MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

EXTENDING BRITISH TRADE. A WORLD-WIDE SYSTEM ORGANISE©. Received 18, 5.5 pm. New York, April 1(1. The New York Times' Washington correspondent says the United States officials have received information giving the plans adopted by England for the reform and extension of British Consular services, which include an annual expenditure of one million sterling for consuls and £250,000 for commercial attaches. In co-operation with an extended consular service, a world-wide system of trade commissioners will he established by British trade associations, one of which represents 2000 firms with a combined capital of four billion sterling. One commissioner has already been stationed in Greece for the purpose of organising trade throughout the Near East, and others are now stationed in Serbia and Holland, while one commissioner will tour South Africa.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

FULL OF PERIL, v^, THE PRESENT SITUATION. , London, April 16. Mi. Lloyd George, in the Houße of Commons, said that the situation was still full of peril for all countries. He pleaded that they would let alone those who were doing their best. The difficulties of the Congress of Vienna were insignificant compared with those of the present congress in Paris. The Allies had reached a complete understanding on the fundamentals of peace- It was untrue that the United states and Europe had been at variance. No approaches had been received from the Bolshevik Government. 'He would rather leave Russia to Bolshevism than rush Britain into bankruptcy. The question of recognising Russia aad never been broached. The conference realised that its decisions might precipitate another war, therefore the most extreme care was necessary.

The dispatch of a British ,army to Russia would be an act of stupidity. Bolshevism was waning owing to a return to ecclesiastical faith—Aua.-N.Z.-Cable Assn.

AGRIOULTURAL WORKERS' DEMANDS. Received 17, 11.40 p.m. London, April 13A conference of delegates from 2000 branches of the Agricultural Workers' Union adopted a resolution that the minimum wage was to be £2 10s for six days of a week of 44 hours- They also demanded the appointment of a commission of. inquiry concerning land problem*, particularly nationalisation.—AuaN.Z. Cable Assoc.