BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

Evening Star, Issue 16823, 27 August 1918, Page 3

BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

AUSTRALIAN MINISTER IMPRESSED. LONDON', Auguirt 26. Mr Joseph Cook (Australian Minister for JN'avy), interviewed, said he had had special opportunities to investigate the anti-submarine measures, and saw them in actual operations. The impression left upon him, after seeing tho fleet, was one of supremo power, thorough efficiency, wonderful under able, capable leadership, on which' the people can rely absolutely. Tho same may be said of the work done at the shipyards and munition factories. Frantic energy is displayed everywhere, which would make tho complete defeat of the enemy not far distant if the people would stop striking each other and strike tho enemy instead. The end was never in doubt. There had been a wonderful revival of tho national spirit, ami if burdens wore piled up for the future there would also be handed to the future a rejuvenated, highly, developed capacity to moot the burdens. If the skill and ingenuity now displayed in the art of warfare were continued' in the economic life of the nation it would he quite equal to its future tasks. Mr Cook said he was filled with admiration for the women’s work in munitions and other industrial activities. THE WEEKLY REVIEW. . The following appeared in yesterday’s first edition, being tho conclusion of the official weekly summary : Russia more and more realises the humiliation of tho Brcst-Litovsk Treaty, and the already strong anti-German feeling strengthens. The German Embassy is reported to have fled from Moscow, protected by German soldiers disguised in Russian uniforms. It found Petrograd in the hands of bitterly hostile social revolutionaries, and, being unable to travel to Pskov, was’ - compelled to go via Hehangr iota aST Koval.

The unexpected arrival of British troops at Baku (on tho Caspian: Sea) gives a fresh revelation of British resourcefulness, and adds a large factor to the many Eastern problems which Germany and Turkey must solve between them. None of those problems will be easily solved, since each is on tho worst terms with Bulgaria.-. Groat Britain's rigid_ rationing of coal for domestic consumption and non-essen-tial industries gives yet another instance of the sacrifices to which she cheerfully submits in order to meet tho heavy demands of tho military needs of the Allies. M. Ctemcnoeau (tho French Prime Minister) and Marshal Foch have just paid a noble tribute to the work of tho British coal miners, and urged them to yet more strenuous efforts, since coal is as essentia! to victory as arc men and munitions. AUSTRALIAN RECRUITING SHORTAGE. SYDNEY, August 26. The Director-general of Recruiting states that the enlistments for the past seven months totalled 19,856, being a shortage of 17,965, Australia must find an additional 2,500 monthly, TEACHERS AND MILITARY SERVICE. Before the. Military Service Board a.t Invercargill yesterday the Southland Education Board appealed for exemption for six teachers, adducing strong evidence in support of the contention that tho time had arrived when no further depletion in the ranks of Second Division teachers should bo made. It was stated that tho position had become acute, and that serious injury to the causa of education in the larger schools, and the probable closing of some of the smaller schools, would ho inevitable if the drain on certificated and experienced teachers were continued. In granting conditional exemption the chairman said tho matter of appealing should not be left to the education boards. The Government should be approached with a view to arriving at a definite policy, as in the case of miners and farmers. WEST TAIERI PATRIOTIC SOCIETY. During the last month the West Taieri branch working for the Red Cross has completed and sent to the Dunedin centre the following articles : —1 dozen pillow cases, 1 dozen service bags, 4 day shirts, 5 hospital coats. 5 undervests, and 5 underpants. The knitters have been busymaking socks for tho Christmas parcels to be sent to all men who have left tho district for the front. ROSLYN-KAIKORAI RED CROSS & PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. Tho sewing meeting was held as usual on Thursday, and completed work was despatched as follows;—To tho Early Settlers’ Hall; 21 service bags, 5 shirts, 7 white shirts, S soap bags, 6 pairs socks. 2 suits pyjamas, 6 tea towels. To tho Red Cross : 5 suits pyjamas, 1 stump sock, 6 pairs socks, 6 tea towels, 5 shirts, 1 pair mittens, 12 handkerchiefs, 5 day flannels.

DENUNCIATION OF “SLACKERS.” At tho Lancashire Munitions Court a short time since Mr T. E. Mansfield, barrister. raid it was sickening and pitiable to think that at a time like this, when Mic flower of the country wore dying in thousands to withstand the greatest attack of armed forces tho world had ever seen, they should ho sitting there to try men fo~ not worldng diligently, for sleeping, and card-plavinjr. If the Germans broke through, anti we bad to conclude a German nemo, the liberties of working nun would he gone for ever. Men who could 'wilfully slack in these times should no placed* against a stone wtdi. Fines up to £5 worn imposixl for sleeping during working hours.

GRATITUDE AND ORANGES. An incident illustrating the kindness of the British soldier is described in a communication which has been received at tho Red Cross headquarters, Rail Mall, London, from Dr A. Granville, the British Red Cross Commissioner at Alexandria. Dr Granville, in reporting tho receipt of a gift of 1,500 oranges from Mahommod Mpcbel Bey, Mudir (Governor) of Keneh .Province, for one of the British hospitals in Egypt, states in a letter to the commandant : —■ “ xMocbel Bey sends these oranges as a tribute to your hospital. When ho was in recently ho saw two of the orderlies of your hospital standing near tho gate. One was eating an orange. At that moment a very poor native, woman came by, with a small, half-naked infant toddling beside her. The soldier with tho orango bent down, smiled at the child, flatted its cheek, and gave it tho orange. The mother called down the blessings of Allah on the giver’s head. Mocbel Eey was greatly impressed with the kindness of tho soldier; he wanted to get his name, but the man moved off into the hospital, so Mocbel Bey sends these oranges as a present to the staff of the hospital.” The Maoris who were brought io Nap row Neck (Auckland) on Saturday did not resist arrest at the pa. 'Tonga Mahuta, brother of “King” Rata, on being informed that ho and others were wanted onwarrant, invited all those present whoso names had been drawn in the ballot to accompany him to camp. Forty-three, responded, tho total being in excess of the number of warrants.