MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE SOCIALIST CONFERENCE. PROCEEDINGS CRITICISED. ITS SCOPE DEFINED. London, Fob. 23. The Labor correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, criticising the inter-Allied Socialist Conference, says it is doubtful whether all the delegates endorse the Application of the finding to the claims of their .own nationalities. JThe Independent Labor Party refused to participate because it was proposed to exclude separate Socialist representation from future ititemationel meetings. American Labor has intimated that the time has not come to parley with the enemy. Finally, the absence of delegates from the Dominions was deplorable. They could have represented the most' important opinions upon the future possession of the German colonies. The Dominions have given the best of their manhood and had every* right to be consulted »n a matter so, vitally concerning their future existence. Received Feb. 26, 11 p.m. London, Feb. 25. .The Inter-Allied Socialist Conference more precisely defined, and gave greater prominence to, the league of r.ations proposal than the British memorandum. Besides the creation of a high court to settle disputes, it suggests the establishment of international legislature, wherein every civilised State should participate to develop international legislation. A The conference made clear that disan- / negation must precede plebiscites, and that any German annexation' of Livonia, Courland or Lithuania would be a flagrant violation of international law. STATEMENTS IN PARLIAMENT. IHE CONDITION* OF IRELAND. USE OF POISON GAS. Received February 27, 1.5 a.m. London. Feb. 2U. In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Liw said that the condition of a part of Ireland was under Cabinet's consideration. He was unable to make a statement regarding the measures taken for Strengthening the executive's hands. Mr. Bonar Law denied that Germany bad officially suggested giviug up the use of poison gas.' He added that such a suggestion may merely be a blind. / RATIONING DAY INTRODUCED. DEMAND FOR VEGETARIAN DISHES. Received February 27, 1.5 a.m. London, Feb. 26. Rationing day has been introduced. There were novel 1 scenes in restaurants and hotels. The majority adopted the system of exchanging vouchers for meat coupons, especially fish. There was a greJyt demand for vegetarian dishes. FOSTERING FLAX PRODUCTION. Received February 27, 1.15 a.m. London, Feb. 25. The tPress Bureau reports that Si' Albert Stanley (President of the Bokrd of Trade) has* appointed a committee, including Lord Co'.wyn (chairman), Mr. Andrew Fisher, and Sir Thos. Mackenzie, to investigate the question of increasing (he supply of flax in the Empire.