EMPLOYMENT OF GERMAN PRISONERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1917, Page 5

EMPLOYMENT OF GERMAN PRISONERS.

A REFLECTION LEADS TO A FIGHT. DEALING WITH FOOD PROBLEM. Received July 27, 9.30 p.m. London, July 27. In the House of Commons, Mr. J. F. Hope stated: We hokl 44,018 German prisoners of war in France and Belgium, and 40,234 in England. Of the latter 23,820 are employed iu various occupations, while 2590 others arc- awaiting employment as soon a* accommodation can be provided.

Mr. Billing cast reflections on officers «£" Ule<:tion with the rc P ortß of Mr McPherson, whereupon Major Archer Shee called him a cad. Mr. Billing ask*! the major if he wonM repeat the word outside the House, and Major Archer Shee replied, "Certainly." Shortly afterward* both of them left, and were found fighting on the green in Palace Yard. The buttle had not proceeded far when both fell. A policeman parted them, and later on Mr. Billing challenged Major Archer Shee to fight him for £2O at the -National Sporting Club. Ihe loser to pav 100 guineas to the Rod Cross Fund. " Tn the House of Lord* Lord Rhonda stated that the Board of Trade estimated the cost of food had been doubled to the wage earner, the cost of living having Increased seventy-five per cent. He added: "We shall not be out of danger until the result of the Allies' shipbuilding has been felt. His policy was to fix prices fqr necessaries, the supplies of which he could effectively control from the producer to the retailer. Price? would be fixed on the basis of pre-war profits. He was making *fforts to prevent speculation, and to eliminate the unnecessary middlemen. He would press for the imprisonment of bad cases of illegal profit*. The policy of subsidising the cost of the loaf was only justified by present circumstances. He could not control the prices abroad, but he, hoped America would be able to effectively control their supplies. The local authorities will appoint food control committees, including at least one Labcrite and one woman. Communal kitchens will be established.