The trying suspense is not yet over in regard to this particular occasion, for the list we have received is mainly composed of members of the Canterbury and Auckland battalions only, and anxiety and suspense must continue until the final order to ''cease firing'' is given, and the heartfelt inspiration, ''Give peace in our time'', is realised.
Bereaved relatives and the community will accept the sombre tidings with that grave fortitude of which the Minister of Defence recently spoke in the Garrison Hall - the fortitude which springs from knowledge of the essential worthiness of the cause for which the sacrifice was offered.
But it is necessary to distinguish between the bereaved and the community. In our first glorification of patriotic duty and self surrender, perhaps some of us are a little too apt to forget that this kind of sentiment does not serve to dull the pain of personal loss.
• At a largely attended meeting of employees of the D.I.C., held at Christchurch on Thursday evening, a resolution was carried affirming the loyalty to the Empire of the directorate and employees of the firm (says the Sun).
The motion gave an emphatic denial to any rumours to the contrary. The motion concluded: ''We defy any person to produce any evidence in proof that any director or employee of this business has, by word or deed, acted other than as a true and patriotic Briton.
We adopt this method of explaining our opinions in defence of our interests and positions, owing to false rumours, detrimental to our interests, having been put into circulation. We hope by this means to check them and receive for the business a continuance of the confidence and protection that has been extended to it for many years.''
• Thousands of pounds are spent annually in the country on ditching agricultural land and the problem of finding labour to carry on the necessary work, together with the high cost, is quite a serious one to most farmers.
It will be a matter of great satisfaction to agriculturists to know that a machine has been invented that will do the work not only at a surprisingly low cost, but also in a very thorough manner, and with remarkable rapidity (says the Southland Times).
The inventor of the machine is Mr James W. Cooper, of Merino Downs, who has originated an entirely new and unique principle in digging and excavating, and the simplicity of the machine is one of its most noteworthy features.
All the material excavated is delivered and stacked at either side of the ditch, and the work can be performed by a good ploughing team of horses.
• The man of means who by weight of years is debarred from going to the front himself has had an excellent example placed before him by an Oamaru gentleman, who has made an offer to the Mayor to insure the life of any one person offering for the front, and to pay ₤1 a week towards the maintenance of those depending upon him (says the Mail).
The time is come when all long to have a personal hand in the smashing of Germany, and the example of this generous gentleman will no doubt be followed by others.
- ODT, 25.5.1915.
