BRITISH PARLIAMENT OPENS.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 February 1918, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENT OPENS.

BRITISH PARLIAMENT OPENS.

ROYAL PROGRESS THROUGH

LONDON

VISIT TO OVERSEAS WOUNDED,

LONDON, February 12

The King opened Parliament, accompanied by the Queen and attended by the Prince of Wales. Australians, New Zealanders, and other overseas forces furnished a mounted escort. The line of route was lined with enthusiastic crowds. The Royalities passed through the Royal Gallery, where overseas wounded are accommodated. The Marquis of Lincolnshire, the Great Chamberlain, addressed the men, and said that he was commanded by the King to give the brave overseas soldiers, a Royal welcome and express His Majesty’s warm and grateful appreciation for their gallantry and devotion in the field. ''After the conclusion of a victorious peace the King and Queen wish you a safe and happy return fo the great Dominions of which they are so proud, and which you love so well, he added. A NEW NOTE OF CRITICISM. OF THE GOVERNMENT AND LLOYD GEORGE. Received 9.20. LONDON, Feb 13. Parliamentary correspondents state a new challenging note of criticism and a bold disposition to assert the House’s authority is perceptible throughout the debate in the House of Commons, which is obviously disappointed through Lloyd George not disclosing the nature of the enlarged functions of the Versailles Council. Mr. Asquith’s indignant protest against the Premier’s insinuation evoked a storm of applause, led by Lloyd George’s radical enemies, who are increasingly numerous. It is significant that the cheers seemed general. Lloyd George quite failed to repeat his Parliamentary triumph of November. The -subsequent debate emphasised the same note of criticism of the Government and Lloyd George, several Commoners asking why Colonel ; Repington was allowed to publish errticims in the Morning Post

MR. ASQUITH’S SPEECH. Received 9.35. LONDON, Peb 13. Mr. Asquith, after paying the highest tribute to Sir Douglas Haig and Sir William Robertson, declared that the confidence of the nation in them was in no wise shaken. (Cheers). He asked the Government to define the recent enlargements of the functions of the Allied War Council, also whether any change had been made or contemplated in the status, personnel or functions of Haig or Robertson. Mr. Asquith concluded by emphasising the necessity of complete confidence in the system whereby we are carrying on the war and in the "{perfect ■harmony between the Government and its servants. BRITAIN’S PART IN FRANCE. MOST VITAL SECTIONS HANDED OVER RUMOURS OF MINISTERIAL CRISIS. . Received 9.35. LONDON, Feb 13. Mr. Lloyd George’s reference yesterday to the great part the British arirfy in France is now playing has aroused much attention. The following was the text; The British are holding a most important part of the line, and I felt flattered at the Versailles Council when I realised that this new army winch had sprung into being in the course of two or three years, has been entrusted by France with the defence of its capital, with the defence of the most vital parts of France (cheers) and ports along the coast, all of which had been, voluntarily handed over to defence by the British army. France’s demand was not that the British army should take less, but that they should take more responsibility. (Cheers.) The Daily Chronicle says that the political atmosphere is agitated by rumours of military resignations and a possible Ministeral crisis It is significant that Lloyd George twice referred to a possible change of administration.