News from England

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 217, 20 February 1915, Page 5

News from England

t TIIK FOOD QUESTION. London, February 18. In the food debate in the House of Commons, Mr Asquith said there was no unnatural withholding of foodstuffs by, British farmers or carriers. Tbcy were not responsible for tbe increase in thj price of chilled meat. He would not hesitate to embark on .State control of ships if it would be to the national ady.ntage, but the embarkation on new ■ methods might make things ten times I worse. I

SIR EDWARD GREY'S STATEMENT. UNITED STATES NOT SUFFERING. London, February 18. Sir E. Grey pointed out that the war had not interfered with American commerce to Britain and the Allies, yet her trfade with those countries during the four months of war had diminished by over twenty-eight million dolla.-s, whereas American trade to neutrals and Austria had increased over twenty million dollars. There -was greater reason to protest against belligerents' interference with innocent neutrals by Germany's broadcast scattering of mines than bv Britain's seizure of contraband. Sir E. Grey deprecated recourse to diplomatic remonstrances, when neutrals had an effective mode of redress by an I appeal to the law courts.

BADGES FOR WORKERS. FULFILLING THEIR DUTY. ; Times and Svdncv Sun Services. Received 1!),* 8.30 p.m. London," February IS. In the House of Commons. Sir Mac..Namara stated that the Admiralty had issued badges to workers engaged on Admiralty contracts as a recognition that they were fulfilling their duty to the country. The Government proposed to distribute prize bounties and pay £5 for every person aboard the enemy's ships captured or destroyed. All naval men at present unengaged are participating in the additional .£113,00)) being paid to workers in Royal dockyards in appreciation of their splendid work. Mr Churchill announced that navy men killed totalled 6201; wounded, 599; mi;gin" 938; interned, 1563. THE MERCANTILE MARINE. Times and Svdney Sim Services. Received 19, BJO p.m. London, February 18. The Liverpool Mercantile Marine Association has asked Mr Churchill to consider granting commanders of British ships commissions in the naval reserve for the period of the war wtihout emolument. They also urge shipowners to pay a wnr bonus to masters and officers, owing to risks incurred. HONOURS FOR SERVICE. Received 19, 11.30 p.m. London, February 18. A Gazette of twenty-two pages has been issued. It contains the (Erne's honour* for services in the field. Fifteen officers arc -promoted to MajorsGeneral, including Colonel R. Davies, a Ntw Zealander. Eleven Victoria Crosses have been granted and twelve Commanderships o f the Bath including Generals Poulteny and Allcnby. nlso many Distinsuisbed Service Orders, medals and military crosses. Puraenn General Williams has hern made honorary Surgeon-General to tV. British Armv.