THE DELIVERANCE OF BELGIUM.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1916, Page 5

THE DELIVERANCE OF BELGIUM.

MUST COME SOON. SPEECH BY MR. ASQUITH. « Received July 22, 8.5 p m. London. July 22. Speaking at a banquet in celebration ff Belgian independence, at the Albert Hall, Mr. Asquith said he wished to bring to the knowledge nf the civilised vorhl Germany's new decree against Belgian workmen, the object of which ivas to requisition Belgian tabor for German military purposes. That was the tlitnax of a policy which had already heen unsuccessfully resorted to, of starvation and deportation. Belgium was going through one of those ordeals which proved the stud' whereof nations were made. Britain was taking note and would not. forget her. Turning to the Belgian Minister, Mr. isquilh concluded: ''Tell your compatriots that (heir example bus inspired and stimulated the Allifd nations and irmies. Tell them that, when finally the hour of deliverance comes—and come It must ere long—Britain will he proud uf the ennobling memory that it shared in restoring to them tiicii freedom and independence, to which no nation in the history of the world has shown itself more indisputably entitled.'' (Loud cheers.) ' \ AFTER-WAR TRADE. Received Jcly 22, 5.5 p.m. London, July 21. In the House of Commons, Mr. Macmaster has given notice to ask Mr. Asquith why the Dominions had not been represented on the committee appointed by the Paris Conference to report on nfter the war conditions. He suggested *ihat the omission should be remedied. WESLEYANS URGE TOTAL PROHIBITION. Received July 23,- 5.10 p.m. London, July 22. The Wesleyan Conference passed a resolution urging the Government to enforce total prohibition during the remainder of the war and for six months thereafter. .... .... :» ~ "~; • .— == GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN COMMISSION OF INQUIRY '"'''_ Received July 22, G p.m. London, July 21. There is much speculation over the "election of an Australasian representative in connection with the Dardanelles enquiry. It i s expected the personnel ivill be announced on Monday, when the Hill will be introduced. The committee begins its investigations without delay. It is understood that the Dominion Governments have been asked to appoint nominees. Although Mr. Asquith mentioned only Australia it is presumed New Zealand will also be represented. It is generally considered that the impending inquiry 'will not suffice, because most of tiie senior Anzac officers are absent in service in the new campaign. Australasia will wish a closer inquiry than large questions of policy and expediency. SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF COAL OUTPUT. Times Service. London, Jul" °* The Admiralty infe'-^. t<l me South Wales miners that the coal output of the United Kingdom has fallen 35,1)00,000 tons since the war, whereas the national and Allied demands necessitated

20,000,000 more tons than before the war.