OPTIMISM AND THE WAR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13604, 9 February 1915, Page 4

OPTIMISM AND THE WAR.

INFLUENCE OF THE PRESS. SENATOR PEARCE'S TRIBUTE. The cultivation of a spirit, of optimism, and confidence in regard ito the out- ' come of .the war and; an appeal to "pull together? were the- features of. a speech delivered by the Commonwealth'Minister of Defence (Senator Pearco) at u . luncheon given .in his honor by. the New South ,\Valesr. Institute of Journalists a few 'days. ago. '•:... ■ • Senator Pearco. said that until national . safety was secured party v ideals had ti>. bo put aside;, This was the timo ■when they, 'must pull together and be lieiy.e. thai .those out whose shoulders the people had. placed the responsibility -were doing and would continue to do their best, and the .way to ensure them domy; their, best .was to make them feel that, in everyhing they were doing in urinnootion with the war they had the heartiest co-operation of the press and publis. was glad to feel tha* they already had that co-operation, not only in Sydney, but in the sister -capital of Melbourne. Realising the importance and power of the press, he haci lelt it his duty to get into touch with the lead- . ers of tho newspaper world here, irrespective of their political opinion, and give them certain information, and that trust had not been betrayed. He was satisfied that the result of this action had been mutually' beneficial. They could do a great deal to lead and mould public opinion, just as they might do si great deal of injury if, acting without, full knowledge, they led public opinion along wrong channels. . . Continuing, Senator „Pearco, Pearco said : "The press -can play a bigger part perhaps than any other portion of the community. There >cau bo the belief of a peoplp in themselves, in their capabilities/and reliability in, their ultimate success. If, otir citizens are spurred with the belief, and act upon it and realise it, ' then we shall have all the recruits, that we can handle, and if our recruits are spurred with.it then, when roach, the 'battlefield it will carry them, further, arid give them the greatest impetus.. .1 trust that we . politicians and pressinen shall make this our keynote — optimism, not foolisli optimism, but that which opines, of confidence. \yo have every reason, to be confident. Some dif* faculties a little while ago seemed to he insurmountable, but we are finding a way over, around, or through them. There. .-are others ahead.. We have to get over these, and; we; shall, •( believe. ■!{ Australia will play per part with tho rest of jdho. Empire in this^var thfr result will' hot be in doubt..- the Parliament, people;, and; • press /Working • t o ward one : common aim and the creation of a healthy public Sentiment, all will be well." (Applause.). ; „