NEWS from one hundred years ago: PEACE OR WAR

The Grey River Argus, the only Labour Party daily newspaper in the country, editorialises today about the First World War. ‘The war was supposed to be to make the world safe for democracy, whatever that is. It was also supposed to be to crush militarism, and end war, for ever and for ever. It was also supposed to be to give the right of self-determination to nations and many other beautiful dreams ... But, what have we accomplished? We have piled up an appalling debt upon which the unborn shall have to pay an appalling interest for ever and for ever ... We were told that it was a fight between autocracy and democracy, and yet we have been blockading the only country which has overthrown its autocratic government. We were told that we were fighting to give self-determination to small nations, and we have 60,000 troops in Ireland. We were told that the war was going to make better conditions for the working classes, and we gaol the leaders who strive to get it.’

Grey River Argus, 12 October