Hartlip Parish Magazine - August, 1919.

Dear Friends,

Germany indicated her willingness to sign the Peace Treaty about an hour before the time limit, and ultimately only two Germans appended their names to it, who afterwards declared to the Press their determination to carry it out. It is sincerely to be hoped that those two delegates were but expressing the true sentiments of their Government, as indicative of a better and contrite state of mind.

As the Allies have stood by one another all through the War, may nothing mar the harmony of the reconstruction period. But it would appear that our old friend Italy is not playing the game at present. Signor Orlando's Government has pursued in other countries an incessant and unscrupulous propaganda against the Allies. Italy, where she can, is using force without scruple; she has deported to Italy prominent leaders and citizens of all kinds who are suspected by her of resisting her insatiable ambition. Easter Day brutalities on Rhodes and other islands are a black page in her history, and unless she changes she will be a dangerous ally.

July 6 was wisely fixed as Thanksgiving Day for the completion of Peace, that being the first Sunday for which preparations could be made throughout the Empire, and also while the halo of freshness surrounded it. Our high minded King and Queen as usual set the noble example by going to St. Paul's Cathedral that day to join with their faithful people in offering praise and thanksgiving to the Lord God of Sabbaoth who had answered our prayers in giving us a signed Treaty of Peace.

As is our wont in Hartlip, we were not one iota behind even the Metropolis in our tribute of praise and thankfulness. For we secured 100 "Special Forms of Service for July 6" - although they cost ten shillings - which enabled each worshipper to have one, especially the large congregation at 6.30 p.m., when everyone seemed to follow it; which was so appealing, patriotic, and personal; and no less touching also, as it referred to the gallant deeds of the heroic dead, which so many homes have loved and lost. Then the suitable hymns which appropriately fitted into the services

were sung with a becoming force which stirred all our hearts to the core. While the expression of our lips was certainly that of our hearts, viz.: "We thank Thee all our God, with hearts and hands and voices." Yet that was equally so when we sang, " For all the Saints who from their labours rest: Thy name, O Jesu, be for ever blest. Alleluia."

As we reflect upon His innumerable blessings to us during these eventful years of War, may we be led to a daily thanksgiving which shall show itself in more devoted love to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Collections on July 6 were in aid of the Porch Memorial, on the Oak Panels of which the Hartlip men's names - both fallen and survivors - will be inscribed; and amounted to £2 16s. 6d. This, with some subscriptions already sent in, is a beginning towards the £50 which this Memorial to our men will cost.

I have had a man, experienced in renovating ancient architecture, down to look at the Church Porch, who considers that the work could be satisfactorily done for that amount. Seeing that each Hartlip man, quite regardless as to whether he belongs to Chapel or Church, will have his name on the oak panel, which will be visible to all passers by, in that respect it will verily be a parish memorial, and, therefore, should appeal to parishioners in general. As all materials are rising, it might be wise to have it put in hand soon.

Yesterday, July 13, the airship R 34 returned in safety and in triumph from the first air trip to America. She landed at Pulham aerodrome, Norfolk, at 7.56 a.m., having taken exactly three days three hours and three minutes to fly from Long Island, New York.

When leaving the July Magazine, I told many of you of the Printer's notice to me of the immediate increased charge for the Magazine. This in the middle of the year is most awkward. However, as all papers are dearer, I feel sure you will help in meeting the extra cost by, if possible, paying a little more for the Magazine, and so assist in keeping it afloat in these days of upheavals.

Your faithful friend,

J. SMEDLEY McMILLAN.