MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE NEW POLITICAL PARTIES NATIONALISTS' MANIFESTO, Australian Cable Association. Received Aug. 31. 5.5 p.m. London, Aug. 30. Curiosity, has been aroused in political circles over the aims of the newly-fledged political parties. The Lloyd George party remains a comparative mystery, unlike the National party, whoso supporters are mainly Unionists." Tiie tariff reformers' manifesto, however, does not refer to the tariff,'but urges a vigorous war policy, the eradication of German influence, the abolition of the saie of honors, the establishment of unity and o afidence between employers and employed, the unity of the Empire in council and defence, mutual aid in developing the Empire's resources, and improved social conditions. The manifesto denounces the worn-out party system, with its ruthless machine,, and alleges that the public are universally complaining of the Government's lack of moral courage. The twenty-seven signatories include six peers and six commoners. It is generally considered that any new parties will not assist the effective conduct ot the war. FOOD IMPORTS. GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHING CONTROL. Received Aug. 31, 10 p.m. Loudon, Aug. 31. The Press Bureau states that a proclamation prohibits the importation of bacon, hams, and lard, except under license, enabling the Government to take over the whole, imports and concentrate purchasing in various countries into a single organisation. The Food Ministry will immediately establish a buying agency in the United States. The goods will be distributed through ordinary channels at prices excluding unreasonable profits. Orders are being iasued fixing prices for cheese and butter. THE EMPIRE'S COMMERCE, A NEW STATE DEPARTMENT. Times Service. Received Sept. 1, 12.55 a.m. London, Aug. 31. The War Cabinet has sanctioned a new scheme for the supervision, collection, and diffusion of commercial intelligence throughout the Empire. It is intended to reform the consular service, providing for clmnges in the present commercial attaches and consular services by the creation of an enlarged Commercial Intelligence Department, to be represented in Parliament by a parliamentary secretary, occupying the dual position of an additional parliamentary secretary to the Board of Trade, also of an addional parliamentary secretary of Foreign Affairs, with an advisory committee of business men to assist the dc- j partment. TRAINING OF LIMBLESS NEW .ZEALANDERS. Received Aug. 31, 0.15 p.m. London, Aug. 30. Sir Thomas Mackenzie and General Richardson conferred, with limbless New Zealanders at Walton-on-Thames, to ascertain their views regarding training for their future vocations. Many favor- ' ed learning before "leaving England. They will discuss the subject further and report to Sir Thomas Mackenzie later, j It -was suggested seed culture would form a suitable occupation, and one offering great prospects in. New Zealand. OBJECTION TO POST-WAS NATIONALISATION. London, Aug. 30. A committee of the United Kingdom. Chamber of Shipping, including Sir Kenneth Anderson, Sir Jas. Mills, and the principal shipowners, report strongly against the nationalisation of mercantile shipping after the war, as it is impracticable for any Government to fix freights, since the greater paxt of the sea carriage is in foreign bottoms. The committee proposes a, revision of the chipping laws between Britain and the Dominions..-also between tlie Empire and foreign countries with the view of abolishing anomalies. Foreign liners carrying passengers to British ports should pay dues. The report insists on the gravity of the war wastage, and the urgency of making good the losses. The existing prohibition of the transfer of British ships to foreigners should be continued for at least five years after the war. Repairing facilities should be reserved for British shipping for two years.