Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31st., 1934. OLD AND NEW.

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 December 1934, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31st., 1934. OLD AND NEW.

yiiE year now ending has been fairly eventful, and if the best hopes with which it started have not materialised, some progress was made in world peace and economics. Perhaps the most notable feature was the number of

assassinations, as apart from the German “purge” of June last, the murders of Dollfus, King Alexander, and Barthou were among the crimes that shocked the civilised world. More than once, war in Europe looked very near, but, happily, wise counsels prevailed, and 1934 concludes with the European situation happier in outlook than it has been for several years. The reported pact between France and Italv is news of great

importance, paving the way to further agreements that should ensure peace in Europe for decades. Germany gave the statesmen of other lands cause for much concern during the year, and, there is still room for anxiety.as to her intentions, but, on the whole, the situation has improved, and with the Saar plebiscite concluded, the way should be open to greater Franco-German understanding, and a possible return to the League of Germany. France has had a critical year politically, owing to financial scandals, but appears to be settling down, Italy has upheld her prestige among nations, .Russia has shed some of her extreme policy, and the other countries in Europe, if all their suspicions and enmities are not removed, are in a mood to listen to reason. Outside Europe, Japan is “the fly in the ointment.” She has been self-assertive during 1934, and there is no sign yet that she will be more yielding in the next twelve months. Unity of nations in Europe must, however, affect events in Asia, and it may prove that 1935 will witness the removal of some of the suspicion Japanese policy now arouses. The U.S.A, is ( not finding from the New Deal 1 all that was promised, but so far , Air. Roosevelt’s policy has been to , public liking, and it is too early 2 yet to produce the final balance sheet.

Britain has had a good year, her trade recovery being maintained,

and her prestige among nations enhanced. Tier relations with the Dominions keep cordial, and with mutual. goodwill and compromise, a satisfactory settlement of the produce imports problem should be secured. It is unfortunate that Anglo-Irish relations have not improved, but on the other hand, Anglo-Amei-iean concord was never stronger. New Zealand’s record! for 1934 and her prospects foi’| 1935, are fairly well outlined in the series of messages published, 1 to-day, from the country’s leaders,! and it must be agreed that affairs in this country could be a lot worse. The coming year will be

important for the Dominion. Parliamentary and municipal elections are due,-and it is the duty o£ all electors to take real interest in national and local affairs, so that, the best qualified may be chosen to guide the country’s destinies. New Zealand will also have to speed the departing Governor-General, and. welcome the new one; opportunity will present itself later to dwell on this, but the break with Lord and Lady Bledisloe will be. generally regretted. Space does not permit of reference to all the successes and failures during the Old Year, nor of the prospects for the New, but there is cause for much thankfulness for the one and for optimism with the other. We wish all readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.