GENERAL ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1916, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

NOTES FROM THE TIMES. SIR IT. RIDER HAGGARD'S MISSION. Times ana Sydney Sun Services. Received Feb. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 9. The Times, in a leading article, says that Sir 11. Rider Haggard's mission connected with the settlement of soldiers on the land bristles with difficulties. It is an Imperial problem, and any investigations should be a matter of cooperation between the Imperial and dominions Governments, as other measures might only be palliatives and might easily do more harm than good. "We are inclined to be sceptical as to the value of Sir H. Rider Haggard's mission, as there is a clanger that the -Empire Governments may be encouraged to leave all the work to self-sacrificing and eager enthusiasts of his type, who should be getting to grips with the whole subject themselves."

AN AIR MINISTER ADVOCATED. The Pall Mall Gazette and the Globe have joined in the ery for an Air Minis-

ADMIRAL SCOTT'S DISMISSAL. Numerous Parliamentarians who have been interviewed object to Admiral Sir Percy Scott's dismissal, on the ground that there has been no raid on London since he was appointed. They urge that Mr. Churt'hil] should be given the command of the air services. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST AIRRAIDS. The Midland counties have arranged a system of precautions independent of the War Office. Manchester, Liverpool, the Potteries, Leicester, Bedford, and Worcester, have warned the public as to the cutting off of gas and electricity. The majority of the newspapers are clamorous for the urgent training of men, and the institution of experiments in the construction of aircraft with a view to securing dominance in the air, pointing out that powerful offensives are necessary. A GERMAN WARNING. The German staff has warned Kiel and Cologne to expect air raid reprisals. ACTIVITY AT KIEL. Dutch correspondents report that there is great activity at Kiel, The marines garrisoning Belgium have been withdrawn, and numerous sailors are arriving and recommencing naval work. GERMAN OFFENSIVE AGAINST RUSSIA. Potrograd telegraphs that news of yet another threat iconies from imprisoned German officers, who state that an important strengthening of the Riga and Dvina armies is expected in preparation for a huge offensive in March. All leave lias been suspended. Archduke Charles, chief of the Austrian navy, has arrived at Berlin to discuss with Admiral Tirpitz the unity of naval action.