MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

I | THE WAR MINISTRY. j LLOYD GEORGE PREMIER. PROPOSED LABOR MEMBERS. London, Dec. 7. Mr. Lloyd George has accepted the Premiership. Mr. Bonar Law suggested that Mr. Asqnith should become Lord Chancellor with an earldom if he joined the Cabinet. Mr. Asqnith defined when other Liberals refused to co-operate. It is understood that Mr. Henderson is willing to join Mr, LV.yd George i? the Labor Party approves. The Daily News 4vs /that Mr. Asquith denies the charges of vacillation during the negotiations with Mr. Lloyd George, as the NorthclifTe newspapers alleged. Mr. Asquith will take an early opportunity of correcting the statements. Tt is believed that Mr. Lloyd George offered Mr. Henderson a seat ie. a small inner Cabinet, with three Labor members in subordinate positions. The feeling of the Labor Conference, while favoring Mr. Asquith's leadership, made it perfectly clear that they were prepared to serve any Premier who would vigorously prosecute the war. Subsequently Messrs. Henderson, Ramsay Mac Donald, O'Grady, Snowden, and ThcTrne, representing the conference, conferred at length with Mr. Lloyd George. THE PREMIER'S SINGLE PLANK. VICTORIOUS CONCLUSION OF WAR. UTMOST NATIONAL ENERGY DEMANDED. IMPORTANCE OF LABOR MINISTER. STATE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIES. CONTROL OF FOOD PRICES Received Dec. 8, i 0 p.m. v London, Dee. 8. Mr. Lloyd George spent a very busy day over the Cabinet, making good progress. The most important achievement was the understanding reached with the Labor Party. All sections of Labor were represented at the conference, which, by a majority, finally decided to take par* in the Government, Mr. Henderson being a member of the War Committee, without portfolio, to enable him to devote his whole energy to the prosecution of the war. Mr. Lloyd George informed the conference that the single plank of bis political platform was the vigorous prosecution nf the war to a victorious conclusion. He recognised that a serious task lay before the country and that it could only be accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of the nation. It was admitted fully, by Labor as well as by other "classes of the community, that every prospect of success depended upon the increased output of munitions, hence tremendous responsibilities were thrown upon Labor. These responsibilities made it only equitable that Labor should have some say in the direction of affairs, and the Government would contain a real Labor Minister presiding over a new Labor Department, which would take over the whole Labor work of the Board of Trade. Labor members searehingly crossexamined Mr. Lloyd George, and were gratified to learn that his policy practically amounts to State control of all industries and means of transport by land and sea, in order that manpower may be directed in the best channels. Every effort will be made to increase home-grown food; fanners will be provided with the most modern machinery and food prices will be rigorously contiolled. LABOR SUPPORTS LLOYD GEORGE. SETTLEMENT OF IRISH QUESTION URGED. I VIGOROUS PROSECUTION OF WAR DEMANDED. Received Dec. 8, 0.50 p.m. London, Dec. 7, The Labor Party discussed Mr. Lloyd George's proposals. It is officially announced that it has been decided to participate in the new Government. It is understood that Mr. Henderson and Mr. Barnes will enter the Cabinet. The Party adopted a resolution hoping that the Government will endeavor to settle the Irish question, with a view to the fullest exeroise of the nation's and the Empire's forces. Good progress is reported with the construction of the Government. The names are not expected till Friday. Messrt Henderson, Bruce, Wardle, Barnes and Hodge are the most likely to be the Labor selections. Thirty members of the Liberal war group met in the House of Commons and passed a resolution as to the paramount importance of the formation of a Govern., ment without delay for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and pledged their active support to Mr. Lloyd George to that end. Mr. Asqnith will address the Liberal Party on Friday and explain the circumstances regarding his resignation. The Evening Standard stales that the Labor leaders have consented to participate in the Government on condition that the Government immediately and extensively controls mines, shipping and land. LABOR REPRESENTATION Received Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 7. 1 The Central News states that Mr. Llcyd George offered two Labor seats in ] , the Cabinet and on the War Courrv'. alu ] I i three under-Becretaryshipg, I

CONSCRIPTION OF LABOR AND] WEALTH. STATE: MI. XT EV (PREMIER. Received Dec 9, 1/i) a.m. London, Dec. S. The Labor members -have pressed Mr. Lloyd George particularly regarding tlie conscription of labor and wealth/ Thy Prime Minister intimated that, as regards the first, his policy would be in the direction of regulating the work of the whole manhood of the country, so that no class could complain of horns unfairly treated. Regarding- flic conscription of wealth, lie foreshadowed a scheme for controlling investments and savings, on the lines now existing' in the ca«e of certain classes of American .securities. The plan realised that all the wealth of the country was at the Government's disposal, Thenwould also be a large extension of the war profits tax. All profits would be calculated on the average of three years prior to the war, and all profits in excess of this amount would go to the State. KAISER'S PREDICTION HOSTILITY OF GERMAN PBESS. Deceived Dec 8, 10.55 p.m. London, Dee. S. A correspondent recounts that, in an interview a decade ago, the Kaiser was asked his opinion of Mr. Lloyd George, the Kaiser saying that he' would be Premier within ten years. The German press has significantly changed its tone of complacency which it adopted when Mr. Lloyd (icorge resigned, and has now replaced it with mingled hostility and apprehension, denouncing hiin as a Cabinet breaker and secret intriguer, and warning the German people that his accession to power means that the war enters upon a new phase, and postpones indefinitely all peace prospects. United, Service. Deceived Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. Rome, Dee. 7. The Giornale d'ltalia states that Mr. Asquith's Cabinet lacked firmness, decision and initiative, and was indirectly responsible for the Greek muddle and the Roumanian disaster. LABOR REQUIREV i:XT3. London, Dec. 7. The Nat'ona'; Labor Council rasscd a resolution, calling on the Government In purchase all imported essential foodstuffs, commandeer or control home products and ships, and ]>hie? the food on tlhe retail markets at prices I benefiting the consumer. The Hou;e of Commons met and nuj mediately .v.ljourned tili Iheember 12 WAR COUNCIL ESSENTIALS. London, Dec. ,' Lord Sydm'.iam, in an inurv-w, said it was 'm'H-:.H l .v. that the War Council should coirist of not more than five member?., who should he spaitJ the pi-e-oecii'/.ttl)!! of managing large department?. At least two ought to have made a study of war on land and sea, and one man with targe and practical business experience was essential. The Prime Ministei should be chairman, otherwise a -.onflict betivceii the War Council and Cabinet was certain. The fifth member ought to be a man of great political experience and statesmanlike character! J We have been attempting to pit amateurs against professional-, with the inevitable results that if we repeat our grave mistakes the remaining chance of success will be lost. Lord Nunburnholme (a ship-owner connected with the Wilson Line), in a ietter to the newspapers, says the country requires an executive, ■consisting of the best soldiers, sailors, and business men, for example:--Admiral .Tellicoe, General Robertson, Lord Dovonport, Sir Owen Philipps, and two good Labor men, who would ice to the following points.— 1. That there are sufficient 'heavy batteries utterly to destroy all the German artillery, and save the present heavj losses of infantry. , 2. To blockade the whole of Europe, including the neutrals, and thus cause an effective blockade. 3. To secure that -sufficient heavy guns be immediately produced, so that merchantmen may be able to sink submarines. 4. To compel the immediate construction of at least a thousand standardised merchant ships additional to those already building, in order to secure an adequate food .supply and raw materials for munitions for Britain and her allies. FOREIGN VIEWS. Amsterdam, Dec. 7. The Handelsblad says that Mr. Asqtiiths' resignation begins a new era. It is evident that with the sharpening of the blockade neutrals' troubles will be increased. The Kolnische Yolkzcitung, discussing Mr. Asquith's resignation' remarks that if the strong man of England lias now come into power, this will only please us, for we hope the decision will come all the earlier. Paris, Dec. 7. M. Clemenceau says that if Mr. Lloyd George was excluded from the British Cabinet, it would be worse than i the loss of a battle. , ; DEARER PAPERS. i London Doc. ". Beginning in February, the prices for the illustrated monthly magazines will be increased a penny. SUCCESS 01? JAPAN'S J.OAN. London, Dec. 7. Reuter is informed that the British loan in Japan was fully subscribed, and the lists closed on the oth; instead of the 12th. CAPTAIN HALSEVS PROMOTION. London, December 7. Sir Joseph Ward foas telegraphed to Captain Halsey his congratulations upon his promotion. INCREASING THE FOOD SUPPLY. DRASTIC POWERS. London, December 0. With a view to increasing the food supply an Order-in-Council" empowers the Board of Agriculture to occupy unoccupied land without consent, and other land by consent for cultivation, j Compensation is provided in certain cases,

j NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN. 'HIE QUEEN CEASES PATRONAGE i Received. Dee. 8, f'.SO p.m. London, Dec. 7. The Queen has resigned the cilice o! Patroness of the National Council of Women. Her interest, therein is undiminished, but she abstains from any interference in public mutters. The Council has enlarged its scope, and is considering liquor prohibition and the extension of the franchise. MEATLESS DAYS. TRADE RETURNS. Received Dec. 8, 5.3 p.m. London, Dec. 7. The King and the Royal household have had two meatless days weekly for some time past. Compared with the previous November, imports for last month increased by £17,300,232, and exports £0,810,088, whilst re-exports decreased by £1,175,923. OUR SAILORS' DEPENDENTS. MRS. LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL. Received Dec. 8, f1.30 p.m. London, Dec. 8. Mrs. Lloyd George is making appeal.? .on behalf of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, which is entrusted with the welfare of the aged mothers, widows, and orphans of our heroic seamen. A GERMAN CANARD EXPOSED. ' Received Dec. 8, 0.30 p.m. London, Dec. 8, Viscount Grey emphatically denies the German allegation that he used language implying that one of the reasons w::England should participate in the wai was that she was able, at any time, to threaten to retire, and thut he would always be ready to undertake mediation in order to help Germany. CALLING UP UNSKILLED WORKERS. A & N.Z. Cable As-sociation and Reuters. Received Dec. 8, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 7. Official: The Admiralty, the Ministry of Munitions, and the Army Council have agreed to secure the early calling to the colors, up to the age of 31, of all lit semiskilled and unskilled men whose release from controlled and Government estab lishmcnts will not interfere with the output of munitions.