ARMING MERCHANTMEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1917, Page 2

ARMING MERCHANTMEN.

And End of War.

(Australian & N.Z Cable Association.)

London, Feb 8

Mr John Hodge, speaking; at Loudon, said it would not be long befo a every merchantman would be properly armed.

He recalled a receut statement that out of 78 adequately armed only six were submarined.

We desira to maintain that production, because Germany dreads nothing mere than armed liners and tramps, but it means shells and still more shells.

Sicce the appeal to womeD, 1 don’t think 1 am giving away secrets, whea 1 say the chiefs of our Army and Allies, after tha reoent conference determined, if possible, to shorten the war in order to terminate it at the end of next summer. Mr Hodge appealed for women volunteers, adding that unless we combat the submarine menace, we shall be threateced with a food shortage.

Nationalist Leader.

London, Feb 8

Mr. Redmond, at a meeting of Nationalists to-day at St Stephen’s, offered to resign the leadership. It is believed the reason ia an illness, wherefrom ha is slowly recovering, coupled with his daughter's death. He was unanimously re-elected. The Opening Spectacle. (Australian & N.Z, Cable Association and Reuter). London, Fab 7

The ceremonies connected with the opening of Parliament were robbed of some of their spectacular effect owing to the intense cold. There were fifteen degrees of frost. There were fewer pedestrians along the route and an abgence of the customary magnificenoe. The general tene was khaki, even the guard of honor being in khaki. Al- <- most the only contrast in color was the travelling escort of Royal Horse Guards.

The KiDg and Queen were loudly acclaimed, both going and coming.

Missing Crews.

London, Feb 7 a Saventesn members of the craws of * the Saint Miuiah and the Prine of Newcastle are micsing. They were sunk to-day. One man died after landing.

Another Conference.

Rome, Feb 8

A second Allied conference has been arranged to be held at Rome in April, Portugal attending.

Russian Proposal

Peteoorad, Feb 8

A? group of financiers is forming a company to create an important merchant fleet, and to construct severa naval dock yards. A special committee, under the president of the Connoil and Ministers, is examining the project.

Conference Possibilities

[LONDON TIMES SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT.]

(Received Feb 9, at 11.25 a.m.) London, Feb 8 Lord Curzon, in the Lords, dealing with the Imperial Conferenca said they had often spoken of the Dominions as sons and daughters. They were now passing out of the stage of filial relationship, into a fraternal anion. The Conference may . form the nuoleus around which to create an Imperial constitution. He looked to the representation of India, as a means to removing tbe misunderstanding hitherto prevailing. The Dominions idea of her as a dangerous, unhealthy competition in the labor field had vanished on the battlefield. The Do- * minions realise that tbe Indians are fellow subjects, with similar rights to ourselves. _ We were approaching the supreme terminable time of the war and he counselled coolheadedneS3 in the view of submarining, for combating which the Government were devising various measures. Recruiting. (Received Feb. 9, at 10.20 a.m.) Melbourne, Feb 9 Mr Pearce states that although 16,500 reinforcements are required monthly, the total recruits in the Commonwealth for the past month were only 5,448, ~