BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1915, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE WAR IN PARLIAMENT. MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH. Received Dec. 23, 0.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. The third reading of the Munitions Bill waa postponed till January 4. The Parliament Bill was read a third time. The Manchester Guardian says that Mr. Asquith's speech burked the real issues, and its success was purely rhetorical. The Evening News statc3 that the Government lias tliriec postponed an announcement for which the Empire is waiting with greatest anxiety. A STATESMANLIKE UTTERANCE. London, Dec. 22. During the discussion in the House of Commons Lords Fisher and Derby and other prominent peers sat in the gallery in an earnest, silent attitude. Mr. Asquith dealt with most questions in terse, sharp sentences, but his speech was interspersed with passages of deep feeling, as when he referred to the gallantry of the Australians and New Zealanders and the necessity for vigorous prosecution of the war. ORGANISATION OF RECRUITS. FOR ARMY AiNi) TRADE. London, Dec. 22. In the House of Commons, Mr. Tennant, Under-Secretary for War, deplored Sir Edward Carson's accusation of dillydallying. Sir lan Hamilton's despatch reached the War Office on Monday. Sir lan wrote with distinction, but had taken time to polish his periods. In order to fulfil the Premier's pledge to married men the Government might have to take further powers, but lie believed that in so doing they would have the majority of the House and the support of the people with them.

Mr. Runciman said the Government sought to adjust the scheme to the need of national service in the array, navy and munitions production. Importing industries would receive consideration, and unless Britain kept up her export trade she might damage the .Allies' cause a3 much as if she failed to put another million men in the field. Britain at all costs must continue as a going concern. THE MILLION MEN VOTE. FOURTEEN HOURS' SITTING. STRONG CRITICISM OP THK GOVERNMENT. Received Dec. 23, 5.5 p.m; London, Dec. 22. The vote for a million men was carried amidst most remarkable scenes. A body of Liberals at midnight demanded an adjournment, alleging that it was a scandal that a decision of such importance should be left to a jury. Mr. Arthur Lynch alleged that tho impotence of the leaders had nullified the valor of the troops again and again.

Mr. Outhwaite denounced tne unnecessary operations at Gallipoli and elsewhere, when it was obvious that the war would be decided on the Western front. Mr. Joseph King said that the next great attack on the West was more likely to succeed since Sir John French had resigned. A single Cabinet Minister and three under-secretaries were by this time nodding on the Treasury benches, and Commoners were snoring on their benches. Some were fetched out of their beds at the National Liberal Club to make up a quorum. The malcontents repeatedly moved for an adjournment, but the Government was adamant.

Mr. Dalziel said that hundreds of thousands of liveg had been wasted by the stupidity of the War Office. Generals who were responsible for men dying of thirst at Suvla were still in command. Mr McKenna displayed wonderful endurance and was full of 'fight to the last. He secured the vote after a fourteen hours' struggle and strain. _ LORD DERBY'S SCHEME. NO STATEMENT READY YET. Received Dee. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. Mr. Asquith said that Lord Derby's report will be considered by the Cabinet on Wednesday, and he could not hold out any hope of making a statement before the adjournment of the House. MAILS FOR THE FRONT. ' • PROHIBITION OF EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAOT). INSULATED SPACE COMMANDEERED Received Dec. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. The Post Office gauged the fact on Monday that half a million parcels and a million and a half of letters have been posted in the United Kingdom for the troops in (France. Six special trains and four Channel boats are running daily. The Government has prohibited the export to Switzerland of food products and all articles likely to be useful to the enemies, unless they are consigned to the Societe Suisse de Surveillance Economique. The Government has requisitioned the whole of the insulated space of all British steamships. WAR OFFICE NOTES. MORE CHANGES IN COMMAND. London, Dec. 22. The War Office states that General Monro commands the first army in France and Major-General Sir Archibald Murray succeeds liim. Official: The British casualties at Kutelamara to date are 1127, In the House of Commons Lord Robert Cecil stated that the Government has granted Captains von Papen and Boyed safe conducts in deference to America's wishes. Major-General Whigham hag been appointed General Robertson's deputy, and bewrnej QvmtU