KING GEORGE AND THE DRINK TRAFFIC

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2426, 3 April 1915, Page 7

KING GEORGE AND THE DRINK TRAFFIC

AN EXAMPLE FOE THE NATION INSIDIOUS TREACHERY BY GERMAN AGENTS (Rec. April 1, 9.10 p.m.) ' , r London, April 1. His Majesty the King has written to Mr. Lloyd George, stating that in view of the grave situation in the armament factories, he is prepared to set an example himself by giving up air alcohol and to forbid its consumption in the Royal Household. - Replying to Mr. Lloyd George's report of the deputation of employers, Lord Stamfordham, Private Secretary to the King, on 'oenalf of- the King writes: "His Majesty has read the report with the deepest concern.' He feels that only the most vigorous measures will successfully cope with this grave situation." The Admiralty and War office officials, he goes on to say, supplement tho statements of the employers, and show that largely owing to • the drink traffic Britain has been unable to securo the output of war-material which is indispensable for the requirements of the Army in the field. There has been serious delay in the conveyance of reinforcements and supplies;'and a continuance of such a state of things must result in the prolongation of tho horrors of this terrible war. "If it is deemed advisable, His Majesty tho King is prepared to set the examplo by giving up alcohol in order that so far as the King himself is concerned rich and poor will be treated alike." ROYAL EXAMPLE QUICKLY FOLLOWED. (Rec. April 1, 0.30 a.m.) London, April 1. It is understood that Cabinet Ministers and Judges intend to follow the King's example and banish intoxicants from their tables. (Rec. April 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, 'April 1. Earl Kitchener (British Secretary of State for War) has banished alcohol from his 'household. GERMANS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DRINK TROUBLE (llec. April 1, 0.30 a.m.) London, April 1. The- Admiralty has obtained _conclusive proof that German agents are fomenting strikes in Britain, particularly in Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, and Birkenhead. The Intelligence Division has repor ted that there is definite evidence of a conspiracy on tho part of Germans iu Britain to increase the gravity of the drink question by "treating" workmen. DOCKERS' BATTALION RAISED BY KITCHENER, - London, March 31. Lord Derby, with Lord Kitchener's permission, is forming a battalion of dockers at Liverpool, under military* la iv, for home service, to carry on Government work at the docks. They will receive Army pay in addition to the minimum wage of H6s. under trade union rules. Only unionists will be enrolled. The South Wales dockers have accepted a 10 per cent, war bonus. A SNEER FROM GERMANY. (Rec. April 2, 5.15 p.m.) London, July 1. The "Cologne Gazette," referring to the labour troubles in Britain,-says that the people of England would be glad if the English workers would show one-tenth of the enthusiasm and readiness to make sacrifices which is a matter of course for the German workers.—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" services.