The Christchurch Star PUBLISHED BY New Zealand Newspapers Ltd. MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1931. MARSHAL JOFFRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19269, 5 January 1931, Page 6

The Christchurch Star PUBLISHED BY New Zealand Newspapers Ltd.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1931. MARSHAL JOFFRE.

Gloucester Street and Cathedral Square CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND* London RepremUliTM > R. B. BRETT & SON HEW BRIDGE HOUSE, 30/31 NEW BRIDGE STREET LONDON. E.CA.

CON OF A VILLAGE COOPER, and one of eleven children, Joseph Jacques Cesaire .Toffre was “ from the people and of the people,” and held a place in their affections that was reflected in the popular nickname, “ Papa ” Joffre. He was a man without any knowledge of the higher strategy of war, who clung to the tradition that the offensive was the only form of successful strategy. He had served in the Siege of Paris in 1870, and minor successes in colonial affairs had placed him in the position from which it was almost natural for him to step into the command of the French armies on the outbreak of the Great War. The fact that he was in command until the end of 1916, through the darkest days of the War, is a sufficient tribute to his calmness in emergency and the wonderful influence he had on a highly mercurial people. The military critics, however, have found little to admire in his strategy or tactics, and even if the “ Miracle of the Marne ” is attributable to his foresight and not to that of Gallieni, the disaster of Verdun was certainly his responsibility, and when the time came for his retirement there was a universal acquiescence in its appropriateness. The very oblivion, moreover, into which Joffre has fallen since the war is perhaps the strongest confirmation of his lack of genius. But Joffre had strength of character and calmness in an emergency, and his mission to the United States of America was a veritable triumph because the public saw in him the unconquerable spirit of France. For that quality, indeed, he deserves all the praise that a grateful nation has bestowed upon him, and he will ever remain one of the really great figures of the war. STRENGTHENS THE CASE. TT WAS WITH' NO DESIRE to "*■ score a point off the “ much abused Civil Servant ” that the “ Star ” published a statement that double lime was paid for Sunday work in the Telegraph Office. The statement was made by a highly placed officer of the Department, who now admits its inaccuracy. Apparently overtime in the Department has never been paid at more than time and a half, and is not being paid at all during the depression, the Sunday staff being given time off under a system of rationing which permits a larger number of men to be employed. This is as it should be, but it only strengthens the case for the abolition of the double telegraphic rates that are charged on Sundays and holidays. Apparently, the more Sunday business there is, the greater the number of men employed.

IMAGINARY AND REAL. ✓CONCERN about illusory dangers is apt to obscure the real danger. That applies particularly to the scare that has been raised about the presence of sharks at Sumner and Brighton. The danger presented by sharks of the type likely to be found off this part of the coast, however, is far more imaginary than real. A reminder was given at Sumner yesterday that the real danger to battlers is the constant danger that arises from currents and undertow. This is a danger that exists in all seasons, and which is increased whenever a nor’-west wind increases the currents. Every season many people are rescued from the grip of the currents, but we have yet to record a case of a bather being in need of rescue from a shark. The fact emphasises the danger of permitting any cry of “ shark ” to blind bathers to the only real peril that is to be feared. The sharks are rarities and probably quite harmless; the currents arc persistent, and they are always dangerous. So long as bathers keep the dangers of current and undertow in mind they may safely forget all about the sharks.