MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

INCREASED WAR EXPENDITURE. STATEMENT BY MR. BONA'R LAW. Beuter Service. * Received June 26, 6.30 .p.m. London, June 25. In the House of Commons, Mr. 'Bonar dealing with war expenditure, said the increase in army expenditure was partly attributable to payments that would ultimately he recoverable. The expenditure on munitions had been affected by temporary causes, such as the more rapid delivery of orders. It was feared the expenditure on these items would exceed the estimates. Regarding loans to the Allies, the'lmperial Government was still liable during the opening weeks of the current year to fulfil commitments undertaken before the entry of the United States, the advantage whereof was now being felt. War pensions now totalled a quarter of a million weekly and would continue, to expand. THE AIR RAID CASUALTIES. A HEAVY TOTAL. A. Mid N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Eeuter. Received June 28, 0.40 p.m. London, June 25. The Press Bureau state 3 that the casualties caused by the air raid on June 13 now total 90 men, 2!-t women, and 42 children dead, and 221 men, 1110 (?) women, and 100 children injured. . LIQUOR TRADE CONTROL. CABINET FAVORS STATE PURCHASE London, June 25. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Laiw announced that the Government is summoning a conference concerning the future composition of the House of Lords and the relations of the two Houses. He explained the appointment of the committee for the proposed State control of liquor merely involved an inquiry. It might possibly be necessary to take some form of control after the House had discussed the question. I "Replying to questions on reprisals, Mr. Bonar Law said that, after consulting the military authorities here and Sir Douglas Haig, the Government was using the air forces in the way it thought best against the enemy, but it was difficult to prevent raids. London, June 25. Cabinet has decided in favor of the State purchase of the liquor trade, but the torms remain to be discussed. The Government's idea at present is that thf State should take control during the war with a choice between prohibitinr and State purchase after the war. Stato control will mean the immediate closing of scores of breweries and the extinction of thousands of licensed houses. Though Cabinet ha 9 authorised the brewing of more beer there will bo no encroachment on food stocks. By reducing the alcoholic strength to 36 degrees the output of "beer will be increased 50 per cent. Standardised ale will be retailed at 4d a pint. Received June 27, 12.50 a.m. London, June 26. ■i The Government has temporarily dropped the liquor trade purchase scheme. MAILS LOST Received June 26, 0.25 p.m. London, June 25. The post office announces that the Außtralian-New Zealand mails from London of May 31 and the parcel mail of May 23 have been lost. AMERICAN ADMIRAL IN COMMAND. London, June 25. Admiral Sims has temporarily taken over the Irish naval command'. It is the first time in history that an American Admiral has commanded a British fleet. CONFERENCE ON WAR PRISONERS. The Hague, June 23. Laid Newton. General Bolfield and Judge Younger have arrived to discuss with the German delegates questions connected with prisoners of war, including camps, reprisals, and exchange of disabled men. 'Dutch representatives will btt present at the conference. jGENERAL SMUTS' POSITION. London, June 25. The Daily Chronicle ?tates that" General Smuts is not attending the War Cabinet when r'ne donatio policy is discussed, but is a member of the inner committee dealing with the war, consisting of Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Curzon, Lord Milrier, and general Smuts. In 1 order to economise time the other Ministers will only attend when matters concern their departments.