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Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1916, Page 5

THE COMPULSION BILL

RAILWAYMEN OPPOSE IT VIGOROUSLY. Received Jan. 15, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 14. The Raihvaymen's Executive has carried a resolution urging labor to unitedly oppose compulsion, which will mean involving the confiscation of men's lives and leaving the nation's material resources in the hands of privileged persons. The resolution added that the number of eligible unmarried men who have not attested is insufficient to affect the issue of the war, and Mr. Asquith's pledge without consulting the electors does not bind the mannood of the country. And unless the Government is prepared to confiscate wealth we will resist the confiscation of men to the utmost. THE MINERS' VOTE.

London, Jan. 14. At the Miners' Conference 053,100 rotes were against compulsion, 35.100 in favor, and 25,2-19 neutral. The miners' leaders realise that the conference vote is no criterion of the opinion of the men. The leaders are mostly in favor of a ballot to secure a plain yes or no on the all-important problem.

STIFFENING THE BLOCKADE. London, Jan. 14. An incident in the House of Lords i* regarded as forecasting a stronger attitude respecting the blockade. Replying to Lord Sydenham's allegations that Germany was securing- much cocoa from Britain, Lord Lansuownc explained that cocoa was sent to Holland for manufacture. Ninety per cent, returned to Britain, nevertheless considerable quantities were reaching Germany from overseas. The Government was gradually tightening up the precautions to prevent the enemy securing cocoa through neutrals. SIR GEORGE EEID HONORED. London, Jan. 14. The National Liberal Club gave a luncheon to Sir George Reid. Lord Islington declared that, whatever else might be said regarding Gallipoli, it had erected an imperishable monument to the gallantry and indomitable pluck of the Australians and New Zealanders. He hoped this year a conference of the Prime Ministers of the Dominions and Britain would be arranged to consider the most important economic, commercial, and defence problems. ENEMY FIRMS IN BRITAIN.

London, Jan. 14. Mr. Prottyman's Bill, dealing with enemy companies and lirms trading in the United Kingdom, will be introduced next week.