MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE IMPERIAL COFNERENCE. MUST BRING GIGANTIC CHANGES. , Received Jan. 4, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 3. The Koelnische Yo Iks Zeitung stresses (he importance of the Imperial Conference, and opines that the Dominion representatives will obtain greater influence, and thai it is also possible that in many matters their influence will prove decisive, because England is dependent on them for many tilings. The Dominions may secure a voice on the War Council, and then it; will he all over with specifically English interests; but the British Empire will develop into one organisation, which must bring gigantic changes. The Volks Zeitung admits that there is a powerful wave of national feeling sweeping over the Dominions and supporting blood relationship, with old England.

LIEUT. BARRETT'S CASE. HIS CONDUCT VINDICATED. MRS. CORNWALLIS-WEST" •*., CENSURED. Renter Service. Received Jan. 4, 10.20 p.m London, Jan. 4. The report of the military Court of Inquiry into the. case of Lieutenant Barrett states that when Barrett was recommended for a commission his claims were supported by Major-General Cowans and Mrs. Cornwailis-West. The last-named took more than ordinary interest in Lieutenant Barrett, who failed to respond, and eventually wrote her a letter of remonstrance, which she sent to Major-General Cowans, with the result that Lieutenant Barrett wae censured and transferred. The report characterises Mrs. Cormvallis-West's conduct as highly discreditable and vindictive, and her evidence given in the court as untruthful. It appears that she complained of Lieutenant Barrett'o ungentlemanly conduct. The report states that Lieutenant Barrett entirely merited the commission, which was granted r,i December, 1f11.5, and that since then he had done nothing unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. The report concludes by stating that whatever influence Mrs. Cornwallis-West had over Major-General Cowans she exaggerated. Her injudicious boast of the power she could wield at the War Office was caisulated- to bring Major-General Cowans ind the War Office into disrepute. This w a g regrettable, as she holds important positions connected with war work in Denbighshire.

j CONTROL OF NAVAL AIR SERVICE. deceived Jan. 4, 11.50 p.m London, Jan j. Commodore Godfrey .Payne liar, been given charge of the Naval Air Service, with the rank of Air Lord, and a seat on \be Board of Admiralty. EXCHANGE OF INTERNED CIVILIANS. Received Jan. <4, 11.5.'. p in. London, Jan. 4. The Anglo-German agreement? for lepalriating all interned civilians over 45 years of age, except twenty on each side, have been completed. The agreement applies to the whole Empire. Germany lias agreed to the inclusion of retired navals and militaries not receiving pay, even though they are receiving pensions. ' DOMINIONS COMMISSION REPORT. Received Jan. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 3. The Dominions Commission report is completed, but it is doubtful whether it will be published forthwith or reserved for the Imperial Conference, whence the Commission originated. It is unlikely that the report will be dealt with at the forthcoming war conference. NEW ZEALAN.DER HONORED FOR BRAVERY. Received Jan. 4, 5.5 p.m. i London, Jan. 3. Mr. Masscv presided at the presentation to Bombardier D W. White, of the New Zealand howitzer battalion, of the French Military Medal, for bravery and courage in leading an attack at Gailipoli ok August 21, li) 15. .Sir Thomas Mackenzie entertained the staff' of the hospital ship Mara ma.

THE NEW WAR LOAN. Received Jan. 4. 5.15 p.ni. London, Jail 3. There, is renewed [icthity over the war loan, and markings closed at £!)7 17s (id. There are many conjectures as to the terms of the new issue, but nothing definite is known. A GERMAN" RUSE. London, January 3. The Admiralty warns that the German wireless press is using unauthorised comments of British newspapers i.: order tu cast doubt upon the deton>iv. character of the armament of Kriti-ii merchantmen. Tlie Admiralty reiterates that the armament is defensive. NEW PREMIER'S ORGAN. New York. January 3. The Tribune states authoritatively that Sii Henry Dalziel acquires the Rail Mall Gazette, which will be Mr. Lloyd George's official organ. . ORGANISING AGRICULTURE. London January 3. ■ Mr. Protliero' has appointed an advisory committee of ten farmers and agricultural experts to assist in his scheme of home production of food. Agricultural war committees have been established in all English counties, AX APPEAL TO LABOR. 1 London, January 3. Field-Marshal Sir .Douglas Haig wrote Jo, -Mrs'• Ben Tilletti—"Tell Laliqi' the

best Christmas present it can make to its comrades 111 the Ueld is that nothing in 11)17 shall l.indc. the regular and constantly increasing output of munitions and materia'!. il the munition milkers and the troops pull together triumph is certain." IX MEMOI§IM London, January A .Parliamentary and Departmental fomniittee luis decided to provide a Miial! commemorative plaque to the relatives of men who have fallen. The design is under discussion.