MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

A MARVEL OF HISTORY. THE UNITY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. A STRIKING TRIBUTIJ. Received July 5, 10 p.m. London. .July 5. The Hon. J. \\. Lowtlier, Speaker of tlie House of Commons, presided at the luncheon to the Overseas' members of Parliament in Jlr. Ilarcourt's rooms, at the House of Commons. New Zealand, Canadian and South African delegates were present. Tile Hon. A. Balfour proposed the health of the visitors. lYevei had they received the dominionites at a more interesting or impressive moment. They had not come to be merely spectators in the great drama, but were themselves taking an essential mid all-important share. Englishmen frequently >ndeavored to analyse the bonds of Empire as a political'organisation, which was unparalleled in the world's history, lie had wondered whether the bonds of common sympathies and ideals would stand the strain of a world catastrophe, the stress of which might well have detroyed a more closely knit organisation. We know how they had stood the test, which would prove one of the marvels of history. There was 110 greater triumph of our race. German philosophers declared that the army keeps Germany together. In quite a different sense the British Army today was one body of Empire troops— Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand—lighting with a single heart and common purpose, united in the same magnificent and glorious deeds, baring the joint heritage of heroinm. Jlr. Balfour continued: "I am not troubling myself about the future constitution of the Empire. I am confident about the solution of the problem, because we are bound together essentially and fundamentally and share common ideals of liberty and good government. We are determined Jiat our unity shall not be broken. It is wnat we demand for ourselve- m..l what we are endeavoring to presi i. e ii" other nations, and it is our rosoiu! i> m bring the war to a -iiecevsTiii tencliiMOii." A GOOD SIGN. FALL IX PRICE OF SPELTER. Received July 5, 6.55 p.m. London, July 4. The increased production and restriction on general consumption are,causing a fall in the price of spelter. The 3overnment recently bought 3006 tons in America for June, July and August shipment. Further purchases this year are unlikely. This and the improved freight conditions are expected to cause a further decline in stock. LAND FOR SOLDIERS. ENGLAND SHOULD PROVIDE THEM WITH IT. Received July 5, 0 p.m. London July 4. In the House of Lords the Small Hold ing Colonies Bill was read a third time. Lord Selborne said that General Sir Douglas Haig had questioned every man tf several divisions in France whether he contemplated settling on the land after the war, and the number of definite assents was far larger than was anticipated. It was all very well to tell soldkrs they could go to Australia. New Zealand and Canada, but their own country ought to provide ex-soldiers with the land they lielped to save. TREATMENT OF BRITISH PRISONERS. REPRISALS BEING CONSIDERED. Received July o, 10 p.m. London, July u, In the House of Commons, Sir Edward Grey stated that in .'iew of the fact that Germany had not replied to the British Note regarding the treatment of British prisoners at the Kuhlcben Camp, the Government mere considering the position of German prisoners in Britain. UNDER-SECRETARY FOR WAR. London, July 4. In the House of Lords Lord Sandhurst hinted at Lord Derby as the future Secretary for War. Received July 4, f1.5 p.m. London, July 4, Renter states that Lord Derby has been appointed Under-Secretary for War. ■LINCOLN'S TRIAI* London, July 4. Evidence against Lincoln was confined to two forgery eases. Prisoner made a passionate attack on the Admiralty for persecuting him as a political offender. Pieeeived July o. 6.5,1 in. London, July 4. Lincoln, ex-M.P. was sentenced to three years' penal servitude. DANGERS OF AVIATORS. Giving evidence before the Air Committee General Henderson stated that machines had been hit during the war at a height ot twelve to fourteen thou sand feet. Shells had burst to fifteen thousand feet, hitting aviators but not bringing them down. THE WOOL CLIP. The Government's decision to commander the English wool clip has a more far-reaching object that the safe-giiaid-ing of British and Allied military requirements. It is part of a wider scheme assuring an adequate supply for home industries after the war, and it is hoped that the Dominions will limit, temporary at least, their exports to neutral countries, especially as the entire English clip -will be required in the coming year's needs.