ON THE SEA.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 10 August 1917, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

CONCERNING HOSPITAL SHIPS. LONDON, August 9. The “Daily Chronicle’ ’ states that it is true Germany has agreed to an arrangement regarding hospital ships, but there has been no formal agreement with the Entente who were not concerned actively in the negotiations. King Alfonso orginated the negotiations. which were confined to Madrid and Berlin If the agreement is made effective the Allies will welcome, it, but it is important to remember that tha Allies did not initiate the arrangements. Their attitude remains unaltered, consisting of an absolute denial of the alleged misuse of hospital ships. ALLIED CONFERENCE CLOSED. LONDON, August S. The Allies’ Conference in London has concluded. The Exchange Telegraph states it is understood that the Conference again discussed the Stockholm Conference and adds that it is rumoured that the conference is likely to collapse.

THE KAISER BUSY ON THE WESTERN FRONT WASHINGTON, August 9 Tie Kaiser is reviewing and deluging Prince Rupprecht’s divisions with speeches. The new German Chancellor, Dr Michaelis, has joined the Kaiser. GENERAL GABLES THE BRITISH HOUSING PROBLEM. A HUGE SHORTAGE. LONDON, August S. ■ The Departmental Committee appointed to consider the housing of the working classes, meets to-morrow. The Local Government Board admits a shortage of half a million houses, while other authorities claim there is a million shortage, involving a £250,000,000 .outlay. The housing shortage is admittedly closely connected with the industrial unrest. The Government commissioners at Glasgow, Rosyth and Dundee report an immediate need of houses for a hundred thousand workers. The Barrow-on-Furness Commissioners state that hundreds of beds are occupied day and night. THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE. ALARM IN BRITAIN. LONDON, August 8. Much concern has been caused by a meagre message reporting the greatest earthquake in New Zealand since 1855. The message does not mention whether there were any casualties. There were hundreds of anxious callers at the High Commissioner’s office.

IRISH AFFAIRS. THE IRISH CONVENTION. LONDON, August 8. The Press Bureau reports that at the Irish Convention to-day Sir Horace Plunkett suggested procedure whereby the existing scheme for the Government of Ireland might be examined and presented for the Convention’s consideration. The Convention decided to appoint a standing committee to consult with the chairman regarding general procedure.