The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, DEC. 31. THE PASSING OF 1920.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLVII, Issue 52, 31 December 1920, Page 4

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, DEC. 31. THE PASSING OF 1920.

To-day will .signalise the completion (if the erents coincident with the history of 1020. The year ending to-day, although it has been characterised by no particular event of world-wide 'historic import, will nevertheless go down to history as a year of comparative peace an<l prosperity following emancipation from world strife. Commercially and industrially there has >be«a witnessed' a return to the conditions of pro-war life. The impetus given to trade has 'been the result of a demand for the numerous articles which were in short supply, and in many cases dono without, during the years of war when shipping for commercial interests wtt at. a premium. Influenced by this spirited demand lLalbour was able in tho early days of the year to secure advantages of employment and remuneration which in many cases were but a fair return for honest work. 'Although conditions in England have not 'been' so rosy as in onr own land, it was only to be expected that the financial stringency which follows war and tie effects of diverted trade would make their first influence upon the commercial pivot of tho world's trade. England has in fact had. heT share of industrial unrest, (but the great railway strike and tie great coal strike were iboth of them of comparatively short duration. 'Much of the unrest at 'Home has indeed 'been the outcome of a realisation (by tlie worker of the poor wage* which were in vogue prior to the war and of a determination to secure a fair return in the future. The disputes have in most cases been settled with general satisfaction, chiefly by arbitration methods, and the insistent demand for higher wages to meet the high Vost of living has been generously considered toy employers. The trouble in Ireland has (been a thorn in the side of the Imperial iGoyerament, and has caused considerable agitation not only in Ireland, but throughout the 'Empire. It is possible that the new year will sec the operation of some form of Home Rule, (but it is evident that the lawlessness is feeing engineered'by a pernicious foreign influence which must be suppressed by stern measures before anythin? can be done towards effecting a progressive peace for all section# of the Trish people. The visit of Edward, Prince of Wales, to the British Dominions and America was the most outstanding social event of the year. Everywhere, he was received with the greatest patriotic fervour, and in-dot own Dominion his frank and charming manner won for him the hearts of even Hip most lukewarm patriots. Never before, perhaps, in the history of the Umpire has a Prince enjoyed such whole-hearted loyalty and devotion fro.m tho scattered: peoples of the nation. General Bird wood's visit was also an event that ranked high in the regard of the returned soldiers of the Dominion, while the return of Admiral Lord Jellicoe to take up the position of Governor-general was something that the people of the Dominion acclaimed with popular favour. Troly this ha< been a year of visitations, for "the Parliamentary trip to Samoa wa» an event

that created considerable interest by reason of its 'bearing upon the native labour questions involved in our 'mandatory power over these islands. From the agricultural and pastoral point of •view the termination of the commandeer for meat and wool was a matter of considera'ble importance. Its effect has probably not even yet been fully felt, but the increase of shipping within the' past few months gives an assurance at least that the 'means of trade will be provided if markets of congenial demand can be found. Though the incoming year probably holds more obscurities than have been revealed in the one just passing, there does not appear any reason for pessimism. In this country, &t any rate, the practice of economy and: the development of our vast and wonderful resources should ensure a fair measure of the world's prosperitv. Hardships there undoubtedly will be—these unfortunately follow every warbut by careful and judicious handling much undue trouble may be averted*. Unemployment, which at the present time looms rife in other countries, -will ill time be ameliorated (by a more equal distribution of the world's supply of, Wbour. Already thousands of immigrants are being received into New Zealand, but while this country can Still absorb a vast population, the ef- j Sects of the immigration work now being carried'out- will undoubtedly prove ' beneficial or otherwise according as | avenues for the ready absorption of the new arrivals are provided and con- j trolled. Tit the South Otago district ■ alone. the opportunity for increased ! population is apparent. The Bruce \ ■Woollen Mills and the South Otago; EVeeaing Works could both readily em- ! ploy a much laTger number than is ' generally offering. The extension and development of hvdro-electric power Trill provide work for the more skilled Class of labour, while the provision of Woollen mills in the Clutha—a proposal which has recently taken favour—and the building operations of the new Bouth Otago Hospital Board should also lessen the trend towards unemployment. Politically, the appointment of Bir James Allen to the High CominisBiomership, and the election of Mr John Edie, a Liberal member, for the Conservative stronghold of Bruce were incidents'carrying local attention, while tthe recent return of Sir Thomas Mackenzie to bis native heath was also a matter of special import locally. The dominance of Mr Massev and his party in the twentieth Parliament of the Dominion was apparent at every step. Much beneficial legislation, was put through, the success of the South Otago (Hospital Bill under the generalship of the member for Clutha being the most important measure of local interest. Throughout the district there has been general progress and prosperity. A freedom, from floods' and a generously tmild climate have resulted in a fairly 6uccessful season. iManv things have ' been promoted, some of which will undoubtedly bear good fruit in the near future. The attempt to secure adequate protection from the flooding effects of the Molyneux River unfortunately aroused insufficient interest, although a considerable amount of protective work has been carried out. The provision' of direct telephone communication from Balclutha to Tuapeka Mouth and the Increasing of the facilities for passen-' ger traffic on the Catlins line are matters that will further develop in the near future, while the provision of a reliable source of water supply for the town of Balclutha is something that the residents may well pride themselves on Slaving secured. As in previous years Wre toll of death has been levied faT and' wide, and many familiar faees have ceased to move amongst us. Two names perhaps stand out prominent amongst oar own immediate losses, these being the late John Begg, of ihikeawa, and the late 'William Dallas, botli of them Well-known figures in the agricultural life of the district. Throughout the World a great settling process is being bvolved. The peak of high prices reuniting from stimulated trade lias been Blbout reached, and a decline in prices to bound to eventuate. A great responsibility rests upon the individual dur--sag the ensuing year, but the indomitable energy of the British race and the Cheerful optimism of the people of this Wuntry will assuredly again' prevail as £t has achieved in the past, and with a generous goodwill towards our numerous friends we wish them' one and all A HAPPY XBW YEA'R.