MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

FARM LABORERS' WAGES. PRISONERS EMPLOYED .ON LAND. London, Jan. 2. The National Agricultural Laborers' Union is asking the Government to fix the minimum wage at 30s for farm workers. About in,ooo Herman prisoners are available for work on the land, and Mr. P.. 15. Prothero is hard at work preparing a scheme 1 to increase home-grown supplies He intends to utilise all German prisoners who are skilled in agriculture. The men will start work in Cornwall and Devon, where spring farming operations being earliest, and work their way northwards. The idea is to employ the prisoners in pangs under the direction of country war Agricultural Committees. COPPER COMMANDEERED. EASING THF TONNAGE DEFICIENCY. Received Jan. 3 8.35 p.m. London, Jan. 3. Offiical.—All unwrought copper has been commandeered, excepting that required for .xisting contracts. In order to facilitate the quicker loading and. unloading of vessels, so as to ease the, tonnage deficiency, the Cabinet War Committee has authorised the dock authorities to increase the labor and transport workers' battalions "to 10.000, and to supplement the existing labor supply where it is deficient. SIR E. CARSON'S METHODS. A GOOL STORY. Received Jan. 4, 12.35 a.m. t London, Jan. Tiie World tells a good story of Sir Edward Carson s energy. The Admiralty asked Sir John Jcllicce to ascertain what decisions of either a capital or departmental nature were hung up. The report showed that twelve officials were concerned. Sir Edward Carson called them, to a conference, and said: "Gentlemen, in my profession it is customary to summon twelve men. conversant with facts, and require them to give an opinion on the merits of a case within a reasonable time. If not, we obtain twelve others. \ou are twelve men to deal with Admiralty matters which are delayed. If you are unable to arrive at a prompt decision, we must adopt the legal procedure, (iood morning! ' All the hung-up decisions were settled within two da vs. THE WAR C'OrXClTj. Received fan. 3, S.ji'l p.m. Lonodn.' .lan. 3. It. is annoumcd that Mr, W. 11. Long wilt attend the \Yar Council when tin' Premiers arrive. CHAIRMANSHIP OP AIR Received Jan. 3, 5.3:) p.m. London, Jan. c.. Official.---Yisconnt Cowdray, in accepting the chairman-hip of the Ai, Hoard, stipulates that the position shall catrv no salary. FURTHER DILUTION OF SPIRIT: . Received Jan. 4, 12.1.1 a.m. London, Jan. 3. The Liquor Control Board prohibits the sale of whisky, brandy, rum. or gin unless reduced to 30 degrees ,inderproof, representing i further 5 per '.cent, reduction in strength. TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE. London, Jan. 2. The Colonial Institute is receiving satisfactory replies to its circular inviting the Dominion Governments, Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade to endorse the policy of making the purchase of Imperial goods in British contracts compulsory where possible. Twentyeight Governments and 21 Chambers of Commerce and Boards, of Trade endorse the proposals. Thirty-two returned New Zealanders have been entertained. THE IRISH QUESTION. London, Jan. 2. The Manchester Guardian states that Mr. Lloyd George favors the submitting the. Irish question to the Imperial Conference, the scheme instituted by Lord Wimhourne forming the basis of'discussion, and the conference to have no power to make a final decision. INFLUENCE OF THE DOMINIONS. London. Jan. 2. A distinguished statesman states that the Government have no secrets from the Dominion Premiers. Whilst, in London they have an opportunity of exercising great influence on the war policy, ■even, ii they choose, establishing permanent representation. It is for the Dominions to say what share they wish to have in the governance of the Empire. WASTAGE OF TONNAGE. t London, Jan. 2. Sir Alfred Booth, chairman of the Cunard line protests against the continuance of the waste of tonnage. It is no longer, he says, only necessary to cut down luxuries, but the country must reduce its imports of great staples, including cotton, wool, and wood, and also abandon transit trade which makes demands on cargo space, port facilities and labor. Other shipping experts urge the drastic cutting down of imports of tobacco, of which the manufacturers lmve three years' supply. A NEW IMPERIAL ORDER. Received Jan. 4, 1-2.35 a.m. London. Jan. 3. The Daily Express states that it believes that the New Year's honors include a new Imperial Order, especially associated with the Empire. WAR BREAD ACCEPTED. London, Jan. 2. ar bread has been formally inaugurated. and the public are accepting it without the slightest complaint. Further drastic reforms are expected shortly Possibly bakers will not be allowed to. sell bread, under twelve, hjnii's' old. t- iirV fnr^