MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

THE MACHINERY OF GOVERN-

WENT.

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION.

BY A SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

Received Jan. 8, 5.5 p.m.

London, Jan. 7.

The Committee, under Lord iuldane'd presidency, to inquire into the machinery of the Government, .'ecommend3 that the Cabinet should consist of ten, or not more than twelve- members, and should ibe supplied with information in such a way as to enable it to reach expeditious decisions". Cabinet should also make a point of consulting all the Ministers whose work is likely to affect its decision.

The Committee, commenting on the non-utilisation of women's services at the administrative departments and the intelligence branches, say 1 the public service has hitherto been deprived'of vast knowledge 'and fresh which, for particular purposes, has been more valuable than even that of the ablest men in the Civil Service. The Committee recommends closer Parliamentary control over Ministerial departments, and the appointment of a Minister to preside over the Empire Department of Intelligence and Research, instancing the importance of work achieved during the war by the Privy Council organisation to encourage the application of science to industry. It discountenances the forming of special Ministries for various classes of the community, which is less effective than a department which concentrated on the needs of the community as a whole. There must also be a better combination ihetween the various departments, instead of working like watertight compartments. The Committee advocates the creation of a Ministry of Railways if these are nationalised, also a Ministry for the Puchase of .Government Supplies. The Home Secretaryship should be transformed into a Ministry of Justice, and all the Judges should be appointed by the Lord Chancellor.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc. SPREAD OF BOLSHEVISM. A SERIOUS .QUESTION. WHAT WILL THE ALLIES DO?

Received Jan. 8, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 6. The Times stales that the truth is nore and more obvious that the various «tors of Europe which at present exibit chaotic condition are increasing in .lumber instead of decreasing. The fact it that the Bolsheviks, having decided to enlarge their share of control, have declared war on the world at large.- The main question now is whether the Bolsheviks' aggression will stop on the old eastern German frontier, and where and when will tho Allies have* to meet the Bolshevik advanced forces. None of the- Allies have any desire to send an expeditionary force into the fastnesses of Eastern Europe. Certainly thSa will hot be done unless the avalanche grows which now threatens to engulf also Western and Continental Europe Times.' . ■ ~

THE INDUSTRIAL CONTROVERSY.

PROGRAMMES EEING ARRANGED.

Lodon, Jan. ft.

The Daily Telegraph states that the industrial controversy i 3 reopening acutely. The railwaymen will on Tuesday rti?cuss the means to achieve a national programme demanding the permanent retention of the 33s war advances plus 10s extra, also drastic overtime and holiday concessions-

The miners' is even more ambitious, namely, a six-hour day aad B0 per ceiit. advance on existing war pay. The Miners' Federation is calling a national conference to discuss methods. Obviously miners and railwaymen hope to force a successful issue before trade re-settles.—Au.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

SOLDIERS' GRIEVANCES,

DEMAND FOR SPEEDY DEMOBMSA. TION.

Received Jan. 8, 7.50 p-m. London, Jan. 7.

A few hundred soldiers marched to the War Oifice, and tho matter was arranged on the same terms as at Folkestone.

Despite their General's advice, the disaffected soldiers at Shoreham to-day insisted on telegraphing to the Premier demanding to be sent home pending the completion of demobilisation formalities- /

One hundred Bedfordshires at Bristol marched to the Town Hall and requested the Mayor to assist in hastening demo-bilisation—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assoc. London, Jan. 6.

The Daily Express understands that at the eleventh hour the authorities decided \to stop leave and substitute quicker 'demobilisation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

Received Jan. 8, 7.30 p.m. London, Jan. 7.

Demobilisation is now proceeding more smoothly. Ten thousand were demobilised daily last week. It is expected the figures will become 20,000.

The Premier is interviewing the authorities personally with a view to evolving a simple procedure. The guiding principle at present is the needs of the industry, not the length of service.

The trooj>B employed at the Essex aerodrome interviewed the colonel, who allowed one day's leave, adding that those able to secure work would be demobilised forthwith

Six hundred men at Kempton Paric Army Service Depot proceeded to Whitehall. The deputation visited the War Office.—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assoc.