On the military side it is possible that within the next six months the Allies may even enter Berlin, and that without great losses, when the present battle is finished. Amid the tangle of diplomacy and German chicanery there is a great possibility that, after all their sacrifices and long years of struggle, between American politics and German cunning, Marshal Foch and his armies may be robbed of the glory of victory. The Allies have caught a burglar of the worst stamp in their toils, and he is appealing to their sense of justice, after extolling force and frightfulness and denying the existence of any moral code to any nations outside the Central Powers. On the north, south, east, and west the toils of outraged humanity are being today quickly and irresistibly drawn round the callous bully of Europe, and the world is ringing with his squealing. Nevertheless under all the whining there is held in view a clear purpose, which is to rob Marshall Foch of his crushing victory, and to escape just punishment for the awful four years of misery inflicted upon Europe.
Portobello gala
Yesterday was a gala day at Portobello, the occasion being the twenty-ninth anniversary picnic and sports of the Otago Labour Day Association. The weather was ideal, and this, no doubt was responsible for the very large number who availed themselves of the opportunity to visit this favourite seaside resort. The steamers leaving Dunedin wharf were packed, and in addition to this a large number travelled by road, while others were conveyed by motor launches and various small craft. It was estimated that quite 5000 people were present at Portobello, the major portion of whom patronised the sports, which were held in close proximity to the township. The committee had made excellent arrangements for the comfort and convenience of patrons, and spared no effort to make the gathering the success it undoubtedly was.
Flax industry decline
The New Zealand flax industry is faced with a serious position (says an exchange). Exports to the United States are now, it is understood, practically to cease. The usual markets for the fibre are the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, and the uses to which the fibre was put in America and Australia were almost exclusively in the manufacture of binder-twine. Owing to acute tonnage scarcity, exports of flax to the United Kingdom are almost nil; the Australian demand is light in comparison with that of the United States, to which market, before the war, large quantities were sent via London. For some time past, however, welcome relief has been afforded by exports direct to America, via San Francisco, and this trade came at a time when stocks in New Zealand were very heavy. Now this outlet is to be closed. Private advices from New York confirm the report. The New Zealand Flaxmillers' Association is to meet shortly at Palmerston North to discuss the position, and representations have already been made to the Prime Minister on the gravity of the situation. - ODT, 29.10.1918.
