WELLINGTON TOPICS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1918, Page 8

WELLINGTON TOPICS

DEMOBILISATION OP TROOPS, AFFECTED BY INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

(By Telegraph—Own Corresep^ulent.) Wellington, JNov. 14. No definite announcement regarding the demobilisation of .the troops now in camp is yet made.

The Minister for 'Defence stated in the House to-day that the signing of the armistice would not justify demobilisation, but he added, in referenec to influenza, the epidemic is a real difficulty, Plans had been prepared for releasing men at the rate of 300 a day, and they were actually getting away at about 100 p.?r day under tlie system of leave for essential workers, but tlie prevalence of influenza in the camps and tlie isolation of large bodies of- men not aerially infected and the interference with telegraph and transport services, have made it impossible to do much in the way of demobilisation. SEVERE FORM AT FEATHERSTON. The epidemic has taken a severe frorj in Featherston. There are more than 100 serious case 3, and the medical authorities do not consider it advisable to release men until they have clean bills of health. A few chemists, dispensers, and other essential workers ate receiving leave. THE CENSORSHIP. Many inquiries are being made regarding the war regulations censorship restrictions and so forth. The official position is that the Empire is still in a state of war. The armistice is & suspension of hostilities, not a termination, and there is no relaxation of the rules. CAUCUS OF REFORM PARTY. In the meantime a caucus of the Reform Party is being held. The election prospects is one of the matters under discussion. Members are preparing for next year's general election, and they want some lines of procedure laid down by the party leaders before they leave for the Peace Conference.

Policies programmes are once more in the air.

THE BUTTER SITUATION.

Mr. Massey has not yet received a final reply from the butter producers. There is some danger that the Imperial purchase will lapse if the matter is delayed, sinco shipping will now become available and the shortage in Britain will be reduced.

Ministerial opinion is that failure to complete the agreement will meau a loss to the butter producer.^.