MR HERDMAN'S OPTIMISM.

Nelson Evening Mail, 14 May 1917, Page 1

MR HERDMAN'S OPTIMISM.

"THE SPIRIT--OF THE BRITISH ' (PEOPLE." In replying to the toast of N&r.i ticrnal Government Ait a "Chamber Commerce luncheon at Wellington re- . contly, Hon. A. A. L. Herdrn'an said that, serious as the issuo might bo, 'to. <• never had' doubt about the result, and. would tell why. Without knowing the arts of war, ho had an unshakable belief in the character and-y spirit of the 'British people. Ho believed that British citizens had silently and tacitly entered into a. solemn' league - and covenant that they would perish altogether i-aiher than allow the Prussian' , legions to be free to '-roam at their • sweet will over the face of the global. . , He - pinned bis faith "to British sentiment, ■which was 'his mascot during tho war. Nbw Zealand ere enjoyed boundless prosperity. Some resented military service, 'butl his belief was that it /was the . duty of every able-bodied man to reu- , der military service in defence of his country. Voluntary service was only, : fooling with the problem. If ' been wise we should have Tiad military service from the outset., Others complained because it was- alleged-r that the Government 'had not •conscripted 'wealth. The answer was that the Government conscripted wealth through the, taxing w . . department. The day might come 'When it would be necessary- to insist thatythe peoplo should do more, but man v\- f cept a fool would take such extreme action, which miu'ht wreck and' the whole of the business machinery "of tho country. Some said the Government, passed foo much restrictive legislationne answered that in war time enemy tirade must be stopped, and it ■ ha** been. The pgople must be compelled' to beliavo -as loyal, citizens. No oti» need fear tho War Regulations "except a- man who wawted to live in i a country.* wii'ere there was no law, no social order, and no policeman. >He believed the poo pie of 'New Zealand were never in, a. better mood for fighting tho war through than they wore to-day—prepared to fi(3fht> with all their might. They war finished in such a wav that there would never be such anotner for ceil-, turies. They-'Were -prepared to find tho 4 . money, and they would submit to taxation. i