MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

FOO DPRICES. doubled since the war. Received May 17, 12.45 a.m. London, May 10. Food prices in Britain have increased ninety-eight per cent, during the war. ELECTORAL REFORM. THE MEASURE OUTLINED. London, May 15. Mr. Walter Long introduced the electoral Reform Bill in the House of Commons. It gives the franchise to women aged 30, gives a vote to soldiers and sailors, and includes proportional representation.

. Received May 16, 6.40 p.m. London, May 16. In the House of Commons, Mr. Long, when introducing the Franchise Bill, said it adheres rigidly to the recommendations made by the Speaker's conference, and removes the mysterious qualification. The male franchise consists of two simple qualifications—residence for six months, or occupation of business premises of the annual value of £lO. Proportional representation was included in a limited form. The measure simplifies the machinery of registration, and deals with redistribution in accordance with the Conference's recommendations. A boundary commission has already been sitting. The bill provides for all elections being held on the same day.

The introduction of a controversial measure was justified, because it was agreed that an election was impossible until the fighters were enfranchised; moreover, the Imperial Conference proved the magnitude and urgency of Imperial problems after the war, and we must first set our house in order.

WEAKNESS OF RUSSIAN SECURITIES. STOCK EXCHANGE NERVOUS. Australian Cable Association. ~ Received May 16, 7.50 p.m. London, May 15. There is an undercurrent of nervousness on the Sto(ik Exchange, owing to the weakness of all Russian securities. This is to some extent affecting colonial securities. \ HOUSE "COUNTED OUT." l " Reieived May 16,- 8 p.m. London, May 16. The House was counted out while discussing the Military Service Bill, enabling the enlistment of foreigners residing in Britain. THE ENGINEERS' STRIKE. Received May 16, 8.10 p.m. London, May 16. Meetings of engineers at Woolwich have not yet resulted in a settlement of the strike. The position in the other districts is unchanged. A national conference of the strikers is sitting in London in the strictest privacy. POSTPONING WELSH CHURCH ACT. Received May 16, 8.45 p.m. London, May 15. In the House of Lords, Lord Sel'borne moved the postpnement of the operation of the Welsh Church Act for a year after the war. (Lord Crewe thought the circumstances did not justify the motion. Lord Crawford stated that the Government was prepared to accept a motion for the general postponement of the A?t.

The Archbishop of Canterbury j welcbmed the Government's decision, owing to the difficulties in reorganising the Church. »

ME. MASSEY'S MESSAGE TO TROOPS Received May 16, 8.30 p.m. ■ London, May 16. The New Zealand Commandant has issued in his Orders Mr. Massey's message to the troops, which says: "Our gallants have willingly taken up their share of the burden of the Empire, and are willing to carry it through to the end. British citizens the Vorld over appreciate the fact, and the people of the Dominion trust the opportunity will not be far distant when they will welcome the soldiers back bearing victory with honor in the battle for freedom and civilieation." CONTROL OF LIQUOR TRADE. London, May 15. The 'Doily Express states that the Cabinet yesterday decided to place the liquor trade under Lord Milner's control, and requested the brewers to appoint a committee to confer with Lord Milner. It is understood that immediate intentions include the further reduction of licenses and lowering the specific gravity of v beer. The question of State purchase will be referred to a Royal Commission. 'BUS STRIKERS WARNED. London, May 15. A dramatic development has taken place with regard to the 'bus strike. The Commissioner of Police has issued a warning that any impediment to the traflic used by munition workers constitutes an od'ence under the Defence of tho Realm Act, being equivalent to an interference with output.