GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1817, 23 April 1918, Page 1

GENERAL WAR NEWS.

QUEEN MARY AND THE TROOPS. Since, its formation the Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild has sent, to the troops no fewer than 7,736,911 gifts. The Queen takes a most hetive interest in the guild, and hy her command is furnished weekly with a list of the goods sent away, and is always consulted on matters referring to the despatch of parcels. Hearing from Lady Plumer that the troops under General Phuner’s command in Italy were in great need of warm comforts, the Queen instantly commanded that all the branches of the guild - he made acquainted with the needs of* the men in Italy, with the result, that in six weeks 24,000 gifts of woollen goods were sent to Italy. BEATING THE U-BOATS. A campaign aimed at increased food pi’oduction has been inaugurated in Northern Franco and Belgium behind the tiring line. Ploughs distributed hy the Agricultural Relief of Allies Committee in the Marne and the. Meuse districts are now playing their part in the extensive programme which is being carried out, as well as seed corn obtained from grain contributed hy British farmers through the medium 'of the fund. Every acre on which farming operations are permissible and possible it is hoped will he made to yield its quota of food, and British farmers, who are doing (heir utmost to increase production, hav> also the satisfaction of having aided the stricken French fanners to do their pari in the defeat of the Uhoats. THE BEST GUARANTEE OF PEACE. M. Paul Cnmhon, the French Ambassador, speaking at the annual prize distribution of the National Society of French Masters at the Mansion House, London, said that France and England were shedding their‘blood to conquer an enemy who had made the old barbarism live again. It was well that the young people of England and France should learn their respective languages, as this would tighten and make indestructible (heir alliance, which, was essentital to the cause of civilisation and humanity. When the war was over and peace declared their enemies would have no other idea (ban to separate. France and England. Their two countries were the bulwarks of the world’s liberty, and the union of their countries was the, best guarantee of peace.