AFFAIRS IN BRITAIN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16261, 11 July 1918, Page 7

AFFAIRS IN BRITAIN.

(By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. July 9. Mr F. G. Kellaway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Munitions . Ministry, referring to the recent explosion in a munition factory, paid a tribute to the men and women workers' courage. _Tn the presence of sudden and appalling danger, they worked as coolly as if tlie.v were doing exhibition drill. Only' 12 out of 7000 failed to turn up to work the next morning. Mr Kellaway i suggested that as the French Government had conferred its highest mili-, tary honour on the citadel of Verdun, we should confer the Victoria Cross on i this factory. Replying to an address of congratulation from the Imperial Conference, regarding the Royal silver wedding, and testifying to the constant and increasing affection of the people ;it Home and overseas, their Majesties say that no congratulations are more warmly. appreciated. Tliev pray that peace will soon be restored, bringing the reunion of home life, which is the basis of the well-being of . the Empire. (Received July 10th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 9. The newspapers aro indignant with tho Ministry of Munitions for failing to prevent the strike of over 1000 woodworkers in London aircraft factories as a protest against tho dismissal of a shop steward.

The sales of War Bonds last week amounted to £21,000,000.

Three thousand girls from training colleges and universities have left London to assist in harvesting the flax crops.

vAustralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Router's Telegrams.! (Received July 10th, 8.15 p.m.)

LONDON. July 9

The Press Bureau reports that Mr J. R. Clynes has been appointed Food Controller.

THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC,

LONDON, July 9. Pneumonia, following on influenza, is causing many deaths. Eleven of me ship's crew died, and there were 96 deaths in Birmingham during the week.

(Received July 10th, 7.40 p.m.)

LONDON, July 9,

.. It is believed that tho postponement of the discussion on tho luxury tax until autumn indicates its final abandonment.

A London messago of July 2nd, published in Australian files, states that tiie rapid spread of the iuilueuza epidemic is interfering with work throughout tho country. Tho coal output in Northumberland and Durham has seriously declined, and it is reported from Newcastle that 70 per coiit, of the men are ill. Some mines and many schools aro closed, and Government Departments are working shorthanded. An aeroplano works has 500 cases, a Government repair works 600, a factory employing- 3000 hands has been closed, and 5000 children in Middlesbrough are affected.