MOTHER COUNTRY

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 7

MOTHER COUNTRY

LEATHER COMMANDEERED. ARMY COUNCIL'S ORDERS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, LONDON, September 29. The Army Council has commandeered solo and upper leather. It will allow 5 por cent on tho purchase money.

BOARD OF TRADE. FOOD PRICES. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. AN INTERIM REPORT. LONDON, September 2D. The interim report of the Board of Trade's Committee on the increased prices of commodities recommends the need of hastening the construction of mercantilo shipping as far compatible with naval needs and the provision of sufficient men for the docks and railways to prevent a recurrence of congestion. It states that thcro should be larger restriction of the import of tho less necessary commodities. The Government's policy'of purchase of meat on a- large 6cale had proved a success, and the Government should develop as far as possible the sources of supply whence it can make direct purchases. The committee urges that all not engaged in severe manual labour, who at , present eat meat daily, should abstain for one day per week, believing that a large numbor are only wanting clear, authoritative guidance to press this solf-denial as a public duty. Local authorities should be empowered to milk, meat, bacon and necessary foodstuffs, where there is reason to boiiovo that any group of retailers are using open municipal shops for the sale of the present abnormal situation to obtain excessive profits. United Service. (Received October 1, 11-5 p.m.) LONDON, September 30. The Food Commission's .report states that tho Allied forces' beef demands exceeded tho total British importations in 1913, greatly increasing tho prices. The Commission recommends increased insulated tonnage, and rapid handling at ports, in order to increase importations, particularly in Australian meat for civilians.

INCREASED WAGES URGED

CONTROL OF FOOD SUPPLY

Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.

LONDON, September '3O.

Newspapers are giving prominencoto tho Food Committee's report and urge immediate Government action. Tho report shows that prices have increased by 65 per cent since tho war began, and urges that employers and public bodies substantially should increase the wages of lower paid grades. It recommends local authorities to establish maternity centres, baby clinics, child nurseries, supply dinners, nursing for expectant mothers, and to provide nulk for children under fivo years. The majority of the members of tho committee favour State control of supplies and prices of home-grown primary foodstuffs. KILLED IN ACTION. NEW ZEALAND OFFICER. LONDON, ■ September 29. Lieutenant Archibald Hodges (Bedford Regiment), who was a master at the Wan'ganui Collegiate School, has been killed in action.

HIGH COMMISSIONER.

VISIT TO BRISTOL,

LONDON, September 30.

Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir James Carroll and Mr J. A. Young at BristoJ visited the Colston School and St Mary's Redcliff School, and presented New Zealand and Australian flags respectively. Afterwards they visited New Zealand and Australian woujaded in two hospitals.

EXCHEQUER BONOS.

THE PROSPECTUS ISSUED.

LONDON, September 30.

The prospectus has been issued for the Exchequer 6 per cent bonds at par. The amount is unlimited, and they are redeemable in February, 1920BRITISH FINANCES. HALF-YEAR'S EXPENDITURE £904,801,729.

Router's Telegrams. (Received October 2, 12.5 a.m.)

LONDON, October 1

Tho Exchequer receipts for the halfyear wore £103,922,899 compared with £102.880,764 in the corresponding period last year. Tho expenditure was £904.801,729 compared with £674,497,420.

CLOCK SET BACK.

SUMMER OVER. " The Times " Service. (Received October 1, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 30. The summer time ended at midnight oil Saturday, when the clocks were put back. " /