MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

GENERAL ROBERTSON INTERVIEWED. COME INTERESTING VIEWS. London, August 2. Tn an interview, Cencral Robertson was asked to give a frank soldier's opinion on tlic progress of the war. He Tepiiod that the tremendous contest was not confined to the struggle of armed million?, but was also a test of racial qualities. "Supposing." said the general, "it is impo.-sible to roll up ihp enemy's flanks. ■y"u ran .still break his heart, and destroy his peoplo's confidence. Rememborins Germany's readiness, compare our positions in 1 r>]4- and now, with armies of millions .where formerly there vere thousands. We no longer have our hacks to the Germans, we are driving them before us and taking positions they regarded a- a matter of life and death. '•lt is too early to say that tlie defensive in modern warfare is impregnable. If the array does not crack the nation behind it may crack. Considering the respective numbers and resources it is fair to conclude that the Allies, if steadfast and sound-hearted, will compel the Central Powers to submit sooner or later. Quality is going to win the war, character being the deciding fastor. '•The Hermans affect to despise America's intervention, but America's numbers and resources must play a prodigious, i;erbaps a decisive part, when an unmilitarv nation of such emrgy H forced into the contest for the purpose of ensuring the- world's safety for democracy, and to make an sod of war. It is certain that America hat begun splendidly, and when she strikes blows she will bring despair to the hearts of tlioWar Lords who are already troubled lest their own people find them out." INCREASED PRODUCTION. NEEDED. DR. ADDISON'S WARNING. Received Aug. 3. 7.30 p.m. London. Aug. 2. Dr. Addijion. addressing the ventatives of the chemical industries, said the only 'way to pay for the war was by increasing post-war production. The Government had received much information as to Germany's preparations increase her production. Our position was in much danger, owing to habits of muddle and drift. Britain had established many industries since the war, which must no* be allowed to drift under German control. The Government would not interfere with business; it was only seeking to assist in the guidance of the manufacturers. It would be necessary to give the workers a real interest in the introduction of improved methods of manufacture.

THE STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE. ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT. Reuter Service. Received Aug. 3, 0.55 p.m. London, Aug. 2. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law emphasised that no Government representative would attend tlie Stockholm Conference. It did not depend upon the Government, but upon the Labor Party, whether they approved of such a conference. Personally, he hoped they would not, ml probably the Government would not allow anyone to attend the conference. MINISTER FOR EEOONST'RUCTION. Received Aug. 3, 8 p.m. London, Aug. 3. The House of Commons debated the appointment of a Minister for. reconstruction. Mr. Howins moved an amendment to prevent the Minister advising on the commercial, industrial, and agricultural policy. The motion was negatived by 83 to G4. MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION. London, August 2. The Pre3s Bureau reports that an explosion caused considerable damage in a munition factory in south Wales. Six were killed and three injured. PARIS CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS. London, August 1. The Empire Producers' Association resolved that the Government must without delay give effect to the resolutions of the Paris conference in June. 1910, and tho policy of Imperial preference outlined at .he Imperial Conference in March. SOLDIERS' PAY. London, August 2. 'Die 'Jeneriil Federation of Trade Unions ami members of the Houses of Lords and Commons met at the Housa of Commons to discuss a proposal to pay soldiers 2b per day. A committee was appointed to expedite the increase. CONFERENCE ON WAR 'AIMS. London, Aug«st 2. A Washington telegram expresses th« belief that the Allies may hold a conference in Washington for the purpose- of developing a common understanding as to war aims and possibly as to peace term*.