BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE. CRUSHING REPLY TO ATTACK. GOVERNMENT'S TERRIBLE BLUNDERS. Received April 24, 9 p.m. London, April 24. Mr. Lloyd George, who is spending the week-end at Criccieth, Wales, sent lilie following response to Reynolds' newspaper's inquiry: "I shall continue to do what I conceive to be my duty to the nation in its hour of sore trial, heedless of all personal attacks and personal consequences." Reynolds' newspaper says that the Minter of Munitions in his heart believes that unless we mobilise every ounce of strength we hall be beaten, or at best only achieve an unso-Msfactory peace. Considering the fact that the whole Cabinet agreed with him in his policy, is it just that he should be subjected to continual attacks wiliile doing his best to carry out .lis views. We believe lie is guided solely by the letermination to do his level best to secure victory foi the Empire. The innuendo that he is so disloyal to his friends and chief as to press his views upon the Cabinet mainly for the purpose of embarrassing the Premier is not only wicked, but i.s totally unjustified. Mr. Asqiiith would be the last to give it countenance, knowing absolutely that it is without foundation. If these attacks persist and Mr. Lloyd George, after the Cabinet's present decision has been placed on the Statute Book should prefer less responsibility and greater freedom, the country will for the first time learn Some vital facts, largely explaining the Government's terrible blunders over the war, and the real obstacles to a strong initiative and prompt decision.

CONSCRIPTION. OPINION IN FRANCE. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received April 24, 7.10 p.m. London, April 23. . The public in France are eagerly fidlowing the conscription struggle in Britain. The anti-compulsionists' statement that no military operations have suffered through lack of men has caused bewilderment here, where it is wellknown that the Dardanelles failure was due to the shortage of men.

WOMEN WORKERS. WEEDING OUT THE SINGLE MEN. Received April 24, 9.50 p.m. London, April 23 A great weeding out of single men among the munition workers at Woolwich is proceeding, and thousands of Lancashire women are replacing them. Several newspapers are urging the enrolment of women on a large scale into the army for auxiliary work, as in France, especially in clerical work, canteens, and orderly rooms Hundreds are already employed in certain duties connected with the army, although they are not on the pay roll. DEFENCE OF THE REALM. STRINGENT REGULATIONS. Received April 24, 9.50 p.m. London, April 23. An Order-in-Council imposes the Defence of the Realm Act penalties on any person or newspaper publishing a report of secret sessions' proceedings, or any reference thereto, except those contained in official reports, and Bimilar penalties will be imposed for publishing or divulging Cabinet proceedings, or confidential Information obtained from Government departments. SOCIALIST CONFERENCE. DELEGATES AT LOGGERHEADS.

"THE RED FLAG" SUNG. Received April 24, 7.5 p.m. London, April 24. The annual conference of British Socialists at Manchester resulted in a split in the party. One hundred and fifty delegates, including a strong Clyde representation, passed a resolution to hold the conference in camera, whereupon twenty of the proper delegates withdrew. The remainder made a frantic demonstration, rising and cheering wildly and singing "The Red Flag." A FURTHER RESOLUTION. Received April 25, 12.25 a.m. London, April 24. The British Socialist party, better known as the Social Democratic Federation, is a small and insignificant body. When the conference split through the carrying of the peace resolution, the pro-war delegates, under Mr. landman's leadership, who had withdrawn, subsequently passed a resolution that while this party is convinced that the Allies' victory is essential to democracy, it declares its detestation of war.

WOUNDED ANZACS. VISITED BY GENERAL BIRD WOOD. Received April 24, 7.55 p.m. London, April 23. General Birdwood visited the Harefield Hospital and inspected the wards. He shook hands with every patient, and renewed recollections of Gallipoli. He made personal inquiries of the men as to the nature of their wounds, and whether they would be able to return to the front. He spoke cheering words to the 2011 patients who remain in the hospital. The medical men pointed out that there had not been a single death from operations, some of which were exceptionally severe. General TJirdwood was delighted with the arrangements, hut was struck most by the wonderful cheerfulness of all the patients. He said: "Everybody knows my opinion of the Anza**. Md I need ! not say any more.*'