The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1919. THE PASSING OF THE YEAR.
The first year of peace is passing into history, and the memory of the war is on the wane. Looking back to the records of the last twelve months there is bound to be a feeling of disappointment at the slow progress made in clearing up the legacies of the war. Peace has been formally proclaimed, but the Allies' armies still occupy German territory, and the Germans are adopting a policy of procrastination obviously with the intention of bargaining for better terms. France is being severely handicapped in her industrial reconstruction by the failure of Germany to supply the necessary coal. Italy is facing a wave of Socialism, and appears to be passing through a critical phase, while her attitude as regards Fiume has given rise to much resentment, though there appears to be a prospect of a settlement of this question in the near future. Belgium has entered Upon the great task of restoration which must necessarily occupy her for many years, and the same may be said of France. Events in Germany have been more or less dramatic, though it is extremely difficult to arrive at any accurate conception of the undercurrent at. work there. It is well known there is a strong tendency to restore militarism and Kaiserism, yet the longer democracy rules the more difficult will the military party find it to accomplish their ■desire. So far, no evidence is in sight of any real repentance on Germany's part, and the governing authorities are no more to be trusted than heretofore. The process of regeneration will evidently be slow—if at all. Austria and Hungary appear to be in a state of chaos and semi-starvation. They may almost be said to have been pulverised by the war, and their future is a matter of some concern. Bulgaria has been brought to heel, but still contains some of the elements of a storm centre. Serbia and the new nationalities have had no chance of settling down to new conditions, nor can they do so until outstanding matters relating to 'Fiume and the Balkans are adjusted and the fate of Turkey and Constantinople settled. Russia is still in the throes of Bolshevism, and fierce fighting continues, nor is the end in sight. One of the unpleasant surprises of the year was the action of the United States' Senate over the Peace Treaty and League of Nations, whereby both these important matters have been held up. "Whether an acceptable compromise will be arrived at is uncertain. President "Wilson is certainly entitled to a full measure of sympathy over this extraordinary proceeding, the more so as his illness has prevented him from using his personal influence in upholding the product of his labors at the Peace Conference. It is to be hoped that a settlement will be reached before long. Meanwhile America is outside the League which the President took so much pains to create. The revival of industry in Britain is already producing good results, as the export figures and shipbuilding statistics clearly indicate. This is all the more gratifying by reason of the many industrial troubles that have hampered the work of reconstruction. The British Premier and his colleagues in the Ministry have had a strenuous and anxious time, aggravated by the upheaval in Irei land, and the carrying out of the Peace Treaty. The Old Country has a reputation for overcoming all her troubles, and it is to be hoped that in the coming year there will be a record of progress and accomplishment that will materially lessen the anxieties of the Government and make for prosperity and peace. One of the pressing needs is the restoration of the standard value of the currency, the depreciation of which affeets the whole Empire, and this can only be achieved by contracting the paper money issue, greater production and a readjustment of imports and exports. Britain, on the whole, has done well during the past year. May she have a far larger record in the future! Few people realise the gigantic natnrs of the tasks she has to undertake and the complexity of the problems to be solved, yet if all parties and sections unite in a common effort. Britain will emerge from her days of trial stronger than ever. As to New Zealand, the past year has beer one of greater prosperity than ever bei fore, even with a limited output. ¥c have had our industrial troubles and extreme Labor has exercised its evil influence. The >rneral elections have somewhat cleared the atmosphere, besides giving Mr. Massey a strong working majority, and an opportunity for demonstrating his statesmanship and progressive powers, of administration. In spite of the high cost of living the people have lived well, and as soon as the housing problem has been solved, conditions of life will be more favorable than ever. The work of repatriating. k steadily progressing, and
this should mean increased production. but it is to be hoped no time will be lost by the new Parliament in passing legislation and voting authorities for work that will, backed up by the energy and thrift of the people, place the Dominion on a secure financial foundation and ensure the comfort, happiness and prosperity of the community. On the whole, the past year may be regarded as a period of transition which is still incomplete, and we approach its successor with every confidence and with high hopes that it may witness a change for the better throughout the world, and that for all people it may be A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1919, Page 4
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938The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1919. THE PASSING OF THE YEAR. Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1919, Page 4
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