NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16349, 2 October 1916, Page 6

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

" MAXIMILIEN HARD 1

— 1 i.v a recent article, Mr. Hilairj Belloc makes an interesting reference io one Witkowsky. He says:—" Witkowiy is a Polish Jew, one of three brothers, I believe, but at any rate the brother of a very important financial personage in Berlin who is at .the head of one if the great banks, and who conceals his U'igin under the German name of Witting. Witkowsky similarly conceals not only his origin, but his close connection with the financier of Berlin under the alias; of Maximilien Harden, having the repletion of a free lance in journalism. Heis the best possible agent for the Prussan Government at this moment, and it nnjt be confessed that his activities are beiig used with skill. Under the siinulacrun of an 'exile abroad 011 account of his toi great ' independence,' he receives orders to write everything best calculated to prepare German opinion for the very difficult times it has ahead of it. The matter is probably printed abroad, but its circulation in Germany is winked at by the authorities, and, most important of all, is assiduously spread by German agencies throughout the neutral press. The object of the whole move is to prepare not only the German, but neutral and belligerent opinion for tho idea that Germany, though almost invincible, appreciates her present difficulties, and would be prepared for a generous and honourable peace, and must not be driven to desperation. At present this individual is, without doubt, the most useful agent of the enemy. Now and then he - intersperses his matter with violent stuff apparently opposed to German interests, but that is only part of Che game."

BOOTS FOR SIX ARMIES. In a recent issue of the Shoe and Leather News some interesting particulars are given of the work done by.British manufacturers in . shoeing tho armies of the allies. It is computed that since the beginning of the war tho boots branch of tho Royal Army Clothing Department has given orders for about 26,000,000 pairs of boots, including British, Servian, French, Russian, Italian, aid Belgian boots, and that of the total demand Northampton alone has supplied one-fourth, or over 100,000 pairs a week. The following figures are given:—Servian boots, 600, pairs; Italian, 450,000; French, 2,000,000 Russian, ankle boots, 3,000,000; Russian "Cossack" boots, ■ now being made, 3,000,000. •