BRITAIN'S PART.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1918, Page 5

BRITAIN'S PART.

"A GREAT VICTORY AT A GREAT PRICE." SPEECH BY MR. BONAR LAW, ' Reectveu Nov. 14, 10 p.m. London, Nov. 12. In the House of Commons, replying to a, question, Jlr. Bonar Law reiterated that tho Dominions would fully share the peace conference. With the exception of one clause, where President Wilson was not absolutely distinct, everything which t'iio Allies ever asked lor could be claimed under President Wilson's fourteen points.

Mr. Bonar Law stated that tlie Government was closely considering the question of removing all restrictions on tho press. He then moved tlie vote of credit of £700,000,000. The expenditure, he expected, would bo less, but if this was to end the war some demobilisation expenses could bo met out of t)h,is vote, also a greater expenditure might be necessary for bringing food supplies to Europe.

At October 19. tlie loans to the Allies amounted to £465,000,000, and loans to the Dominions £218,000,000. Britain's debts abroad did not now exceed £1,000,000,000. This wo could easily bear. Our future depended upon the extent whereto labor and capital worked harmoniously together. Mr. Bonar Law declared that tlie Empire's part was greater than ever played by any country in toe world. He paid a tribute to the Dominions and India for the part they had played in the war. The Dominions fought for an Empire as much theirs a\s ours. They were far aw&y. but they had sent troops—and what troops tihey were! He emphasised the war efforts of the Mother Country. The navy had played a decisive part. The blockade sapped tlie whole foundation of German life.

No army had done as much as ours during the past two years. Tihe spirit of the people of Britain in the darkest hours had been indomitable. "We have won q, victory, but at a great price," he concluded.—Reuter.

EMPLOYERS AND WORKMEN. PREMIER ADDRESSES REPRESENTATIVES. Received Nov. 15, 12.15 a.m. London, Nov. 13, Mr. Lloyd George addressed a meeting of representatives of employers' associations and trades unions of fifteen of the principal industries, including engineering, shipbuilding, coal-mining, transport and railwaymen. He said the Government intended to carry out its pledges given in 1915, by which trades unions relaxed certain practices for the period of the war. The employers and workers of the various trades ought to confer and arrive at an agreement. He added that the Government's policy was that during the immediate transition period the present level of wages, due to the high cost of living, should be maintained for a minimum period of six months, unless they are referred to an independent tribunal.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.

IMPROVED SHIPPING POSITION RELEASE OF WOOL, VALUE OP SURPLUS ARMY STORESReceived Nov. 14, 10.5 p.m. London, Xov. 12. It is expected that t'ao abandonment of the convoy system will immediately improve the shipping position by fully 20 per cent. It is understood that wool control will shortly he transferred to the Board of Trade, and that large quantities will shortly be released for civilians. In the House of Commons, Dr. Addison estimated that the surplus Army stores available for various purposes were valued at £500,000,000.—Au5.-N.Z. Cable Assoc- ,

A SPIRIT OF COMRADESHIP. BETWEEN THOSE SERVING IN THE WAR. Received Nov. 14. 10.5-p.m. London. Nov. 'l3. It is announced that conferences of representatives of the Admiralty, the War Office, and Air Ministry with the Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, South African, Indian, and Imperial Expeditionary Forces, appointed a committee, with Sir lan Hamilton as chairman, to report upon the best metlhod cf fostering a spirit of conwadeship and mutual help among all serving in the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. A committee was formed, with Admiral Jellicoo as chairman, to consider the promotion of comradeship throughout the Empire among all serving in the ■present war. The latter committee consists of two members of One Imperial Forces, and five members representing India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.—Reuter.

INCREASED WAGES FOR WORKERS.

Received Nov. 14. 10.30 p.m. London, Nov. 12. The Committee on Production, owing to the increased cost of living, awarW a further advance of 5s weekly for •"<% of 18 years and upwards, and haV-n----crown for boys who are apprentices in the engineering, shipbuilding, aircraft, chemical, and other munition works. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.