MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

BRITAIN'S STRENGTH. GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. Baeaived April 8, 7.40 p.m. Paris, April 27. Interviewed, an American financial expert, who minutely studied the conditions in Europe, said he would predict that England would be stronger within a year than ever before, because of her Commercial enterprise and the courage With which she meets her debts by taxation. Britain's situation with her war debt' of forty billion dollars compares favorably with her debt per capita ana wealth at the conclusion of the Napoleonic wars.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. THE INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE. Received April 8, 5.5. p.m. London, March 28. Mr. Lloyd George is confined to his bed by a severe chill. It is hoped he Will attend the industrial conference on April 4. Mr. Lloyd George's foreword to the teport of the last conference appeals to til sections of the community to read his Ipeeches carefully. "I earnestly ask you to help in the creation and nse a steadying influence during reconstruction by holding together, thereby assisting to obtain as quickly a* possible better conditions for all,-increased production, and prosperity." Eight .hundred delegates will assemble. •-Aus. NZ. Cable Assoc. REDISTRIBUTION OF THE FLEET. ■' Received April 8, si p.m. London, April 7. 'flu Australian Press Association learns that the redistribution of the fleet is proceeding. It has been divided into Atlantic and Home fleets; China, Mediterranean, Cape, South American, East Indian, West Indian, and West Atlantic squadrons.—Aus. N.Z. Cable THE TRANSPORT BILL. Received April 8, 5.5 p.m. London, March 28. . In the House of Commons, Mr. E. Short (Home Secretary), replying to Mr. J. Gretton's amendment to the Transport Bill, that no undertaking be established by the Ministry until the estimate is approved, said that existing cireumstandes made reliable estimates impossible. He hiped the House would trust the Treasury. Sir i. Carson stated that the Bill established the most gigantic monopoly eVen known, and would prove the most expensive experiment in history. Sir Eric Geddes had carte blanche to spend i what he liked for two years; and this Was gambling gone mad. No estimates Were required and there was no limit' to the expenditure by Sir E. Geddes. The debate was adjourned.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. DISPERSAL OF GRAND FLEET. London, April 7. Sir David Beatty hauled down his flag as Commander-in-Chief on the occasion of the formal dispersal of the Grand Fleet. It is suggested that Admiral Beatty Will 1» First Sea Lord.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE KIMMEL RIOT INQUEST. London, March 28. _ At the inquest on five Canadians at Kimmel Camp, evidence was given that (everal of the rioters were under the influence of drink. The coroner said he was glad it had been proved that there was no quarrel between the different nationalities or between the Canadians and Imperial The Home Office intimated that no criminal charge Was pending, therefore he returned an •pen verdict.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable AGRICULTURAL MATTERS. London, April 7. ' The Sussex Agricultural Wages Board teports that the land has depreciated •Wing to the lessened use of fertilisers. Farm workers' wages were compul•orily increased during the war to 335, Which the board asserts is below the cost of maintaining a family, and is flxing the new rate at 39s 6d.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.