BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1915, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE WAR IN PARLIAMENT. LORD DERBY'S SCHEME. THE CHINESE SITUATION. Received Dec. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 15. In the House of Lords, Lord Derby Baid that Mr. Asquith would announce the, recruiting figures on Tuesday. He declined to say whether the result was satisfactory until an analysis wis made. Although the gross total was very large, there was still the question as to how far the single men had responded to their country's call. In tile House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil stated that he understood a presidential mandate, issued on December 12, had notified Yuan-Shih-Kai's formal acceptance of the Chinese throne, Yuan, however, continued to act a s President. There was no reason to suppose that Germany had anything to do with the change.

WOUNDED MEN IN ENGLAND. WORK OP THE ASSOCIATION. London, Dec. 15. At a meeting of the New Zealand War Contingent Association the Hon. T. Mackenzie, chairman, stated that £20,500 had been subscribed, including £1W)0 from the New Zealand' Shipping Company and £SOO from the Shaw, Savill Company, which had just been received. Mr. Mackenzie stated that 3600 wounded men were now in Britain. Twentvsix had died, and he hoped to erect a monument, at Walton-on-Thames to their memory.

Two hundred beds were being added to the hospital at Walton, which was an unqualified success. When the King and Queen visited it they expressed the utmost gratification at the arrangements. Prince Louis of ißattenberg also expressed satisfaction, adding that he always had the kindliest feeling for New Zealand, owing to the kindness received there by his son. The War Office was also endeavoring to concentrate Ihe New Zealanders in a single hospital, thus removing the possibility of loneliness. The convalescent homes at Brighton, Woodcote iPark, and Epsom were groat successes. Two New Zealanders who had lost their limbs had been sent to Queen Mary's Hospital at Rockhampton.

Provision was made for the entertainment of those on fui'lough, and the association provided the troops with tobacco, shaving tackle, and clothing where necessary. iFive hundred pounds had been sent to .the American Ambassador for New Zealand prisoners at Constantinople.

The sailors 011 board the New Zealand had not been-forgotten at Christmas.

The association required funds to carry on the work. Mr Mackenzie paid a tribute to the invaluable services of Lord Plnnket and Lady Islington.

DOMINIONS AND THE WAR. MUST 'BE REPRESENTED ON PEACE .COUNCIL. London, Dec. 13. Mr. B. R. Wise, addressing the Colonial Institute, said that England must give , the Dominions a place in the council which decided On peace terms. They had at least- as a claim as the minor States of Kurope, The only disaster worst than the war would be a patehedup peace. _ Certainly no Australians would ever' suggest that the conquered colonies should bo returned to Gormanv.

Mr. Wise suggested that the Crown should summon an Imperial Convention at Weßtminstcf,. under the presidency of the King. Representatives ,of the Dominions must be numerous enough to express curreni local opinion, and,, on tlieir return, to justify any constitution framed by the Convention, and t'io proposals thereupon refexred to a popular vote. AFTER THE WAR. EMPLOYMENT OF SOLDIERS. London, Dec. 15. Lord (Parker, in the Heuse of Lords, drew attention to the problem of the employment of soldiers after the war and the organisation of industry. Women could not be expected to return to prewar conditions. The Government should act in this matter in concert with the Dominions. Lord Crewe said that the possible return to the' land of many soldiers was being considered by a special committee, A multitude of questions would arise when three million soldiers and the war workers were released. Lord H'aldane said a. Peace Book would be prepared showing what was expected when peace was declared. Lord Newton said that before the Coalition Government was established an undertaking was given that the army should not be disbanded suddenly, and thus thrown on the labor market.

TURKISH FORCES. | A WAR OFFICE ESTIMATE. I , 'London, Dee. 15. In tlx: House of Commons, Mr. Tennant, questioned, said it was estimated that G50.000 Turks were in the field. The number might he increased, in certain circumstances, to a million. LORD DERBY'S VIEWS. KEEP FAITH WITH THE MARRIED MEN. Received Dec. 16, 10.5 p.m London, Dec. 16. ' Lord Derby, in the Uouae of Lords, said that recruiting committees had sought to create an election atmosphere .by copying the ways of voters. "Men waited til| the last hour before offering, and we were completely snowed under last weak. The figures were gTeit on Sunday, and nearly as great on Monday and Tuesday. There is overwhelming evidence that the country is absolutely determined to ask your Lordships to support me in saying that it is impossible to call up the married men until the country is absolutely convinced that only a negligible quantity are not accounted for. We must, ft.bbvjfe all things, keep faith with the Premier's pledge to the married men."

Lord Crewe congratulated Lord Derby upon the result of his ungrudging labors. Lord Derby was particularly fitted for the task, owing to his happy relations with the labor party,