MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

, A LARGE VOTE CARRIED. LABORITES WANT HIGHER PAY. ■ v London, March 8. In the House of Commons the vote for supply for 210 millions was carried. Mr. S. Baldwin pointed out that the current year's estimates of 495 millions represented a decrease of 240 millions compared with last year. The principal items were 73 millions for pensions nnd liO millions for railway subsidy. The following increases were included: Three and a half millions for public buildings, 20 millions for education, 8% millions f*-r road repair. Mr. Adamson (leader of the Labor Party) urged increased salaries for members of the House of Commons, also free railway passes. It caused considerable hardship to Laborites that since the salaries were fix'ed in 1911 the cost of living had risen 120 per cent. Mr. Bonar Law said the Government had not agreed to increased salaries. The estimates reduce the secret service vote from £1,000,000 to £2oo,ooo.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

COMPENSATION TO SAILORS' DEPENDENTS. A FIRST DEMAND ON GERMANY. Received March 7, 5.5 p.m. London, March 5. Replying to a deputation from the mercantile marine regarding reparation to relatives of sailors murdered during war time, the number whereof the spokesman estimated at 20,000, the Premier announced that the British delegates at the Peace Conference had been instructed to submit as a first demand a request for full compensation for losses at sea, including compensation to relatives of the dead. Germany must pay this first, before a mere indemnity for war expenses. The Premier concluded that claims should immediately be submitted to the Foreign Office.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter.

THE YPRES SALIENT. London, March 5. In the House of Commons Mr. Churchill said the casualties in the Ypres salient from the end of July to November IS, 1917, were:— Territorials, 10,795 officers and 207.538 men; Canadians, 496 officers and 11,917 men; Australians, 1289 officers and 27,502 men. The figures included deaths from wounds and prisoners.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. METAL IN STOCK. , Received March S, 1.30 a.m. London, March <S. The Ministry of Munitions stocks of copper total 51,373 tons; spelter, 36.30-t tons; aluminium, 13,004 tons; pig lead, 100,063 tons; nickel, 233-2 tons" antimony, 43-25 tons.—Aus. Cable Assoc.