MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

MESSAGE TO THE DUMA. CONGRATULATIONS AND CONFIDENCE. Renter Service. Received March 23. 1.30 a.m. London, March 22. The Government lias given notice i move in the House of Commons the fol lowing motion: That the House send; the Duma fraternal greetings, and tei ■lets the Russian people its heartfel congratulations on the establishment c free institutions, and its full eonfulenei that they will lead not only to the rapii progress of the Russian nation, but o the prosecution with renewed steadfast ness of the war against the strongholi of autocratic militarism which threat enß the liberty of Europe. THE DOMINION'S FLAG. Received March 23, 1.10 a.m. London, March 22. Mr. Massey presented a New Zealaw flag to the British Empire Club. II expressed the hope that the union of th three crosses, as symbolised in the flag would not ever be separated in war. THE TYNE STRIKE. Received March 22, 5.30 p.m. Loudon, March 21. The Press Bureau states that Mr. A Henderson, member of the War Council has written to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers deploring the strike on tin Tyne, as interrupting the supply of muni tions for the army and navy and delay ing guns for the mercantile marine, whicl is running such grave submarine risks He urgently requests the immediate sumption of work, whereupon he wit arrange for the committee on production 'to hear the case on the 20th. MACHINERY FOR AGRICULTURE. Received March 22, 5.5 p.m. London, March 22. In the House of Lords the Duke of Marlborough announced that the Government was now using a hundred American motor tractors and fifty "caterpillars' manufactured for Russia, and 430 motor tractors lent by private owners, capable of ploughing 300 acres daily. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE. ■ Received March 22, 8.10 p.m. London, March 21. The members of the Associated Chamjfcers of Commerce carried a motion by a large majority in favor of metric weights and measures, and resolved to fl.sk the Government not to return any captured steamers, hut to demand that British and Allied steamers detained in enemy ports should be delivered up or value paid. Another resolution was passed urging the need of the development of cotton-growing ;n the Empire. THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION. Received March 22. 10 p.m. London, March 22. ' Mr. Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, said he hoped the Russian discussion on Thmvday would not diminish the value of the resolution, the object of which was to encourage the Provisional Government. THE IRISH QUESTION. Received March 22, 11 p.m. London, March 22. Sir J. B. Lonsdale, interviewed, said the Ulster Unionists had never heard of von Kuhlman or any oth,er German agent. Jt was monstrous to suggest that loyal Ulsterites were negotiating with the enemy. RUSSIAN MATTERS. London, March 21. Questioned in the House of Commons, Mr. Balfour said chat Lord Milner, during his visit to Russia, had not attempted to interfere directly or indirectly with internal politics. The Government's information showed no reason to doubt the safety of the ex-Czar and his family. EMPIRE TRADE ORGANISATION. London, March 21. The Board of Trade, in conjunction with the Treasury, is establishing a Department of Commercial Intelligence and increasing the Trade Commissioners from four to sixteen, covering the whole of the Empire. Sir Arthur Stanley states that the Trade Board will include representatives of industry and commerce, assisted by experts in industry and men in possession of the widest knowledge of affairs. LORD FISHER AND DARDANELLES REPORT. London, March 21. There was a dramatic incident in the House of Lords. Immediately the House met, Lord Fisher rose and said: "When our country is in great jeopardy, as it now is, is not the time to tarnish great reputations nor to asperse the dead and discover our supposed weakness to the enemy. So I shall not discuss the Dardanelles report, but shall await the end of the war, when all the truth can be made known." Lord Fisher then left the House.