The Timaru Herald MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1938 THE BEACON LIGHTS OF WORLD PEACE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21181, 31 October 1938, Page 8

The Timaru Herald MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1938 THE BEACON LIGHTS OF WORLD PEACE.

Out of the welter of conflicting opinions, contrary conclusions based on official pronouncements, rumours and conjectures that seem to keep the world immersed beneath a veritable tidal wave of uncertainty and anxiety, emerges the irresistible conclusion that the great heart of humanity desires peace. Human hearts in all countries are strikingly similar; nowhere do they relish the thought of war. Tens of thousands of people in the Homeland took time, between the almost feverish preparations that were made to defend the country from the threat of attacks, to attend the churches to pray for peace. Moreover, whatever criticism that may have followed Mr Chamberlain’s gesture of humility and earnestness in face of the parade of armed might on the Continent, it must be said that the daring venture embarked'upon by the British Prime Minister, immensely appealed to the peace desire of the peoples of evry country. Even in a world that seems to have become infected with the lunacy of putting its trust in the sword, it is only too apparent that the people in all countries, particularly those that know the truth and remember something of the horrors and futility of war, has shown by their reaction to the passing of the threat of another tumult, that they recognise that justice and reason are still alive and active in the world. They work still —these beacon lights of world peace—in their mysterious ways, their wonders to perform. It cannot be denied that vox populi, through the providence of God, has down the ages promoted and impelled all the best reforms; indeed, the true voice of the people, if it can make itself heard, will, at the best time, redress national and international wrongs and rectify human injustices. And yet to-day, humanity witnesses and tolerates a world veritably immersed in conflict and chaos—repercussions from which accentuate the uncertainties of European Power politics with the ascendancy of force inspired by injustice, greed and intolerances practised on an international scale. If then the leaders of the nations who seek peace are really consicentious in that they wish to serve the people in saving the world from war, why are the eyes of all professed peaceloving nations turned away from Geneva, which represents a nucleus of hope. It is true that strong disagreement has been expressed of certain actions of the League of Nations; so much so that its original purpose has been deflectd and betrayed. But who will say that out of Geneva, if the leaders of the nations really yearn for durable peace in the world, could not come the machinery which would make vast armaments unnecessary, the status quo immaterial, power politics unnecessary—the machinery of collective security. It may be said that collective security has failed. The answer can be given in another question: Has it been tried? Should not the people then in all lands who hope and aspire and pray for the coming of security based on justice and reason which humanity most fervently seeks, turn towards Geneva where the machinery for cellective security reposes in disuse, rather than to the militarised capitals of Europe where the glory of force is enthroned and aggressive nationalism directs the Counsels Of nations.

DIFFICULTIES OF LOCAL BODY FINANCE. Until the chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board makes a comprehensive statement on the position of the finances of the Board, in relation to the plans authorised by the ratepayers and laid, to finance the Board’s comprehensive harbour improvements and the working out of those plans in the light of recent experiences, it will not be possible for the average citizen to appreciate the actual financial position of the Board. It is plain, of course, that the disinclination of the New Zealand investor to take up the Board debentures at present rate of interest has forced the Board to delay embarking upon the scheme for the enlargement of the harbour and the improvement of shipping facilities. Plainly enough, at the moment, investment funds are not available to finance harbour improvements. There are, it is well known, in the Post Office Savings Bank at the moment tens of millions of pounds that are earning a lower rate of interest than that being offered by harbour boards and other local governing bodies with debentures for sale. It this district there are extensive undertakings awaiting more adequate supplies of capital. Not only is the Timaru Harbour Board in need of substantial supplies of loan money to finance its very large capital undertakings, including an improvement scheme and harbour extension, but the Timaru Borough Council which is pledged to embark upon the construction of many miles of new pipeline to carry the borough water supply and the South Canterbury Hospital Board which is also engaged in an extensive building programme, have debentures for sale. The failure of these local bodies to secure permission to pay more than 31 per cent, for loan money required on the open market, has considerably restricted the carrying out of extensive public works by local bodies. This in itself has hampered local bodies in the efforts they hoped to make in absorbing many of the men who have had to fall back on the State for work. It is hoped, however, because of I he importance and urgency of health, harbour and municipal works contemplated in this district that the difficulties will be smoothed out without delay and improvement schemes permitted to proceed.

NATIONAL WELFARE AND RECREATION. If there is any similarity between the conditions prevailing in Australia and New Zealand, the importance of the planning being embarked upon by the Minister of Internal Affairs, in relation to national welfare and recreation cannot be over-stressed. In Australia the other day, it was officially announced that no fewer than 50 per cent, of the young men of Australia of military age are unfit for military service. This is an arresting pronouncement which has considerably alarmed the Australian authorities responsible for the defence of the country. Until a more thorough survey has been made in New Zealand, however, it will not be possible to say whether the young manhood of the Dominion is similarly below standard. What is known, however, is that the welfare and recreation campaign being planned by the Government ought to be given the most friendly support by all sections of the community. With the introduction of the shorter week giving the whole community more leisure hours, and the greater demands that are likely to be made on the fit manhood and womanhood of the country in the years ahead, the problem becomes more difficult than ever of providing adequate and well-equipped playing grounds, not only for the use of an increasing number of young men and women who desire to play games, but for thousands of others who are now merely lookers-on, who should be brought into active participation in games.