MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1918, Page 6

MOTHER COUNTRY.

SENSE OP DETACHMENT IN THE DOMINIONS. London, June 6. The Overseas Press Circle gave a luncheon to Lord Beaverbrook, Minister for Information. The latter said the Ministry for Information would always endeavor to obtain the greatest latitude for the press, and to recognise the value of propaganda. There was a sense of detachment from the war on the part of the Dominions distant from the war, guns, and aeroplane attacks. Therefore it was the duty of press representatives to interpret the situation here and let people know the determination with which the English were using their resources Britain had contributed by taxation 27 per cent, of her war expenditure.' He hoped overseas people would devote everything to the conflict, lest Britain should oe overcome by the insidious German There was no place in the hemisphere for Prussianism on one side and the English-speaking races on the other.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc, SIR GEORGE REID STANDS DOWN. London, June 6. The Westminster electorate, under the Redistribution Bill, will return two instead of three members. Sir George Reid announces that, as junior member to Messrs Long and Burdett-Coutts, hj» is not standing at the general election. Sir George Reid hopes to find a seat elsewhere.

SYMPATHY WITH MR. ASQUITH. London, June 6. Mr Asquith, on rising to speak in the House of Commons, was greeted with prolonged cheers.—Aus. N.Z, Cable Association. EDUCATION BILL AMENDMENTS. London, June 6. In response to the agitation in Lancashire, particularly by masters and workers in the cotton industry, Mr Fisher, Minister of Education, has agreed to amend the Education Bill by suspending for seven years the clause requiring compulsory attendance at continuation schools for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 18 Another amendment reduces the schooling of children between 14 and 16 to 280 hours annually, instead of 320. Many educational enthusiasts profoundly disagree with the postponement, though.it is admitted there is a lack of teachers and suitable school buildings. ESSENTIAL EMPIRE^NDUSTRIES. London, June 6. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, speaking at the British Imperial Council of Commerce, urged the establishment of industries essential to the Empire's future development and the conversion of minerals and other products as far as possible for ourselves, especially preventing the enemy regaining control. Steps, he said, ought to be taken to develop the Empire's resources as a whole, notably in the case of wool, of which the Empire possessed almost the whole world's supply I New Zealand products should stand second to none in the English market, because of the excellence of their quality The 'Pacific islands should be retained, excluding undesirable neighbors as far as possible from the Pacific.— Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. WOUNDED HOSPITAL NURSES. London, June 6. Eleven girls, belonging to the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, who were wounded inuring the bombing of a hospital in France, have arrived at a London hospital. When the raid commenced the girls wore in the midst of a dance given by the Australian hospital sisters. The lights suddenly went out and then the bombs fell, and soon everyone was waltzing to another tune. No Australiian nurses were wounded.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

ADMISSION OF EVIDENCE. London, June 6. During another Old Bailey criminal libel trial a discussion arose regarding the admissibility of certain matters. Mr. Justice Darling, alluding to criticisms, explained that if there was any doubt he preferred to admit evidence, lest the refusal might result in an acquittal on appeal, whereas if be admitted it it might have some bearing on the case.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. EMIGRATION. London, June C. Hid House of Commons passed a resolution authorising expenditure on preliminary inquiries and preparations for emigration after the war. An amendment restricting the expenditure to £IO,OOO annually was rejected, Mr. Hewing objecting to the insertion of the limit, owing to the uncertainty of tiho war conditions.—Aue. N.Z,' Cable Assoc.