, because Britain, the United States, and tho whole of the overseas countries had been sending of their best, and in feats of bravery and staying power every one of these countries, including New Zealand, had a right to bo proud of tfteir men. The physique and appearance of our men, when seen in their thousands on the battle-fronts, made him feel proud of the country he represented. Sir Joseph Ward declined to discuss | local politics. * 1 MR. MASSEY'S STATEMENT. Mr. Massey, interviewed, paid a high tribute to the New Zealanders at the front, and said: "Wlhile at tho front we were able to put some matters right in which they were directly concerned, and remove some misapprehensions created by adverse criticism at this end. There were other matters which we could not deal with, as they would require parliamentary sanction, and will be submitted in due course." Following the successes of the Germans in the spring, there had been a. certain amount of anxiety in England in May and June, but with the Americans entering into the war in large numbers, and tho splendid response of the Dominions and India, the position rapidly improved. "As for the Pacific 'lslands in the southern hemisphere formerly in the occupation of Germany, and in which j New Zealand is intensely concerned, my i impression is tot if there is a difficulty it will make its appearance at the peace conference, but Australia and New Zealand will be able to show they are fighting in the best interests of the native races,, as well as for the safety and security of the Anglo-Saxons who have already made homes in the South Pacific, and of a still very much larger number who will make tflieir homes there in the future."

Referring to the suggestion that now American has come into the war New Zealand should relax its and either greatly reduce its reinforcements or cease sending soldiers altogether, Mr. Massey stated: "I should like to say that unless in a crisis such as occurred last March the Government do not want to" send a man more than necessary to sufficiently reinforce. our troops already in the fighting line, but I think for New Zealand, or any one of the Dominions, to slacken off 'would be a very serious, mistake. I understand the proposal was that Now Zealand could do its duty sufficientlv by producing food for the Allied armies, but if, until the end of tho war. we were to depend upon America for our soldiers, it would mean that our ships would be required to carry troop 3 and munitions, and we should be left with our produce on our hands. , T "As Minister in charge of the imperial Supplies Department I have done my best to secure a sufficient supply of slh'ips in order to get our products away and keep the commerce of the country going, and, I think, not unsuccessfully, but I cannot possibly guarantee that the supply of ships for the present season will be equal to that of last year. All I can say i 3 that, taking the requirements of the war into consideration, the British. Ministry of Shipping will do its best for us, and I believe the position Will improve steadily, but not Tapidly, as compared wife the last few months. The Imperial authorities thoroughly understand the importance of sufficient ships for ■ the Australasian trade, and nothing but the most urgent necessity will keep them away from us. \u>ile I have 'confidence in the Shipping Ministry there are departments of State in Britain with which I am not so well satisfied in the handling of our products, and it may be necessary to ask parliament to set up a special commission to go into the whole question, so that tho public may understand some of the difficulties with which we are being called upon to deal." Mr. Massey made a non-committal reference to the important work of t'lie War Cabinet and Conference, saying lie believed all the Dominions would appoint a resident Minister.