MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

ORGANISING THE NATION'S POWER MINISTERIAL CAMPAIGN STARTED. MR. HENDERSON'S FORCEFUL APPEAI TO MISET GERMANY'S CHALLENGE. Received Deo. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Dee. 2. Tlif- Right Hon. A. Henderson, speaking at Northampton, inaugurated the Ministers' public speeches. He said:— We am confronted with the possibility of a long and severe struggle, causing ' unparalleled suffering and sacrifice! There had been unofficial overtures for peace, but the terms were utterly unacceptable to the Allies, and there was not a shred of evidence that Germany was prepared to accept terms whereon a lasting peace could be built. Wc had made great strides in organising for war requirements, and the effort 'would reach its maximum next summer, but \ve had not done enough. It was our 1 imperative and immediate duty, if we want to win, to organise as never before. We must accept Germany's challenge, and place our entire manhood and womanhood at the nation's service, and that, can only bo accomplished smoothly with the co-operation of organised labor, which, he trusted, would be forthcoming. RE-ORGANISATION OF ARMY COUNCIL RECONSTRUCTION OF WAR COMMITTEE. MINISTERS RELIEVED OF 'ROUTINE WORK. Received Dee. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 2. The Daily Chronicle says that a reorganisation of the War Council is contemplated. It wiil probably consist of Messrs. Asquith, Lloyd George, Balfour, Bonar Law, and Sir E. Carson. The paper 'adds that the rumor of a drastic reconstruction of the Cabinet is un- i founded, but that a reconstruction of the Cabinet's War Committee is likely, : with a. reduced membership and much increased authority, but the initiation o!' a new policy is to remain with Cabinet. Early developments are likely on those lines. Sir E. Carson is ex- ; peeted to rejoin the. Cabinet, without a s portfolio, being thiu enabled to devote 1 the whole of his attention to war matters. Mr. will be ev-oflicio chairman, and Mr. Lloyd George deputyc.hairman. It is desirable to relieve ' both these Ministers of- as milch de- ' partmental labor >as possible, by the appointment of experienced officials. Admiral Jeliicoe and General Robertson would naturally attend all the meetings. It lias been suggested that Lord Fisher Should join the War Council, but there was not unanimity with regard to the proposal. Anyhow, it is doubtful if lie would accept, because he recently declined to return to the Admiralty in an advisory capacity. The article concludes: ''The fact that no decision has been readied, and the tardiness of the Government's attitude . on several great questions of policy, , are due largely to Ministers being in a state of mental fatigue from over- ! work and anxiety. J, THE CABINET CRISIS. MR. A.SQUITH VISITS THE KING. UNIFIED CONTROL FAVORED PRESS COMMENTS. Received Dec. 3, 11.15 p.m. j London, Dec. 3. The Cabinet crisis is engrossing atten- ; iion. Mr. Asquith had a long audi- ■ ence with the King, bub afterwards proceeded to spend the week-end in the . country. ' . The Evening Standard states that ] within the Cabinet there is a strong sec- • tion which favors unified control by a smaller number of Ministers with plenary powers. It is probable that the break-up of the Government will be averted by placing the war control in the hands of a reconstructed War Council. Mr. Lloyd George has long been dissatisfied with the dilatoriness of the Cabinet on war matters. It is understood that Mr. Bonar Law heartily sup-

ports liiin. Tlio Manchester Guardian declares Unit the House of Common? is in the mood to create a new Ministry. The course of events is dependent on Mr. Lloyd Clcorjre, who, immediately or subsequently, must heoorne the head of the Government. Meanwhile Mr. Bonar Law mav become a transition Premier. The Westminster Gazette says that it is a pure fiction to suggest that a larpe section of the House of Commons desires a «"hanjio of Government. Mr. Ast|uith has a unique hold over the House of Commons. RESTRICTING EXEMPTIONS. ALL THE MAN POWER NEEDED.

Received Dee. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Pec. 2. The Local Government Board Ims circularised the military tribunals to tin' effect that the Government lias decided that every man under twenty-six is more valuable to tlic forces than in civil employment, therefore lie must must not be exempted unless engaged on work nf essential national importance. This policy momentarily does not apply to agriculture, which is beinjj specially con-side-red. The circular adds that the demand for eligible men above twenty-six years of aii'c is so great that exemption is not justified unless oil the strongest grounds. HEAP OF ORjJNA.YCK DEPARTMENT. Received Dee. 3, 0.5 p.m. London, Dec. 2. Official; Major-General Fursc succeeds Major-General von Donop *" General of Ordnance.

I MR. LLOYD GEORGE RESIGNS.

HIS SEASONS FORECASTED. '4 RESENTMENT AT GOVERNMENT'S DELAYS. RUMORED ELEVATION OP PREMIER TO PEERAGE. Received Dec. 4, 12.30 a.m. London, Doe. .1, Reynolds' Newspaper says tlmt Mr. Lloyd George lias arrived at the definite conclusion that the methods, dilatoriness, indecision, and delay characterising the action of the present War Council endanger the prospects of winning the war. He demanded a smaller Council, empowered to make prompt and binding decisions. It is believed that Mr. Asquith declined to accept that view, hence Mr. Lloyd Geoi%e had no alternative but resignation, which was tendered, but was delayed until to-day, at the instance of several of his colleagues, who are endeavoring, with little prospect of success, to prevent the final step being taken. The reasons given by Mr. Lloyd George for his resignation will probably be published tc-night. His failure to induce the Government to move in time to prevent a tragic reverse in Roumania was doubtless the final factor operating en Mr. Lloyd George's minnd. Reynolds' Newspaper adds that Mr. Lloyd George is resigning to-day. The Evening News says that it is rumored that Mr. Lloyd George is busy packing, with a view to vacating the Ministry and the War Council. It is also reported that Mr. Asquith is resign ing, and becoming a member of the House of Lords. THE NAVY FETTERED. GREATER ENERGY DESIRED. Reuter Service, i Received Dee. 2, 8.30 p.m. London, Dec. 1. At a City meeting Lord Beresford said the navy was never better, but was fettered by the Government, which had taker, 110 apparent steps to grapple with the submarine menace to our food supplies. He urged that the. hornets' nest at Zeebrugge should be smashed np. The present naval policy was defence, instead of offence. The changes at the Admiralty would not make any difference as long as the administration was unchanged. Lord Bcre:'fcrd, continuing, said the Germans were going to send submarines to the Pacific and other trade routes. It was a crime to allow merchantmen to go to Eea unauned. We ought to have a thousand aeroplanes over Zeebrngge day and night with instructions to pulverise the place. A resolution was carried demanding a more effective blockade of the Germans and more efficient steps for dealing with the submarine menace. FINAL VICTORY NOT SOON. GREATER SACRIFICES REQUIRED. Received Dee. 2, 8 p.ir. London, Dec. 2. Mr. Montague, speaking at the Guildhall, said final victory may not be soon. We must be prepared for every man and woman to take a part in the struggle. Sacrifices had been made, but greater sacrifices will be asked for, and asked soon. INCREASE FOR MINERS. INDUSTRIAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH London, Dec. 2. The Government Jias granted the Welsh miners a 15 per cent, advanco. The Government is establishing a separate Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and is placing a large sum at the disposal of the Department u> assist research work for the benefit of national industries on a co-operative basis. Earl Crewe explains that systematic research on a large scale was most important for post-war conditions. It was also proposed to improve and develop technical education.