MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE FOOD PROBLEM. CURTAILED CONSUMPTION URGED. A, & N.Z. Cable Association ami Renter. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. H. Tlie Press Bureau states that tlie Food Controller lias issued a notice drawing attention to the urgent necessity q c curtailing the consumption of food." The notice states that it ja only possible to maintain an adequate margin to meet tin' actual situation and any contingencies by adopting a system of average up. portionnicnt. He is unwilling to adopt a system of compulsory ration?, unless it is absolutely necessary, but he relies upon the people's lienor and sense of patriotism to observe voluntarily the following average weekly consumption per head: Four pounds of bread, two and a lialf peunds of meat, and three-quarters of a pound of sugar.' He points out that if everybody reduced consumption by one pound of bread and half a pound of meat weekly there, would be a suving ot ovt. a million tons of food yearly. Meanwhile the machinery for issuing rations i<* being organised in case of necfc>s.ty.

PROPOSALS APPROVED. HIGH WAGES AND .PLEASURES. Australian Cable Association. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. Newspapers strongly approve of the announcement of Lord Devonport (Food Controller), pointing out that twelve loaves and fifteen pounds of meat weekly is ample for a household of six. The Daily Chronicle says that it is a troublesome fact that since the. war the country's consumption has shown an amazing increase, owing to the growt'i of incomes among workers. In some cases this puts an end to previous underfeeding, but mostly it means spcnlinjj their income upon obvious pleasure.

THE EMPIRE COUNCIL DOMINIONS' REPRESENTATION. Times Service. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.ni London, Feb. 2. It is agreed that Mr. Massev nn.l Sir Joseph Ward will jointly attend the Empire Council. Probably another Dominion will have two 'representative?. Etch Dominion will have one vote. LLOYD GEORGE CONSPIRACY CASE., POISON DARTS TO BE USED. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. i _ London, Feb. 3. In tho conspiracy ease, the AttorneyGeneral said it was proposed to shoot poison darts at Mr. Lloyd Geoij \Wicji he was golfing. HELPING THE WAR LOAN. SHIPOWNERS' SCHEME Australian Cable Association. Uccoived Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. The Chamber of Shipping for the United Kingdom lias circularised shipowners asking that . they consider a plan to subscribe to the war loan £4 for every ton of shipping they own. It is estimated by the Chamber that they could tints raise £100,000,000.

NAVAL HEROES HONORED. . POSTHUMOUS V.C.s Renter Service ... Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 2, The Victoria Cross has been posthumously granted to Navy Lieutenants 11. 0. B. Firman ami C. H. Cowley, for conspicuous gallantry during an unsuccessful night attempt to. re-provision the beeicged forces at Kut-cl-Amr.ra, in April, 1016, both being killed on that occasion. HIDES FOR MILITARY USE. Australian Cable Association. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. The Army Council has issued regulations respecting dealings with all imported hides, to enusre that all suitable will be used for military purposes. KIRKWOOD RELEASED. Australian Cable Association. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. Kirkwood has been released owing to the state of his health. He has signed an undertaking not to commit any breeches of the law. . BILLING RESIGNS "HIS SEAT. Australian Cable Association Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. Pcmberton Billing, M.P., has announced (bat he is resigning his scat and seeking reelection, in consequence of the lawsuit. RUSSIA. RUSSIANS PUSHED BACK. BUT REGAIN POSITIONS. Admiralty, per Wireless Press. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. Russian, Official.—After violent artillery fire, the Germans attacked eastward of Kalncem, on the high road, and pushed us back on the right flank. A counter-attack restored the positions, with the assitsanca of armored mote-r----ears, whicix approached the 4rat H»».