MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1918, Page 8

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE MAN-POWER BiLL a Far-reaching measure. principle extended to ireland Received April 7, 5.5 p.m. London, April C. The Man-Power Bill is even of wider scope than was generally supposed. It is understood that the Bill fixes the new ago limit at 11%, scraps the tribunal system, except for the postponement of the date of calling to the colors; withdraws the exemptions to men of higher medical categories; extends the Military Service Acts to the clergy for non-com-batant work; clears out the eligibles hi all luxury trades; and provides new tests.

The medical grading enables the authorities to send youths abroad before they reach nineteen for service behind the lines, but the Bill does not contemplate industrial conscription. The greatest surprise of the measure consists of laying down the principle that Irishmen are liable for service. The Bill probably asks Parliament for much wider power than is immediately intended to be enforced. ROYAL MESSAGE TO AMERICA A CRITICAL HOUR. Received April 3, 5,0 p.m. London, April C. The King has sent President Wilson a message conveying greetings on the anniversary of the Americans' entry into the war, and stating that the present was a critical hour, when our enemies were sparing no sacrifice, and were not counting the cost, in order to achieve the victory. CONTRACT FOR CORNED BEEF. AFTER-WAR SCHEME OF MEAT SUPPLIES. Received April 7, 5.5 p.m. London, April fl. The Imperial Government has made a contract • with the Commonwealth for two million pounds of corned beef. The sub-cornmittee of the Imperial Dominions Department has reported to the Board of Trade on a scheme of meat supplies after the war that will render the Empire self-sufficient, in accordance with the resolution of the last imperial Conference. The Board of Trade is submitting the report to a conference of High Commissioners, with a view to the drafting of recommendations to the Imperial Conference.

MILITARY CROSSES. AWARDS TO NEW ZEALANDERS. Received April 7, 5.5 p.m London, April (!. Military Crosses have been awarded the following New Zealanders: Captains S. W. Rrooker, (J. I). Dove.ncux, M ,1. Faweett, G. L. Hmne, J. Keir, A.']). Paisley, A. F. RoholV, L. M. Seott, 10. It. Sharp, F. 8. Varnliam; Lieutenants W. F. Aitken, L. W. Bassett, T. C. Cornwall, L. M. Dixon, ]). I<\ Duigan, T. S. (iillies, R. S. Ilalliwell, (I H. Holmes, 'l'.. L Kin-*, 10. L. Mardone, W. R. Lung, 11. 0. MpAdam, C. B. Meline, L. W. Metcnlf, 10. A. Porritt, C. R. Rawlings, C. I'. Seaward K. M. Sim,.l). J. Walker, and F. W. Wilson, infantry. Captain S. D. Rodgers, Rifle Brigade. Captains W. N. Abbott and P. W. Kemp, Medical Corps. Captain L, C. Chaytor; Lientenanls S. C. lieasley, ,1. Flanagan, machine-gun-ners. Lieutenants G. T. Kellcway and 0. V. Russell, engineers. Lieutenants R. .10. Bennett, 11. Nelson and ,1. G. Rickleton, artillery. THE MAN-POWER BILL. London, April 5 Mr. Lloyd George will introduce (he new Man-Power Bill on Tuesday, giving ui> V,ie usual day'* "n'icc. It is antici•;.'n;" ' the Bill wi.l * xead the third time before the week <.:.*.. Ji does not extend conscription to Ireto 3