MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

POST-WAR TRADE. DEMAND rOK DOMINION .MEMBER*. ON THE NEW COMMITTEE. London, July 2:1. Considerable snrpri--o is expressed in coionia] circles that they have no rcpro "dilation on Mr. A-qiiith's po>t-war trade committee, li is understood Hint tho Government's attitude is that the committee will confine itself to the considerations of Home all'airs and not deal with Dominion trade relations, except briefly, as u preliminary to the post-war Imperial Conference, mi which the Dominions will be represented. It is pointed out that the committee's order or reference promised consideration of the development of Empire resources and inter-Imperial understandings, upon which Mr. Hughes particularly insisted while in England. It is believed the omission would be quickly remedied by the Dominions urging the desirability of participating in all Empire commitments henceforth. CLUBS FOR NEW ZEALANDERS. WELL ORGANISED SCHEME. TROUBLE OVER WALTON HOSPITAL. London. Julv 2". A \*e\v Zealand Soldiers' Club will be opened in Russell Square on August 1. The "War Contingent Association realised the urgency of establishing social headquarters now the New Zcalandcvs are in France, and a sub-committee was entrusted with, the task of carrying out the project. The sub-commit lee was given entire control, the association providing funds.. The sub-conimitlee themselves provided £SOO. By arrangement •with the War Office they obtained three mansions, a corner the use of gardens in the square. 'The military approved the scheme for providing the men with home-like surroundings without military restrictions. The club is within a few minutes' walk of tho Record Ollices and War Contingent Rooms in Southampton Row. The association aimed at attracting the Xcw Zealanders to a good neighborhood, so as to avoid their loitering in the slums, The War Contingent Association arranged for their reception and provided comfortable accommodation for 200, and directed others to approved boarding-houses in the vicinity. The association acted as irti.' information bureau anil arranged outings. Tho stall' are entirely Xew Zealanders, whose jvmpathetie supervision has resulted in the Xew Zealanders making an excellent impression. The association's arrangement-'- enable it to deal with any number arriving. The club will be selfsupporting and established entirely by means of funds publicly subscribed, and with business-like management will be a complete success. It, is'expected there will be considerable dissatisfaction regarding the militarv assumption of the control of the Walton Hospital, which the War Conliiigciitcr A-oriat ion e-tublished and managed with conspicuous success. The military, upon the ground that the troops weir pampered, recently exi-icUcd pressure, resulting in the association's executive, under protest, handing over the hospital forthwith. Probably a meeting- of the association will be called to consider the position, with a view of making representations to the people of the Dominions. BRITISH'PRISONERS IX GERMANY. London, July 23. The. British prisoners in jermany total •20.071. ' Viscount Grey, acknowledging American reports of the conditions in the German working camps for British prisoners, draws attention to the fact that the work in several camps resembled war work, also to the case of Private Eddiugton, who was struck with a rifle in order to compel him to work while sick. The hours of work in most cases were twelve per day, and in one camp thirteen. Viscount Grey comments that the hours are excessive for indoor work. LIVE. CONSULS WANTED. London, July 23. The manufacturing districts are making special efforts to impress the Government as to the need for a drastic change in the consular service after the war. Chambers of Commerce are assi.-ting the movement, WEARING DOWN THE ENEMY. Received July 24, 10 p.m. London, July 24. The overseas Parliamentarians have returned from their, visit to General Birdwood's headquarters, with the firm impression that the Allies are gradually, but surely, wearing down the Germans. PETROL RESTRICTIONS, London, July 2-1. Tne Government restrictions upon petrol will operate on August 1. Taxicab owners and drivers have protested, insisting on receiving & minimum of three gallons daily, '■OUR TOM" IN THE LIMELIGHT. Received July 2-1, W p.m. London, July 21. The Dardanelles Committee will consist of five members. There, is a strong desire that Sir Thomas, Mackenzie, who is fearless and notoriously intolerant of incapacity wherever exhibited, should represent New Zealand. DECORATIONS FOR 'DISCHARGED OFFICERS. Renter Service Received July 2~>. S p.m. London, July 24. The King has approved the issue of a. silver badge to officers and men of the British and overseas military and naval forces who have served at home or abroad in the present war and have relinquished their commissions or have been discharged on account of age, wounds, or sickness. Members of the medical staffs- and nurses are included.. A SPECIAL MILITARY AREA. Received July 24, 8 p.m. 'London, July 11. Scotland, northward from the line of the Ochils to Inverness, inclusive, has been declared a, special military a>-ea. Visitors are net allowed