BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

LORD KITCHENER. MR ASQUITH'S STRIKING TRIBUTE London, June 21. In the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith moved the erection of a monument to Lord Kitchener at the publio expense, with an inscription expressing the admiration of the House of Comn.ons for his illustrious career and gratitude for his services.

He said that the House, before adjourning on June 1, had given Lord Kitchener a strong expression of confidence. Next day, Lord Kitchener had met many members of the House, including some persistent and apparently irreconcilable critics, with the result thatlhev parted on terms of complete understanding. In his last interview with Mr. Asquith, Lord Kitchener had expressed his pleasure at the result of his minting with members of Parliament, and said he hoped it was the first step in increased confidence and sympathy. There was no thought on either side that the parting was more than temporary, but Providance in its wisdom had prepared a sudden release for Lord Kitchener from his burden of care and toil. Those remaining, especially those who shared hia counsel in the greatest emergency of our time, bowed their heads before the Supreme will, with Whom were the issues of life and death.

Mr. Asquith paid a tribute to Lord Kitchener's shares in the emancipation and later in the administration of Egypt, his laying of the foundation of the pacification of South Africa, and his reorganisation of the Indian army and the Imperial forces. Since the war he bad brought to the task all his energy, resourcefulness, and masterful personality. His career had been cut short in Its full tide, not when he had exhausted his powers and possibilities. No one was less fitted than himself to analyse Lord Kitchener's faculties and appraise his services to the State. He could only say that he had known few men who lias less reason to shrjnk from submitting their lives to God's judgment. Eeceived June 22, 6.5 p.m.

London, June 22,

Mr. Bonar Law said that Lord Kitchener's strength lay less in mental processes than in sound instinct; he never had a doubt of an ultimate victory.

Mr. O. J. Wardle supported the motion, and said that Lord Kitchener was known as an absolutely straight man.

Sir G. H. Reid considered that there must be a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Australia owed Lord Kitchener a boon for his sound military system. The motion was assented to. GRADUATED TAX. AN EXTRA DUTY ON PETROL. Received June 22, 0.20 p.m. London, June 22. The House of Commons has adopted a graduated tax on unearned incomes—--3s on incomes not exceeding £SOO, with an additional sixpence for every additional £SOO, and 5s above £2OOO.

Hon. E. S. Montagu announced that an additional duty of sixpence per gallon would be imposed upon petrol, which would be obtainable under permit.

TRADE CONFERENCE. ' AT MANSION HOUSE. Received June 22, 9.20 p.m. London, June 22. The Lord Mayor presided at a Mansion House conference of five hundred of the most prominent business men in Ttjitnin, representative of all branches of trade and industry. They had a cordial reception. Speeches made by Mr. W. M. Hughes and Sir G. E. Foster (Canadian Minister of Trade) afforded indications that the leading trade circles will give earnest support to the fulfilment of the recommendations of the iPiu'is Conference.

Mr. Hughes denounced pro-German firms in Britain acting as caretakers of Germany's interests and hopefully awaiting the resumption of friendly relations. "We must," he said, ''slam the door on those hopes." Sir G. E. Foster emphasised the fact that Canadians were single-minded in the matter of supporting the policy. The resources of the Empire must be reserved, primarily for our own people and for posterity. , D.C.M.'Sw, FOR NEW ZEALANDERS. London, June 21. The Gazette describes the acts for which Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded to New Zealanders on June 2. Cardno.—For gallantry and good work when attached to an battalion in France, good work bomb throwing, and in training bomb throwers. Henderson. —For consistent good work when in charge of a machine-gun section. Jenkins.—For a considerable period he performed the duties of an officer, and his ability and application of common sense proved equal to all emergencies. Little.—He made frequent night reconnaissances to ascertain the effect of lis bombs, and to discover the targets. Moor.—He did consistent good work and showed devotion to duty. Rhind— Was in charge of scouts and snipers and also went alone on c.jrisky enterprise and accounted for several of the enemy. There was a long list of other records of splendid achievements and unsurpassed courage.

V.C.'s. A DEVOTED INDIAN. Received June 23, 9.10 p.m. London, June 23. Victoria crosses have been awarded to:— Captain John Linton, of the Indian Medical Corps, who persisted in his duties, under a heavy fire, though he was shot in the arms and side. To Sepoy Chatta Singh, of the Ninth Bhopals, for assisting his wounded and helpless commanding officer. He dressed his wounds, dug a cover (under heavy fire), and remained for five houre shielding his officer's body, and brought tki) fflgjper.to aa&tei