BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE PARIS conference. MR. RUNCIMAN BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE. London, March 21. Mr. Lloyd George, in the House of Commons, stated that Mr. Runciman would lie the principal British representative at the Paris economic conference. The Japanese Government had been invited to send a representative. MR. HUGHES WANTED. BRITISH REPRESENTATIVES. .London, March 22. The Morning Post says that Mr. Hughes lias a duty to perform, something greater than what he is doing for Australia, namely, a duty for the Empire. He should stay in England for the present. The Daily Mail protests against Mr. Runciman going to the Paris conference as the principal British representative, and suggests that Mr. Hughes be appointed. The Times says that while Mr. Hughes is here, and Sir R. Borden is coming, Parliament should press for an immediate Imperial Conference. "We then would be in a position to act with our allies and deal with our enemies." The Daily Mail's Paris correspondent says: The Allied conference meeting here between the 25th and 30th will discuss a united military and diplomatic policy, in view of a spring and summer campaign. Mr. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, and Lord Kitchener will represent Britain.

THE WANT OF MEN. WAR MUST BE AVON ON THE BATTLEFIELDS. Reecived March 22, 9.15 p.m. London, March 22. In the House of Commons the debate on the army vote for four million men was centred on the recruiting question, several speakers criticising the Government's attitude towards married men. Mr. W. H. Long, in reply, said that the Government was taking all possible measure,; to secure; the enrolment o? single men, but the Government never undertook that married men should not be called up until every single man lincl been taken. 'Die Government was fully conscious of the importance of air warfare, and was doing its hest to put this service in a .satisfactory position. He urged that all energy should be concentrated on strengthening the army, and let oilier tilings go. It was dangerous to rely on the financial exhaustion of their opponents. The war raust be won by military victories. The vote was passed. * SWORN IN. RIGHT HON. W. M. HUGHES, P.C. ■ A REMARKABLE SCENE. Received March 22, 9.15 p.m. London, March 22. Mr. Hughes was sworn in as a Privy Councillor to-day at Buckingham Palace. There was an unprecedented scene outside the Palace. Motor omnibuses and char-a-bancs brought wounded soldiers from nine hospitals. The Princess Royal, Duchess of Teck, and other Royalties presided at the tea-tables. Hon. Sir Sam. Hughes, the Canadian Minister for Defence, who is visiting London, said lie was entirely in accord with his Australian namesake's -outspoken views on post-war trade. RECRUITING. THE VOICE OF REPINGTON. Eeceived March 22, 11.15 p.m. London, March 22. Colonel Repington states that the position of the army regarding its numbers is critical. We have seventy United Kingdom divisions at home and abroad, arid these are much under strength, in order to complete the need for the 1,400,000 recruits which the Derby scheme promised. The estimates were proving illusory, and the whole fabric of the military power was therefore threatened. - Recruits were only needed for drafts, so that the minimum of four months' training was acceptable. Recruits were wanted immediately if they were to be used this summer. Cabinet ought to tell the country the truth about recruiting, then abolish the lists of certified occupations and bring in a Bill for general military service for the duration of the war, compelling men of military age to prolong their service if their time expires during the war.

STOCK EXCHACE. BLACKBALLING THE ALIENS. London, March 21. A stritking anli-fJcrmaii vote developed at the election for the Stock Exchange committee. For thirty seats forty candidates were nominated, of whom 27 were old committeemen. The anti-tierman union nominated seven, of wlio.m six were elected, including Mr. Lionel Robinson. Of the rejected old members four had enemy-horn parents and the fifth bore a German name. It is understood that the new committee will he very strict regarding the, re-election of enemy-born members. It is reported that, as the result of the agitation, the old committee rejected several such candidates. IMPORT OF LUXURIES. I - London, March 21. A decree has heen issued prohibiting the import of luxuries, also of spirits, \e|cej)t..brgnd; and. rum,