MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

I LABOR'S CLAIM., | JO POLITICAL RECOGNITION, POST-WAR TRADE,. ; London, Dec. 24. If Labor is numerically the largest party in the House of Commons outside the Coalitiou the members intend to claim to be regarded as the official Opposition. Laborites who are Privy Councillors will then take their seats on the front Opposition bench.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association.

London, Dec. 23. The Government committee on the provision of financial facilities for postwar trade reports that the first step towards the repair of the wastage of capital due to the war lies in increased production and actual saving. The committee recommends tliQ earliest cessation of State borrowing and the restoration of an effective gold standard, thereby imposing a restriction on the creation of additional credit.

The committee urges the Government to declare its future policy re.Rurding tariffs, the rationing of raw materials, and the disposal of the surplus stores of the national factories to enable manufacturers to prepare their plans for the future. The committee also suggests that a portion of the new issues of industrial shares should be reserved for workers in such industries.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

PRESIDENT WILSON'S VISIT,

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. London, Doc. 26. President Wilson's welcome in London was one of astounding warmth. Thousands lined tlio streets. The King and President Wilson drove together, and Mr 3. Wilson was in a carriage with the Queen and Princess Mary. President Wilson, replying at Dover to an address of welcome, said: "We have come through erious times together, therefore we regard each other in a new light as comrades and associates arriving within reach of our common puroose and common understanding. We have the deepest gratification in matching our minds with the mindi of those proposing to do the best they can for the settlement of the great struggle"

President Wilson will consult British Ministers on Friday, when the question of further Allied operations in Russia will "be discussed. He will leave England on Tuesday.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

Received Dec. 27, f1.5 p.m. London, Dec. 26. President Wilson arrived at Buckingham Paloee. He was to address the crowd from the balcony. He eulo.ipaed the wounded soldiers, and hoped everyone would safely enjoy the fruits of the gre..t victory already won. —Ana. N.Z. Cable Assoc. TATOOING PRISONERS. ALLEGATIONS NOT CONFIRMED. Reserved Dec. 28, 1.30 a.m. London, Dee. 24. The War Office announces that it is unaUle to confirm thu allegations that the Germans tattooed prisoners.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assoc-

STATE CONTROL OF TRADE. AN AUSTRALIAN RESOLUTION. Received Dec. 28, 1.30 a.m. London, Dsc. 24. The executive committee of tlie Australian Chambers of Commerce passed a resolution urging the earliest discontinuance of State control of trade, especially of licences.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.

MEETING NEW CONDITIONS. THE REPATRIATION QUESTION. PEACE TO BE SIGNED. BEFORE NEW ZEALANDERS LEAVE FRANCE.

Received Dec, 27, 9.50 p.m. London, Dec. 23. The Australian and New Zealand commanding officers are unsparing in their efforts to create a new mental attitude among the soldiers. Every officer lias been impressed with the importance of the new duties brought about by the new conditions. America and Canada are well ahead with their repatriation programme, New Zealand coming next, while Australia started last. The Australian problem is the most serious, owing to the large number of troops to be repatriated. At the moment when hostilities ceased, and when the uppermost thought in every mind was to get home as early as possible, the authorities set to work to make known the plain facts. Firstly, the Australians and New Zeaianders, despite their long and glorious record, cannot leave France before peace is signed. Secondly, the limitation of shipping will permit only of gradual repatriation.— Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

THE QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS CARDS. DISTRIBUTION TO OFFICERS OF DOMINIONS. Received Dec. 28, 1.30 a.m. London, Dec. 24. I The Queen, assisted'by the Duke of Connaught and Princes Albert and George, personally distributed the Queen's ' peace Christmas cards to 3000 of the Dominions officers at the Albert Hall.—Aus. Cable Assoc.