MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

EFFICACY OF BLOCKADE. jCOMPLETE STOPPAGE OF IMPORTS. ENEMY COUNTRIES ISOLATED. . GERMAN FOOD MOTS. Received March 28, 9.30 p.m. London, March 28. In the House of Commons, replying to criticisms as to the effectiveness of the blockade, Lord Robert Cecil (Minister of Blockade) declared that the tightening of the blockade resulted in the complete cessation of oversea importations into enemy countries. He admitted xhat the question of the home produce of neutrals adjoining Germany was much more difficult, and he expressed the opinion that the only way to stop sucli exports to Germany was by agreement with neutrals. For example, Norway bad agreed to restrict her trade with Germany, provided we supply her with refined copper. Lord Robert Cecil proceeded to show that there was a steadily increasing diversion of Danish and Dutch agricultuiBl products to England instead of Germany. He emphatically declared that Denmark had honestly endeavored to carry out the terms of the existing agreement. He would be deceiving the country if he did not say there was the greatest shortage of food in Germany as the result of the blockade, also of wool, cotton, lubricants and other necessities. He was not inclined to disbelieve the repeated and well-authenti-cated reports as to food riots in Germany.

EXPLOSION AT MUNITIONS FACTORY. Received March 29, 6.45 p.m. London, March 27. 'An accidental explosion occurred at a munition factory in the north of England. The damage was slight, one person being killed and nine injured. BABY WEEK. London, March 27. Mr. Lloyd George is president of the national committee which is organising a baby week, commencing on July 1. Similar weeks held in Paris, Copenhagen and the big cities of the United States nave been instrumental in saving the Jives of many infants. The British committee is arranging for special sermons in the churches relating to child welfare, special films will te shown in the kinema houses, and there will he a Children's Exhibition and Conference of Health Associations fit the Guildhall.

FOOD ECONOMY. London, March 27. Mr. Kennedy Jones, M.P., has been appointed Director of the General Food Economy Department. He will, co-op-erate with Lord Devonport in the general direction of food supplies. He proposes to establish many local committees to keep a daily record of stocks Of food so as to check over-consumption whenever it occurs. He favors the foundation of municipal larders and public kitchens. CANADIAN MINISTER'S VIEWS. London, March 27. Mr. Rogers, a Canadian Minister, speaking in Leeds, said that while all were longing for peace, better a long war than a foolish and indeterminate peace. From what he understood from the councils he had attended there was every reasop to hope that Ihe day was not far distant when the principles for iriiidh they had taken up arms would {tthieve ft grand and glorious victory, GERMAN WAR 'PRISONERS. London, March 27. in the House of Commons it was stated that German war prisoners refused to do quarrying work unless they received increased pay and rations. Disciplinary action was taken and the'prisoners returned to work. RAID ON NEWSPAPER. London, March 17. 'At the Balakite enquiry the charges against the authorities in connection with the raid on the Field newspaper wefe withdrawn. The enquiry continues in reference to the British authorities' refusal to accept Halakite or permit its manufacture. Sir F. E. Smith stated that there wa* no imputation against the Field or Sir Edward Cook as editor. He hinted that othe- proceedings would be taken against certain parties after the enquiry. Jlr. Moulton gave evidence that after M analysis had disclosed the presence of per; cent, of intro-glycerine he powdered i that & deliberate imposture P^Wjutjfracttied,

THE EAST END EXPLOSION. PUKELY ACCIDENTAL. THE CAUSE CONJECTURED. A. & N.Z, Cable Association and Reuter. Received March 28, 8.;»5 p.m. London, March 27. The Press Bureau states that the ■Home Secretary's Committee's report on the explosion at the east of London on January 19, states that it was preceded by a fire, which originated in the melting pet, but how it started the evidence was not sufficient to determine, though all accidental causes presenting any degree of probability may be eliminated except that of detonation caused by a spark or arising from friction or impact; or. secondly, by spontaneous ignition due to the decomposition of the materials in or about the melting pot. The committee's various recommendations regarding future precautions in handling the explosive concerned arc now being followed. Sixty-nine persons were killed on the spot, 98 being seriously wounded, and four dying, while 328 were slightly injured, besides 500 or COO who received cuts and bruises and were treated in the streets.

BURNING MONEY. London, March '27. A movement is being promoted to burn war loan bonds in memory of the dead relatives. Donors will be granted illuminated certificates acknowledging their patriotism. CHEAPER MEDICINES. London, March 27. Owing to improvements in British manufacture the prices of antifebrin, aspirin and several other drugs have been enormously reduced. IMPERIAL PREFERENCE. GIVING EFFECT TO PARIS RESOLUTIONS. London, 'March 27. A meeting of memßera of the Houses of Lords and Commons who support the principle of Imperial preference passed a resolution that, in view of the Paris Economic Conference's resolutions of June, 1918, and the fact that Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee reported in favor of the adoption of a policy of preference in commercial treaties with the Allies, to request the Government to submit the Paris resolutions and Lord to the Imperial War Cabinet and Conference. It iurther requests the Government forthwith to set up the machinery to give effect to the resolutions and carry out the policy of Imperial preference in accordance with Mr. Asquith's announcement to Parliament in February 1016, that it was not intended to await peace to give effect to the Paris resolutions.