Grey River Argus and Blackball News

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1917, Page 2

Grey River Argus and Blackball News

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1917. THE BLOCKADE.

Delivered every lnorniagr in Greymouth, Kumarc, Hokitikn, Dobson, Wullaeuc? JTaylorvillo, Crouaduu, Ngiihere, Blackball, Nolsou Creek, Brtumer, Te K inglm, Rotonmmi Poerua, luc'uboniiie, Pataro, Bunt, Kuunata, Kotu.ku, Moaua, Aratika, Buuaiigii, Dunollie, Cobdeu, Baxters, Kokiri, Ahaura, Ika-' niatua. Stillwatcr, Waiuta, ami Beef'.oii

THE • further tightening of 'the blockade by placing all the exports of the Allies to neutrals under official control is certain to fesult in making Germany 's economic position more difficult than it htis been during the past three years and it has been surprising that the great 'power of the Allied navies was .not applied in full long ago. During the first two years of the war the northern neutrals increased their imports to an enormous extent and it must have been patent to the Allies that the great bulk of the imports were being sent on to Germany. Efforts were made by the British authorities to control the position by making the neutrals solemnly promise that they would not permit imports which were reaching them so free ly owing to the Allies' easy-going methods to reach Germany, but everybody knows that those promises were not fulfilled. Germany, was. willing to pay high prices and to send to neutrals some of her products in order to secure most important supplies. Protests were made by such men

as, Lord Charles Beresford in Par liament, but the tightening of the blockade was but sloAvly applied, and Germany was enabled to secure great quantities of supplies For instance it was estimated that sufficient fats crossed the Dutch^ frontier during one year to supply the German army. It hns often been claimed that Gei- ! many cannot be starved into submission, but the lack of a stringent blockade during the first two years at least of the war has not" ['enabled the Avorld to reach a de- ' finite opinion on that point. Some imports will of course con'tinuo to reach the enemy from neutrals however strict the Allies i watch the sea, and little objection can be raised. Switzerland has •to secure her coal from Germany 'and payment is made in cattle, j Probably the Allies are not sorry |to find Germany sending coal out 'of her country, as it is a vital necessity in war time. However, it jis good to know that the blockade regulations are now about as severe a% it is possible to make them and Germany will feel the pinch much more than in the past as her food production has been 'poor this year. The Central Alliance has weathered three winters despite the frequent reports of alarming food shortages and it would bo unwise to look for too much from the blockade. Complete organisation, the elimination of waste, and \h>Q application of science have succeeded in a remarkable manner in Germany, and in the face of the fact that she is cut off from the greatmarkets of the world she has managed to continue fighting. Reports from the fronts have frequently stated that the enemy's prisoners show practically no signs of want of food. The blockade, therefore, important as it is, must be regarded as a great hinderance, and the issue will be determined on the fighting fronts. Of course the Allied navies have other, duties than preventing food and material reaching the Central Powers and the efforts to combat the ruthless submarines are from Britain's point of view all important. The gradual de.'crease in the loss of merchant shipping, and the keeping open of the trade routes testify to the wonderful achievements of the s fleets. The German Navy has learned to stay at home, and since its failure at the Battle of Jutland it has confined its operations in the North Sea to the sending forth of submarines and occasional efforts, by destroyer flotillas to reach the Channel, ! while a few raiders have succeeded in slipping out of the Allied net. The enemy's, efforts at sea have been successfully met and though the menace of the submarine and the high seas raider stilL exists they cannot be regarded as vital factors in the war. The American War Insurance Bureau indicates, accurately the position by reducing its rates to 23 per cent. The menace of the submarine is likely to continue till the end of the war but there is every hope that the loss of merchant tonnage will decrease and the destruction of U-boats increase. During the past three months Germany has lost more submarines than in any previous quarter^and it is clear that she has long since passed the zenith of her power in this direction. The effectiveness of tie blockade Avill be shown in the reduced losses of merchant ships aaid tlie decrease of imports into neutral countries.

At their rooms to-day, Harlev an d Co., Ltd., will submit to the hammer iurniture, produce, etc. Ladies hose, special value in all wool cashmere a t 2s nd, 35 3d 3s 6d per pair. Also pure llama wool hose 3s 6d. and 4s nd per pair, at Walkers, Boundary Street.— Advt. The Greymouth Borough Council at its meeting on Thursday received a letter from Mr. Daniel Reese, conveying his appreciation to the Greymouih citizens for their kindness to him. during his stay in the town while attending to salvage operations ■ on the Upouri.

Visitors to Greymouth are advised to see the great display of new seasons goods at Messrs Aitken and Peters, Upper Mawhera Quay. Comprising the very latest styles- in ladies costumes, smart blouses and millinery, dress skirts, silk coats dainty under-wear. D. and A. corsets etc. Ladies are invited to have a look at our extensive range of spring and summer goods, now displayed at our up-to-date showrooms. . ' Messrs M. Hannan and P. A. Mui--! doch proceeded to Wellington for 'hei purpose of appearing wuh Mr. f. j J. u' Regan in connection with a' claim by, the Inangahua County! Council tor payment of certain goldfields revenue said' to be field in abey-i' ance in respect to territory affected by the JNew Zealand Midland reserva-' ; tions of some years ago. It i s un-! der stood that- the West Coast Counties are affected by the' decision in this case. Several legal points are; involved in- the ■ mat&r. including the interpretation jof various territorial ' and mining .revenue, as well a,s the' disposal of rents and other revenue : trom similar cubing privileges which it will be contended are goldfields revenue and as such should be payable direct to the local bodies month by month, and not subject to any deducMon or delay in regulaf payment. Ihe aggregate amount involved will be a considerable sum. A new stock of dainty, inexpensive Xmas and New Year cards are now being shown at. B. Dixon's Bookseller and Stationer, Tainui Street.— Advt. ;