The Soul Of A Nation

The little things of which we lately chattered— The dearth of taxis or the dawn of spring: Themes we discussed as though they really mattered, Like rationed meat or raiders on the wing— How thin it seems to-day, this vacant prattle.

Drowned by the thunder rolling in the West, Voice of the great arbitrament of battle That puts our temper to the final test.

Thither our eyes are turned, our hearts are straining, Where those we love, whose courage laughs at fear, Amid the storm of steel around them raining.

Go to their deaths for all we hold most dear.

New-born of this supremest hour of trial.

In quiet confidence shall be our strength, Fixed on a faith that will not take denial Nor doubt that we have found our soul at length.

O England, staunch of nerve and strong of sinew Best when you face the odds and stand at bay, Now show a watching world what stuff is in you!

Now make vour soldiers proud of you to-day! (Those verses were written by Owen Seaman over 22 years ago, and published in “Punch” on April 3, 1918, when Britain’s armies were retreating before the German’s last thrust—just before the turn of the tide. They are singularly ap propriate to-day, when the best and bravest of the Empire’s young men are guarding the skies above the eastern shores of the beloved Mother Country.) Mrs. Arthur Jewell, wife of Hon. Arthur Jewell, non-official member of the Legis lative and Executive Councils of Papua, is a busy member of the Papuan Division of the Red Cross Society in Port Moresby.

Besides Red Cross work, Mrs. Jewell is arranging a series of entertainments for members of the defence forces stationed in Port Moresby.