MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1918, Page 7

MOTHER COUNTRY.

WAR PRISONER'S CONFERENCE QUESTION OF GERMANS INTERNED IN DOMINIONS. Hague, June 15. At the War Prisoner's conference, the Germans are insisting on the return of all interned Germans in the Dominions as well as in Britain. It is pointed out this is practically impossible, owing to the scarcity of transport, apart from other considerations.—United Service. PROLONGED NEGOTIATIONS. GERMANS MAKING ■ DIFFICULTIES London, June 15 The Daily Telegraph's Rotterdam correspondent states that the conference.regarding the exchange of war prisoners is making progress, but the negotiations are likely to be prolonged. Dutch messages state that the German's demand for the repatriation of prisoners in Africa and elsewhere abroad is causing' difficulties. It is suggested that the demand is made in order to embarass the Entente and increase the shipping problems.—Press Assoc. TORPEDO BADGES. FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN. London, June IS. The Board of Trade has announced the award of torpedo badges to British, mercantile seafarers, who are serving on vessels torpedoed or mined if, thereafter, they complete a further voyage on a British vessel, with a bar for every time they are again torpedoed or mined, five bars being exchangeable for a five pointed star.—Reuter. THE OLDER MEN CALLED UP. London, June 15. Men between, the ages of 49 and 51 are being called up for medical examination. —Reuter. THE DOMESTIC CABINET. SIR G. CAVE TO PRESIDE. London, June 15. It is generally accepted that Sir George Cave will be the chairman of the tew domestic calbinct called the Committee of Ministers on home affairs. It will consist of about six Departmental Ministers and one law officer. The first meeting will be held within the next fewdays.—(Press Assoc.

ARRIVAL OF REPATRIATED SOLDIERS. London, June 14.. Repatriated soldiers from Switzerland have arrived in London, including the following Australians: Captain D. Wells, Lieuts. W. D. Thomasson, and A. Dent, with 27 men.—Press Assoc. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. London, June 14. Kupferberg, of German parentage, a director of a munitions firm at Winesden, was sentenced to three years for frauds on the Ministry of Munitions, and Reardon, Inspector of Munitions', to 18 months for assisting in the fraud. In connection with the Jonas case, Charles Vernon, a prominent Government official, has been arrested while on holiday at New Quay. An English Friesian cow, that yielded 2400 gallons of milk this year, has been sold for 3500 guineas. The Victorian Sporting Club is opening a fund to provide hostels in London and the provinces for soldiers and sailors while being taught useful occupations. Sporting has already provided large sums on several occasions recently. English naval oritics have forecasted that the German fleet will shortly be compelled to give battle. The Manchester Guardian says a British syndicate, including Lord Pirrie, Judge Owen Phillips, is purchasing the British interests in the International Mercantile Marino Company. The reported price is £25,000,000 which is much below the preser.6 market value of the ships acquired, aggregating tons. —.Press Assoc.