The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1934. A DAY OF DAYS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1934, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1934. A DAY OF DAYS.

In the year 1918 the 11th November, (which recurs in the calendar to-mor-row) is a day of hallowed memories. It mhrked the termination of the Great War, which exacted so great a toll from fire belligerents, and few countries if any, were not touched by it, and still feel the penalty cf the great exactions. It is twenty years since the war broke out, and few, if any, realised how protracted it would be, and how many nations would be involved in the conflict. The war rolled on for four years and carried disaster in its train. In the years that rolled by, the. event has stood out in clearer perspective. The war been reviewed from many angles by friend and foe alike. Soldiers and statesmen have .marshalled the facts as they saw them,.and the history compiled leaves a vivid story of the - titanic struggle. Never before was there such an outpouring of strength 'and resources. Our own Empire so deeply involved, became in the end the backbone of the allies in supplying needful- resources for the combat. The war ebbed and flowed through many dark months, and the possible outcome was often in serious doubt. At each recurring set-hack England as the pivot of it all, seemed to redouble her efforts 'and support, despite the days of travail through, which the United Kingdom was passing. Her sons and daughters were called from afar, and the stream of recruits was unending until the eventful eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year referred to, when at the eleventh hour, to con-

tinue the alliterative analogy, peace came almost suddenly! We know now how the nations were exhausted, and the sixteen years which have passed have proved totally inadequate for recuperation. Indeed, some of the late enemy countries continue in dire straits, and their people still are suffering, while internal government and security are strained seriously. Even the victor nations hare had troublous times to pass through, 'and difficult contingencies have arisen, and arestill beyond full repair. Trade and labour were dislocated all round tihe world, and such change and suffering halve resulted, that the • nations should fhave learned the one lesson of the war it was supposed to accomplish—a. war to end war. Rut that objective is still very remote, and in the intervening years there have -been wars and rumours of wars. The nations are still not at rest, hut aggrandisement and discontent still prevail internationally. The lesson of the occasion will he preached round the world to-morrow, for the anniversary of the cessation of hostilities was an unburdening relief to the world at large. The sacrifices of the war are still a very present grief to many, while few who passed through the years of the war, can forget the difficult and anxious period. Tt whs lightened by the manner in which our nation faced its task, and the splendid co-operation of the oversea countries. A remarkable unity ’and resolve were manifested. and the passing of time cannot dim the memories of those who know. There is a new generation growing no, and tihev should come to realise all that 1914-18 meant- to the world at large. The long, epic struggle for the mastery was as much for those who came after, as -for those who wore here in the days of conflict. All must needs remember to-morrow the imnort and occasion of what Armistice Day 1918, has meant to the tired, torn world.