CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1917, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

Home & Foreign (FIB FBEBB ASSOCIATION. —COFYKICHT -1 THE IRISH QUESTION (Australian & N.Z, Cable Association and Reuter) LONDON, May 17. Ulster Unionists replying to Mr. Lloyd George said they would undertake to submit the settlement proposal* to the Ulser Unionist Councils for sympalietUc consiideitation. Mr Redmond’s Reply. LONDON, May 17. Mr .Tollu Redmond in liis reply Hon Lloyd George’s proposals says:— “There is no need to re-state tne grounds whereon the Irish Party have decided not to negotiate with the uovernment. Mr Redmond adds: I note what you say about the impossibility of taking action and reviving the violent political controversy during the crisis of tne war, and the Government’s necessity for proposing a settlement substantially acceptable to both sides. I cannot accept this proposition, which' has not bqen applied to some other matters since the outbreak of the war. My colleagues have considered the two alternatives. They opine that the first will find no support in Ireland. They are irreconciliably opposed to the scheme or any measure based thereon. To meet their vigorous op-.-position the proposed convention has much to recommend it. I trust it may be found possible of realisation. My colleagues null plan no obstacle in th« way and are prepared to earnestly recommend -it to their countrymen, oa condlijtic(a ./that the .convection is representative of Irishmen of all creeds, interests and parties is so summoned without delay. If this is done I assure you my colleagues and myself will spare no effort to realise this high and blessed ideal.

Sir John Lonsdale, replying on behalf of the TJulsterites, states: “We ara opposed more strongly than ever to an entire Home Rule policy, bun are willing to consider the exigencies of the present situation. Neither himself nor his colleagues have the power to accept, but must submit it to the Ulster Unionist Council with a recommendation that a decision should !bo reached promoting peace and security to the United Kingdom. Mr O’Brien replied to the Premier declaring his unalterable opposition to any partition, hut accepting a. conference wherefore his followers have so long contended.

HOME RULE PROPOSALS. A Mixed Reception. London, May 17. The Government proposals have been received with mixed feelings in Dublin. While the Nationalists concede that some advance, has been made, they fear traps, which would vitiate the proposals.

The Sinn Feiners- and those who influenced the recent statement of Catholic and Protestant Bishops, repudiate partition in any form. Many Southern Unionists are suspicions, and regard the proposals as unworkable, while Ulster is likely to be prejudiced, owing to the absence ot definite financial proposals. Archbishop Crogier, Bishops Day, Peacock, Moore and Darcy have issued a statement advocating the postponement of the question until the Imperial Constitution is reorganised after the war, as a hasty conclusion would only increase the confusion. Freeman’s Journal predicts a prompt rejection,, but says the convention suggestion implies an admission of the acceptance of Home Rule on the lines Irishmen themselves would determine, and is worthy of consideration. The Irish proposals have aroused disappointment in Dublin. All sections of the Nationalists reject the partition basis, but the suggestion for an Irish Convention is regarded as feasible. A deputation of Catholics has been in Dublin for some days. If the partition, proposals are countenanced they will start a campaign to defeat them. Mr Redmond was president of a meeting of Nationalists in London who decided on certain action which is embodied in a letter to Hon. Lloyd George. The Nationalists are prepared to recommend a convention on condition that it fully and fairly registered Irishmen of all creeds.

Obituary, London, May 17. Obituary—The Rajah of Sarawak. Bus Strike Ended. London, May 17 Official—After a conference between lie employers and employees the omnibus strike has terminated on the basis of the present agreement which was renewed by the conference which was presided over by Mr Askwith. Argentine Meat. London, May 17 At the instance of the Food Controller the retail meat dealers are endeavouring to induce the Argentine importers to sell at the same price aa tbe Government Is charging for Aus-. trahan and New Zealand meat.

TRADE CORPORATION To Secure Credits. (Australian & N Cable Association). London, May 17 Iq the House of Oou’mous the Hiu G. F. Stanley emphasised the imporance of the proposed trade corpora* tion. The leading banka were p;actioally unanimous in supporting the scheme, A fundamental cbunere was necessary iu British business methods after the waiu- The Government must support, but not control, the corporation wbich would secure cr dits to traders, which it was impossib e to obtain forme.ly, in order to put Britishers on equJ teims with foreigners. Several s described the scheme as a dangdrous, m : »chievnns innovition.

Coal Rations [kEUTER’B SERVICE,—COPYRIGHT.] (Recatved May 19, at 8.45 a m.) London, May 18 In the Commons S.r A. S'ail y stated that owing to transport difficulties, ooal rationing would ba necessary, especially in London, next winter. He indicated a further reduction of civilian supply.-