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Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 377, 26 April 1915, Page 6

Three main causes are at present operating to make the high freights now being charged for the export of produce to England —one is the shortage of vessels, due to the British Government having taken over a number of big cargo-carriers and a few having been su'nkj another is the extraordinary demand for space, and still another cause, and one which the shipping* firms have made the most of in their excuses for high freights, is the war-risk insurance. But, except for some danger from enemy submarines in the English Channel, the sea routes are now clear, and it is significant of the greater easi-

ness of the marine underwriters that the war rates are being reduced. A Press Association message received from Wellington this morning states that though there is an advance of 5/on the insurance'rates for vessels taking the Mediterranean route, there is a reduction of 15/- on the former war rates for vessels using any other route between New Zealand and England or France. It is a big reduction, .showing the confidence felt in English financial circles, and we can expect further reductions, but it will be interesting to observe whether it is reflected in even a small reduction on the high freight rates. The shipping firms have made such a strong point of the cost of war risks that it is reasonable to expect a proportionate reduction. Yet, remembering that in the past there have been rises in freight rates on account of coal strikes, firemen's strikes, and similar disturbances, and that they were not reduced as each dispute was settled, but, as each trouble occurred the rises were superimposed on each other, there is excuse for doubt. The demand for space is abnormal and the need imperative, and while this combination exists it is possible that the exporters will have to pay the same high rates, even though insurance risks are reduced to the rates ruling before the Avar.

To get the full measure of Germany's bitterness against Britain it is necessary to go to the leading articles of the German newspapers, which, when tJiey are not, filled with vehement invective or heavy sarcasm, are concocted of arguments more or less plausible concerning the foolishness of other nations in permitting themselves to become the catspaw of that arch-hypocrite England. The Berlin "Post," more plausible and less rabid than most, in a recent issue, shows its openness of mind by devoting a paragraph in pity of the plight of Belgium, and goes on to explain to Belgians and others who may be interested that it i$ &11 Belgium fault, and that by doing as she has done she has thrown her riineh-Tjoasted independence to the Triple Entente. The '' Post'' pictures commonsense Belgians as saying, "After the conclusion of peace we shall be dependent, if not 011 Germany, at all events 011 France and England," and proceeds to point the moral that if Belgians had reflected on this at the beginning of August they would have been wise, but not having done so they must now take the consequences, which mean either subjection to Germany or the British. Neither seems ta be the only ultimate alternative. The Berlin "Post' ? overlooks the possibility of the Allies keeping their pledges and restoring to Belgium that independence she formerly possessed, an independence she assuredly would not regain if Germany were the victor, as the "Post" implies. There are one or two other points overlooked in this argument for Berlin assimilation. There is no doubt that at the conclusion of the war Belgium will rely on Britain and France for the preservation of her ill but is not that independence precisely the reason why Britain is now in the field? Belgium's independence has always been modified by her position as a comparatively small buffer State, dependent 011 the honour of the stronger States hemming. her in, and Germany Avas one of those honourable guarantors.

New Zealand has required but little pressing. to keep up the supply of re-1 inforcements necessary to fill gaps at th« front. The new system of registration has worked smoothly, the Minister of Defence considering that the numbers enrolling in this way are satisfactory. On Saturday Mr Allen announced that to meet the needs of the Imperial Government, some (>OOO men would have to register within the next six weeks. This number, judging from the Minister's reference to t.he medical examination, will include those who will be rejected on account of physical short-1 comings. In addition to this large enrolment, succeeding drafts will be call - j ed up after .June, so that the already high percentage of fighting men contributed by this Dominion will be substantially increased by the middle oi. the year. It is to be hoped that there J will be as little difficulty as possible ex-1 perienced in obtaining the number required. One way and another large de-| mauds have been made on the patriotism of the people of these islands, and it is unthinkable that there will be any hesitancy at this stage, when affairs on the Continent presage the approach of a climax. The Commonwealth has gone steadily forward in the matter oi providing recruits. The latest contingent to leave Sydney received a sendoff from a crowd estimated at half a million, the departure of the reinforcements being made the occasion tor an unparelleled demonstration —a plain indication that the Australian public is wholeheartedly in spirit with the Prime Minister, who has promised still more men. We believe that the spirit of the Dominion could be as notably inflamed. The last two or three days we have had pictured for us the brilliant work of the soldiers of another Dominion in the shambles of Flanders. Few could read without *an acceleration of pulse of the heroic exploit of the Canadians in recapturing by a dashing counter-attack four important guns lost in a previous clash with the enemy. It is just such a story, with the widespread advertisement of it, that brings home to all of us the real part the dependencies are playing in this great war. When such things are being done, and remain to be done, New Zealand mut not slacken her efforts. If it is asked of us, we must make the maximum of sacrifice for the Empire.