MR. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1917, Page 6

MR. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN.

DIRECTOR 01' NATIONAL. .SERVICE. (“Lloyd’s.") A o-rand instance of how the Grasp which Takes Bold of Things can he brought suddenly into use at need is given in the case- of Mr. Neville Chamberlain. Mr. Chamberlain was at Easton about to enter a train for the city of which he is Lord Mayor, when he was, so to speak, “caught in the door’’ of his. railway carriage by a Government messenger, who said, in effect, “Sir, you arc needed at the headquarters of the British Empire.’ A few minutes later Mr. Neville Chamberlain was Director-General of National Service. For ' Lloyd's News" Mr. Chamberlain has written the following article on war-work, in which he reviews flic splendid part taken, by the people of Jus own city and district in G>e great, snuggle during the past two years. Tin/'writer also looks forward—with hope and encouragement. Rh ween the lines of toe article may be read something of how tit the first Citizen of Birmingham must be to undertake the wider duties to which ho was called when he missed his tram for Birmingham at Euston. It has been said that men and women of aces from sixteen to fifty-six may lie commandeered if they do not volunteer for national service. WAR WORE, PAST AND ELTTRE. (He Mr. Neville Chamberlain. Lord Mayor of Birmingham.) . In proportion to its population no eitv in the kingdom lies o.attributed more freely than Birmingham iho three essentials in war —namely, mem nmnev, and munition's, lu none will the third war Christmas find greater confidence or a more jTxed determination t<> carry on the struggle to a success;nl issue. In August, 101 I, Birmingham comliiaed within its area a greater nmnhe|. ef diucreiit industries than any place of similar size. For the most t-art these were carried on in compand ively small establishments', few of them employing more than KHK) hands ; and in one trade at least much

i :t the business was transacted in buildings that formerly served as 1 i 11”' houses. Hut sinct; I lie war tin: adaptability of tlio British manufacturer and the British workman !i:n transformed these various industries and the city lots become a. vast contra <>i' munition worm Although over 100,(>{!() men Itavo left in join the colors, their places have been filled, and acres of new buildings have been staffed by a fresh army of munition workers of both sexes. JKwn now the process of conversion ami extension lias, not ceased, ftir preparations are still being made for further efforts, so that for many months to come the production of shells ami all the various engines of war that have been developed in lids Titanic struggle- will continue to increase. In the course of this transformation the resources of our engineers and men of science have made many new discoveries, and inventions, and whilst the cost,-; of production have been revolutionised, experience has been gained which will be put to profitable- use in the extension of our commerce when peace returns. The main buildings of our local I,'niversitv were taken over at the commencement of the war as* a hospital, but at the request of the government research is t.eing carried on elsewhere by our professors in many branches of chemistry, physics, metal, urge, and engineering, and. though the nature of these researches is necessarily secret; at present. 1 am able to say that valuable discoveries itavo been made for the benefit of the nation. Jn Birmingham, as elsewhere, many households have to mourn the loss, of gallant sons or husbands who have fallen in the field. But the sorrow which has come to our people is mingled with pride and thankfulness that these young lives have been given for. the noblest of causes, and has only served to deepen the determination that the sacrifice shall imt have been made in vain. We believe that our confidence in the future is well founded. We regard the peace proposals of the unetny as an indication not of humanity- ids own acts, clearly belie that - but of a consciousness that his power is on the wane. To the cfy of the weaklings that he can never he beaten wo turn a deaf ear, for we are convinced that he is tottering already, and that a few more blows such a,s, he bag, suffered since the beginning of July will force him to his knees'. Reparation for the past and guarantees for the future- these are essential if we are to enjoy a lasting peace. To attain them needs but the united efforts of the British Kmpire and its Allies- a little while longer. Let, then, every man and every woman put shoulder to the wheel, and ere another Christmas comets, round our arms will have been crowned with victory.