BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

CONFIDENCE CROWING. COLONEL REPINGTON OPTIMISTIC. THE POSITION' REVIEWED. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received June 21, 0 p.m. London, June 20.

Colonel Hepington, writing from the north of France, says there is no doubt that a feeling of confidence in the 1010 campaign increasingly prevails amongst those in best-informed circles. "Wo are," he states, continually growing in numbers both of men and guns, and there h a better preparation for the next effort. The French are justly proud of their feat in holding the Germans in an unfavorable position on the Meuse, thereby giving the Allies time to complete their preparations, whilst the Russian successes have put more than half the Austrian eastern armies aside for a considerable time. Moreover, the blockade, which is increasing the strain, will bring Germany to her senses and make her understand, what past enemies have learnt, what it costs to incur England's hostility. The arrest of the Austrian offensive and the resuscitation of the Serbian army ar,e causes that give real satisfaction. Only one Austrian division, it. is believed, remains intact as a reserve, while General Cadorna has collected adequate masses for his counter-attack, which is beginning under most hopeful auspices. There is no sign of new formations from the interior of Germany, but there are indirect proofs which show that the creation of new units will be most difficult. The French have recently captured many youths of the 1317 class, lads of 18 with only three months' training, showing that the good reserves are running short, and Germany has called the 1018 class to the depot's. There is evidence that General Hindenburg has been drained of men for supplies for Verdun. Germany is compelling prisoners to work in munition factories, and is indenturing the male population of Poland in order to free men for the field. We eRn confidently say that conditions are favorable to us, but it remains for generalship and hard fighting to seize all the that offer.

ECONOMIC DEFENCE. "A REVOLUTION." Received June 21, 10.20 p.m. London, June 21. The Daily Telegraphy in an article on economic defence against Germany, says that the mobilisation of Britain's resources involves the complete remodelling of reciprocal relations between the Motherland and the Colonies, on a political and economic basis. Mr. Hushes lias voiced this subject. What he'has in view is nothing less than a revolution, but it is a revolution in British style, imposed by the present circumstances. Once the British Empire is consolidated the problem of European co-partnership will be simplified. ' LORD KITCHENER. SYMPATHETIC MESSAGES FROM ~, FOREIGN .PRESS. London, June 20. In the House of Commons the Speaker announced the receipt of resolutions of sympathy at the death of Lord Kitchener from the Russian, French, and Greek Parliaments. Mr. Asquith gave notice to move a a resolution on Wednesday for a monument to Lord Kitchener. GERMANY AS A PRIZE-FIGHTER, STAGGERING. Johannesburg, June 20. Sir Abe Bailey, in a speech at Krug'ersdorp, said that before leaving England he asked Lord Kitchener how' things were going. Lord Kitchener replied that Germany was in a much more serious position than people thought, especially in the interior. "They remind me," he said, "of a prize-fighter staggering and dazed. If our army gets what it wants it will give them a knock-out blow." STRIKING TRIBUTES.

IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. Received June 21, 5.5 p.m. ' London, June 20. In the House of Lords, Lord Lanslowne, Viscount French, and Lord Derby paid eloquent tributes to Lord Kitchener, riie building was crowded. Lord Lansdowne said tiiat Lord Kitch:ner was a firm believer in voluntaryism, but he had abandoned it recently when it was made clear that voluntary:sm would not suffice to supply the national needs. It was difficult to connive a more impressive ending to such l great and noble career. Viscount French said that Lord Kitchener had never spared an effort to supply hi? demands. He .(Viscount French) had not always seen eye to eye with Lord Kitchener, but their divergencies had not interfered with national interests. Viscount French added: "When I had reason to believe that I was selected as Chief-i»-Conimand in France, I went to Lord Kitchener and urged him to see Mr Asquitli and tr.v to get the post, I accompanying him as Chief, of Staff; but this was vain, although Lord Kitchener had no idea of becoming War Minister." Lord Derby said that Lord Kitchener was said to be harsh, taciturn, and stern, but there was never a worse estimate of his character. Kitchener was shy, and always diffident about himself. A few days before lie started for Russia, he said: "1 feel that there is something more I ought to do for my country. 1 feel that I am leaving much undone." He went off. like a schoolboy for a holiday. Lord kitchener left the whole machine in working order, and it only required a skilled engineer to keep the work going. Britain had always paid heavy toll to the seas, but never a heavier one than when Lord Kitchener, coffined ii: i British warship, passed to ;the Great Beyond.