Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31st., 1937. TIME MARCHES ON.

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 December 1937, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31st., 1937. TIME MARCHES ON.

milestone in time’s journey will be reached, tomorrow, and custom demands that some form of stocktaking should be carried out, to note, what, human progress, if any, the passing year witnessed. There was much to regret, but, on the whole, 1937 was a good friend, if only J or what was avoided. The dread-; ■ cd world war has been averted, 1 I and, despite the conflicts in China, land Spain, the old year leaves the' pnlprnafional situation, better than' . il lound it. Patient British diplo-' pnacy succeeded in preventing a' ; tragic outbreak in Europe, and] persistent British re-armament' was another strong argument in i

favour of peace-maintenance. The position is not yet satisfactory, and material is handy for a conflagration, hut it is to be hoped that, the precautions taken will minimise the danger from firebrands.

The British Empire is certainly stronger, to-day, than when the year began. The Constitutional crisis brought no trouble, the Coronation festivities were most successful and the relations between the Throne and the people were never more cordial. Relations with foreign Powers are no worse than before, with the exception of Japan, and perhaps Italy. AngloGerman friendship is increasing, but the greatest advance in this spirit of concord and co-operation, is between Britain and the U.S.A. The importance of this cannot be stressed too much, and it is to be hoped that the coining year will see materialise, desirable .trade pacts between U.S.A, and the chief Empire countries. The economic recovery continued throughout the Empire, all lands sharing in the increased prosperity. This is in contrast with those lands ruled by Dictators, Where the people are suffering from food and other shortages, with prospects' of further belt-tightening. Space available does not permit detailed comment on all the notable happenings of 1937. There were tire usual crop of disasters by flood, field, air and sea, with nothing really outstanding in this direction. The deaths of leading men included several who had helped to make political, scientific, military, and literary history, but such passings are common to all years. Those inclined to despair of the human race may probably become more optimistic/ when realising that each year’s toll of notable men is evidence of the great supply the world possesses. The world and its people may often be such as to make the

angels weep, but even more abound conditions and achievements that must cause joy in heaven.

As for the prospects for 1938, opinions differ. Some prophets are as Jeremiah,■ and predict the ■ worst. For example, Sir George Paish, the economist, at a League of Nations Union recent, rally, said: “Unless nations stand together, 1938 will be the worst year in the history of the world. The world is in danger of a complete trade breakdown. I expect revolution to come before Avar, not in one country but in all countries, due to the appalling..distress that will arise unless nations come to their senses and help one another out of their difficulties.” Most leaders, however, including Mr. Savage, are more cheerful. On the whole, optimism appears to be the

more warranted. It is natural to be hopeful at the beginning of any new chapter, and .1938 will be greeted with enthusiasm in most lands, and particularly our own. It is to be hoped that 1938 will bring the benefits it appears, now, 1o promise, but if national unity is observed, whatever problems arise will be solved. We take this opportunity to wish all our readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.