WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

Per Press Association. —Copyright. German Position. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) AMSTERDAM, Jan. 10. General von Steen, in a proclamation to the German people, indicates a eerious outlook for war pensioners, as wages’ people who employ soldiers, invalided in the war and Germany’s finances are so hard hit, that they will bo unable to upport invalids for many years.

Since the number is continually increasing, and no matter what poaco Germany can get, her financial resoiu*.. os will be limited.

A Warning

AMSTERDAM, Jan. 10.

Doctor MichaeleSj one of tho German State Under-Secretaries, in an article in the ‘Kolnischo Volks Zeitung,” warns those desiring peace because they want food, that peace does not mean more food.

We must expect for years a limitation of foods and a continuance of fooa rationing of the most important foodstuffs, because Germany will bo obliged to import as little as possible owing to tho scarcity of shipping tonnage. Even after the war it will be necessary to expect tight times.

To Confiscate

COPENHAKEN, Jan. 11

Herr Stresimann in a speech at Hanover said it was impossible to collect the large amount of new taxation necessitated by the war, therefore it was necessary to confiscate immediately one third, or ono quarter, of all private fortunes. German Woundsd. LONDON, Jan. 10. Germany claims that 7o per cent of her wounded will return to tho front. Six per cent aro unfit for service, and 24 per cent will bo relegated to garrisons.

The War LoanLONDON, Jan. 10. There have been further extensive dealings in the new war loan at 954 w 98. The Chaiccllor’s statement is awakened the most intense interest, and all indications point to the probability of an enormous number of subscribers.

Industrial Methods. LONDON, Jan. 11. The Employers Parliamentary Association has investigated tho industrial reconstruction and the establishment of national trades policy after the war. Their report says that harmony between capital and labour is tlie first essential, and suggests tlie appointment of an industrial advisory council representing employers and workers, to which disputes shall be referred. Tho report condemns compulsory arbitration as impracticable. They accepted the trade union parliamentary committee’s invitation io discuss the proposal of a three years industrial peace, but they regard the trade union’s terms as merely a basis for dicussion , nd will not consent to act unless they possess the support of the majority of employers in the United Kingdom.

The Association regards an unassociated employer and a non-unionist as tho principal menace to industrial peace. They consider a general increase in wages of 5s -weekly would have most serious consequences. An increased reward for labour is only possible provided there is an increase in the selling prices and increased efficiency. Therefore a closer understanding and co-operation between employers aud workers is imperative. The Association approves of tli© encouragement of scientific research, ana tlio establishment of a British trade bank. It declares that the existing national insurance is unsound and ought to b© drastisally re-mod oiled. Tlie Association is convinced that peace will bring great opportunities for the industrial and commercial advancement of the Etnpire whose unrivalled resources must be thoroughly developed. Wo must think in terms of tlie Empire, not of the United Kingdom, and it realised that the dominions which were supporting so nobly in war time would be ready to eo-operate in peace time.

Trade Service. LONDON, Jan. 10. The Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade in commercial intelligence with Mr Albert Stanley, M.P., presiding, considered proposals for a large extension of trade commission service with British dominions; also for a commercial missions to other overseas trades. Russian Offensive (Australian & N.Z, Cable Association) AMSTERDAM, Jan. 10. Telegrams from Berlin state (that military circles are impressed with the importance of the Russian offensive on the Riga frint. There was never more ammunition used in the Russian attacks or more vigo urous. The snow storms assisted the Russians, who achieved a real success, though at a heavy price. Belgian General LONDON, Jan. 10. General Jacques succeeds General Arelemanns as Oommander-in-Cliief of She Belgian armies,

On the Tigris(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Jan. lu. A Mesopotamian official message reports that an Indian Division on Tuesday dashingly captured a thousand yards of trenches on tho Tigris at a bend on the right bank, north-east of Kut.

For Potatoes

LONDON, Jan. 10,

The golf club at Waltonlieath, or which the Hon Lloyd George is a member, has allotted five acres of its course for potato-sowing. The King has consented to a scheme for the cultivation of cereal crops at Richmond Park and Bushey Park.

It is hoped this examplo will stimulate landowners to help to increase the food supplies.

Motor ploughs are immediately available.

Smaller allotments have been chosen at Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, and Hyde Park for vegetables suited for the London atmosphere and soil. At Monastir. SALONIKA, Jan. 10. Everything indicates energetic enemy action .at Monastir.

It is reported that a Buigarian regiment arrived from Dobrudja and tlie remainder of tho division is ooming, besides an Austrian regiment from Kaikindeli.

Possibly some German reinforcements will attempt to work south, round Lake 1 Ochrida, in order to join King Constantine's forces. Haig's Report. LONDON, Jan. 10. General Sir Douglas Haig reports: We seized and consolidated a- section of a trench east of Beaumont Hamel. We also raided eastward of Loos and opposite Armentieres, and killed and prisonered many.

Shipbuilding. LONDON, Jan. 10. Mr J, P. Maclay began his work energetically, and has arranged ‘for the rapid acceleration of the construction of new tonnage in every shipyard on the East Coast. The West Coast yards will shortly be working to their utmost capacity. Additional labour will be made available, especially for ships nearing completion. Tho passenger boats under construction will bo utilised wholly for cargo purposes. There is another immense prospect of tho construction of many vessels of groat tonnage as naval auxiliaries. They will be standarised ships oi simple design, constructible with the utmost rapidity. When commissioned they will release more than an equal number of merchantmen now in tho naval service. It is expected that piecework will be introduced as a war measure throughout the shipyards, as it lias been found that pieceworkers produces fifty per cent more than day workers.

Greek Blockade. LONDON, Jan. 10. Mr Jeffries, tho war correspondent, cables that the blockade lias reduced Athens food supply and there is a lack of bread and ail acute food crisis in tlie provinces. King Constantine will yield the latest demands so as not to break with tlie Allies and risk the capture of Athens, which would mean the loss of his throne.

Allies’ Terms. 1 ROME, Jan. 10. The “Tribune” states that Greece has wholly accepted the Allies’ terms. ROME, Jan. 10. The “Tribuna” says that the Enieue s ultimatum to Greece demanded the execution of its demands within a fortnight and that Venizelists send Prince Alexander to Rome as diplomatic representative with the view of increasing friendly Italian-Greek relations. It is uncertain whether Italy would recognise him officially. Prince Alexander interviewed Hon. Lloyd George.

LONDON, Jan. 10. . Router’s Athens correspondent states that the Allied Note gave guarantees against an extension of tho revolutionary movement-. ImprovingLONDON, Jan. 10. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says the Roumanian Legation reports that the situation on tho Moldavian front has improved since the evacuation. Cereals and the consolidation of the Sereth-Pruth line were the main objects of tlie recent battles. The German losses were colossal.

Reign of Terror. •aerae-'ra LONDON, Jan. 10. Advices received shew that a reign of terror exists in Bucharest and othei towns, and the Germans are deporting thousands. WASHINGTON, Jan 10 Tho text lias been received of King Constantine’s letter to President Wilson approving of the Peace Note and condemning the Allies’ actions in Greece. Wool ExportsLONDON, Jan. 10. Tho chairman of the wool exports committte states that the Director of Army contracts has devised-a scheme to keep down the British consumption and keep up foreign exchanges. Export trade will have priority over the Home trade in buying the surplus colonial and (British wools after tha Army Meeds are satisfied.

Italy’s Answer. (Australian A N X, Cable Association). NEW YORK, Jan. Kith Tlio “New York World’s” Rome correspondent interviewed Signor. Bissolati a member of the Italian Cabinet. Ho said that the Allies’ answer to President Wilsn would be similar in substance to that sent to Germany, but the tone would be different, as i friend answering another. All reports of Italy’s supposed disaccord with the Allies were due to German propaganda.

Entente’s Answer.

PARIS, Jan. 10.

The Entente's reply has been handed to the American Ambassador, but will not be published for forty-eight hours after it reaches President Wilson. It contains more definite indications of the terns on which the Entente is prepared to open negotiatiins for peace.

PARIS, Jan. 10. Premier Briand has delivered hie reply to President Wilson, which will bo published on Friday.

Pooling Salaries.

LONDON, Jan. 10.

The members of the new Ministry are pooling their salaries, giving an average of £3OOO.

Sinkings.

LONDON,, Jan. 10. The latest sinkings are: British steamers, Baynesk, Lynfield and Andons ■ Swedish, Fenbo. A Platform. MELBOURNE, Jan. 11 A further meeting of the National Party, adopted a platform, the chief planks of which are the support of any man or party prepared to insist on a common platform for the winning of the war and the maintenance of tho solidarity of tho Empire; an effective repatriation scheme for soldiers’, sailors and tlieii- dependents; the settlement of disputes by arbitration: the main ten ance of a wliite Australia; development of national resources, and absolute free trade within the Commonwealth.

Australia’s Delegate. . SYDNEY, Jan. 11. The “Sun” newspaper says it can definitely bo stated that Premier Hughes will not attend the Imperial Conference unless some wholly unexpected development occurs. The present intention is that Mr Fisher will act as Australian delegate. The 25tii’s. DUNEDIN, Jan. 11. The Otago and Southland draft of the Twenty-fifth Reinforcements left at midday, 260 in all. Only one of the Dunedin quota was unaccounted for. The shortages in the Otago draft will be made up in a- week’s time from the ballotted men not yep medically examined or still or leave.