News from England.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 262, 15 April 1915, Page 5

News from England.

THE DRINK POLICY. PROHIBITION NOT INTENDED. STATE CONTROL PROBABLE. Received April 14, 8.40~5>.in. London, April 14. The Daily Chronicle says the Cabinet's drink policy is still unsettled. Two committees inquiring into the matter have asked the opinions of experts like Thomas Whittakcr, Seebohm Rowntree, Labor leaders, and also leading business men. It is certain that the Government does not contemplate universal prohibition, but there will probably be restrictive measures, including prohibition oJ the manufacture and sale of spirits; reduction of the alcoholic strength of beer; hours of sale not to exceed five; closing of pubtic-houses near factories, mines and workshops, and compensation of interests affected.

The Chronicle affirms the statement that Cabinet is considering an elaborate memorandum with a view of eliminating private profits from the gale of alcoholic liquors, the State acquiring breweries and licensed houses at a 'cost of three hundred millions. .FORECASTING THE BUDGET.. 1 INTEREST IN THE DRINK PROBLEM. London, April 13. The Times' Parliamentary correspondent says that the Budget will ia of exceptional interest and importance. i The drink problem is largely a question of finance. Mr. Lloyd George wdl have to face a serious loss as a result of his . drink measures. It has virtually been settled that there will be no additional income-tax.

The newspapers are discussing the prospect of the increased consumption of Australian and French light wines in .consequence of the expected restrictions on spirits. , ~ u^.ia t-.^>t

IMPRESSIVE CHURCH t SERVICES. London April 13. During his tour of the British lines, the Bishop of London preached to aviators in an immense hangar. The housebold cavalry was massed on horseback, the army service corps beside its lor"Ties, the wounded, doctors and nurses in the hospitals, convalescents at the bases, the infantry in picturesque Flemish market places. The sombre and mud J bespattered khaki was relieved by the gold of the staff officers, who alway3 attended the impressive and uplifting services. "Rock of Ages' and "Jesu, Lover of my Soul" were sung within hearing of the guns.

TREASURY BILLS. London April 13: The Treasury decided to issue from April 14 bills in denominations of £IOOO, £SOOO, and 10,000 at a fixed discount rate, subject to variations from time to time, with a currency -f three, six.V nine months. > PRICE OF BREAD RAISED. London, April 13. The quartern loaf will be raised to B%d in London on April 19.