The Hawera Star. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1924. EUROPE’S HOPE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 August 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1924. EUROPE’S HOPE.

Delivered every evening by 5 o’clock in Hawere, Manaia. Nermanby. Okaiawa, Eltbein, Pate*., Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Oiiangai, Meremere, Fraser Eoad. and Otakeuo Manutahi, Alton, Burleyville, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake,

Leading opinion in Great Britain has stated that the Dawes plan otters the one means by which the nations of Europe can begin the great task of reconstruction and, as shown so clearly during the recent conference in London, there has been a keen dsire by all sections of the British people that it should be adopted and put into early operation. Although' there were occasions when it seemed as if the conference was likely to fail, tactful methods overcame the difficulties, and .the representatives reached an agreement which is. now under the consideration of their Parliaments and which it is hoped will be ratified by all concerned. Since the conference ended messages have been received setting out the attitude of the political parties in Germany and France. In Germany earlier reports indicated considerable hostility and there were stormy scenes in the Beichstag, which, however, apparently gave place to a quieter atmosphere alter Dr. Marx had delivered his repoYt upon the proceedings in London. The improvement was such as to encourage the hope that th'e agreement will be ratified by Germany this week. In France M. Harriot met with a hearty welcome home and a vote of confidence in his Government was carried by a substantial majority. The prospects of the London agreement being ratified by France and Germany may therefore be regarded as very bright, and if these nations do accept it there need be no fear of Britain, Italy and Belgium also ratifying it. If the agreement is ratified it will undoubtedly prove to be the most important event since the signing of the peace treaties in 1919. The aim of the Dawes Report which was prepared after very, careful investigation by the experts committee is to bring about stable conditions in Elurope and to provide a sound foundation upon which, the nations may rebuild their countries. . Since the war the economic conditions of the Continent have become exceedingly difficult, and for years it has seemed as if the task of jestoring health is almost hopeless. Conference after conference was held but without success, owing to the unwillingness of the nations to abandon their enmity and face their problems in a reasonable spirit. The Dawes scheme provides for a German noteissuing bank upon a gold basis, and experts think that the sooner she can be placed upon such a basis the sooner will definite economic improvement be possible in Britain and France and other countries. The German mark lost its value completely months ago and progress with the currency in its present state is impossible, while the bad influence' upon other countries has been severely felt. No doubt the putting ipto operation of the Dawes scheme will be attended by certain difficulties, ‘and the early effects in some directions may not be welcomed, hut if, as is widely anticipated, the scheme provides a sound foundation, an improvement in all countries should follow speedily, and be reflected in growing prosperity. Britain’s greatest domestic problem is unemployment, which is still baffling the keenest minds, and seems as if it refuses to be solved until other factors are attended to. It has often been stated that the army of unemployed in Britain has been due in a large measure to the loss of markets in Europe, and that either those markets must be regained or there must be a redistribution of the Empire’s population to relieve the pressure upon Great Britain, whose people number about 5,000,000 more than rhe country can properly support under existing conditions. The redistribution of population will take years to effect, for the Dominions, ready though they are to receive suitable immigrants, are not in a position to absorb many thousands of new arrivals each year. Nevertheless, the benefits of sound immigration systems are recognised by the Dominions, and the redistribution is steadily taking place and giving a little relief to the Old Country. But, for a more rapid improvement, Britain must look to an expansion of her trade, and it is because it brightens the prospects that, the Dawes plan has a special interest to our people. British people want the world to enjoy peace and prosperity and, believing that it is based upon sound principles and provides a definite plan for the reconstruction and restoration cf Europe, the nation hopes that the agreement reached at London v ill be ratified and the scheme brought into effect without delay.