MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

MUNITIONS EXPLOSION.

STOBKS PRIVATELY OWTED.

London, June 14. Kfty were killed by the explosion at Ashton-under-Lyne. In the House Commons, Mr. Bonar i IM Stated that the munitions explosion .. '•• was in.'Jpritately-owned works. Much dttmaft was caused at neighhoring mills, wwkAops, and dwellings. June 19,10.65 p.m. ' i' .. London, June 15. There were 150 injured at the Ashton-under-Lyne explosion. A considerable proportion of the casualties were of iphool children who were returning home, Hying fragments of boilers and brielu and gasometer frames were responsible for a large proportion of the casualties. The debris wai burled a mfl*. Que {street Was described as resembling & shambles. Flames from the munition works , jpited a cotton mill, which was gutted. , *Uo ignited a corn Beld at which was completely deitroyed. CABINET RECONSTRUCTION. DfeLPSraST OF, GENERAL SMUTS. London, June 14. Mr. Lloyd George is completing the ..'.'. feconstructiop of the Government. The , inclusion of General Smuts is dependent ..■'■: Jn South Africa's couunt. The question of the representation of the other dominions has been considered, but it is understood hhat General Srute' position h exceptional. Widespread opposition to Mr. Churchill's inclusion in the Government has ;«onU>eHed Mr. Lloyd George to modify his intentions. It is'stated that the Government has decided -to- appoint commissioners to eettle the terms of State acquisition of the liquor trade, either in war time or ftft*r the war. The Government «m----aiders the acquisition, and the House of v .Commons will have an opportunity of i considering the question before anything is settled. The King sent a message to the National Oounoil commending the camnaign against -venereal disease and expressing •fttiafaction at the steady growth of f>u>lie opinion in favor of a movement ' rftally affecting the health of thi community and the moral and physical welfare of the race. * The Trade Corporation lias presented the Attorney-General with a declaration that.the corporation's fundamental object is financially to assist British traders end manufacturers, especially in connection with overseas trade. It will not compete as a contractor, merchant, or trader, also the charter will not confer exclusive privileges. . , In the House of Commons. Major Hope atld the Cabinet has decided that a general exchange of British and German prisoners was impracticable owing to the exorbitant demands of Germany. In the Blouse of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law said the Government was considering the ease of Irish political prisoners. i« i ■