NEWS OF THE WEEK.
r 111HE British public, we are sure, has welcomed Sir Eric Geddes's
candid and detailed statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday with regard to the vital problem of shipping. As a nation, we like to know the truth, however unpleasant it may be, and every one concerned will work harder now that the full gravity of the situation is revealed. Our troops are always at their best in an uphill fight, which compels them to put forth all their energies. If you tell them that the victory is virtually won, they relax their efforts. It is just the same with the shipyard workers on whom our fate largely depends. They have been led to suppose that the Germans were almost beaten, and that there was no special need for great exertions. Now that they know that victory turns on their skill and industry, they will increase the output of ships to a surprising extent.
