MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

MINISTER FOR WAR. LOLYD GEORGE ABPOIXTED, Received July ], G. 15 p.m. London, July 1. The Daily Chronicle definitely announces that Mr. Lloyd George 'lias been appointed War Minister in succession to the late Lord Kitchener. There is a perfect understanding between Mr. Lloyd George and the General A ,ioiv Minister of Munitions is to be appointed.

LABOR CONGRESS. STATE-OWNED SHIPS URGED. EFFECT OF MILITARY SERVICE ACT. London, June 30. Six hundred delegates, representing three million unionists, Mr. Gosling presiding, discussed the dearness of food and fuel, and resolved by 1,510,00(1 to ],- 2(i!),000 in favor of Government ownership of all merchant shipping, ft was also resolved that buyers and sellers holding up stocks of food and fuel should be illegal and subject to heavy penalties, also demanding an increase of 50 per cent, in old-age pensions during the period of high prices. The congress also passed resolutions to the effect that the Military Service Act was being used for industrial conscription, and calling upon the fiovernment to deal with this grave menace to industrial labor. An amendment pledging the congress to endeavor to secure the repeal of the Act was negatived bv a three-fold majority. Other resolutions asked lot fhe imposition of a war tax on personal wealth and requested the Government to instruct the military authorities not to send anyone under' twenty to the front. AFTER-WAR TRADE. HELPING BRITISH FIRMS. Received July 1, 5.5 p.m. London, June 30. The Board of Trade has appointed a committee, under the chairmanship of Lord Faringdon. to consider how to meet the needs of British linns after the war regarding financial facilities for trade, particularly with reference to financing large overseas contracts. PROPOSED DAY OF PRAYER. TIME INAPPROPRIATE Received July ", 5.5 p.m, London, July 1 Mr. Asqnith has declined the churches' request to proclaim August -I a prayer day, as it would interfere with the production of munitions. A KITCHENER LETTER SOLD. Received July ?, 5.5 p.m. London. June. 30. The original Kitchener's letter, calling for three hundred thousand recruits, has been sold for XWX in aid of the Red Cross Fund. The purchaser will present the letter to the nation. EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. London, June 30. Mr. Selheim. accompanied by Mr Fairbrain, a Red Cross officer, is proceeding to Switzerland to arrange for the release of interned Australians and negotiate a basis for the ewhange of prisoners. KITCHENER'S LF.GACIES. London, June 30. Lord Kitchener's estate is valued for probate ;u £171.421. He bequeathed £2OO fo several officers of his staff, including General Birdwood and Colonel Fitzgerald, his secretary, £20,000 to his nephew, H. P. Kitchener, and the residue to Commander H. F. Kitchener. He beqi cathed to Colonel Fitzgerald, who perished with him, all liis East African estates. OVERSEAS PARLIAMENTARIANS, London, -Time 3C. The South African members of Parliament have arrived, the New Zealanders will arrive to-morrow, and the Australians in the middle of the week. Entertainments are being arranged, including dinners at the House of Commons and Mansion House, also a High Commissioners' dinner before the party begin its tours.