BRITAIN'S PART.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15560, 8 April 1916, Page 9

BRITAIN'S PART.

RECRUITING. ATTESTED SINGLE MEN, LAST GROUPS CALLED UP. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received Anril 7th, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. The last batchcs of single men atrtested under the Derby scheme joined the Colours to-day. EXEMPTED OCCUPATIONS, PAPEIt-MAKERS REMOVED. (.Received April 7th, 8.-10 p.m.) LONDON, April (3. The "War Office has removed papermakers from the list of exempted occupations. PARIS CONFERENCES. THE ECONOMIC CONGRESS. LONDON, April 6. Jn the House of Commons. Mr Asrjuith, in reply to a question, said ho was unable to give a day to enable the House to express an opinion

which would guide the Government s representatives at the Paris conference. The Paris correspondent of "The Times'- says that in defercnco to the British Government's presumed attitude, the French have waived the discussion of tariff questions, though they are convinced that the question of tariffs must be discussed sooner or later. The agenda for the Economic Conference now includes the improvement of the blockade and defensive measures against the Germans' dumping schemes and mutual aid regarding raw materials. tonnuge, industrial plants, and finance.

EMPIRE PROBLEMS. MOTHER COUNTRY AND DOMINIONS. SPEECH BY LORD CREWE. (Received Anril 7th, S.oO p.m.) LONDON, April 7. The Hon. Sir George H. I'erlcy, High Commissioner for Canada, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High Commissioner for Now Zealand. and the Hon. W. P. Schrcincr. High Commissioner for South Africa, were entertained at aluncheon at the National Liberal Club. In proposing the toast of the guests. Lord Crowe said tho lessons and experiences of the war tended to make appeals for Empire co-operation more active and more intelligent. Tliey wcro not afraid to confer regarding the possibilities of fiscal union between the different parts of the Empire, but they had a sharply divided public opinion in this country. The most, ardent evangelist of a new fiscal system and of the union of the Empire would admit that these could only bo readied by surmounting great difficulties, affecting not only the domestic relations of the different parts of the Empire, but also the exterior relations of the Empire and other countries. No one could deny that relations with the colonies should be studied and re-examined as a canscqucncc of tho convulsion which affected all our relations with the whole world. Tho time might not bo distant when closer political union between ourselves and the other parts of the Empire might be brought about. Sir Thos. Mackenzie said the Dominions were prepared to proportionately bear the burdens of Imperial responsibility. It wag. only right and proper that they should have a proportionate share in the control of State affairs, PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. A MOTION WITHDRAWN. (Received April 7th, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, April G. In the House of Commons, Mr It. McKenna, Chancellor of the Exchequer, moved to stop the Parliamentary salary of members drawing full pay from tho military and naval forces. Sir F. G. Banbury moved an amendment to abolish the payment of members. Much opposition was shown to this proposal on the ground of introducing a stale political subject at such a time. Several members characterised it as a broach of the political truce. The amendment was rejected by '217 votes to 32. Mr MeKeniia withdrew his motion. PIG-IRON, MAXIMUM PRICES FIXED. (Received April 7th, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. The Ministry of Munitions has fixed maximum prices for pig-iron lor various provinces in England. They arc based on the existing abnormal conditions.

RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS. MEASURE TO EXCLUDE GERMANS. LONDON; April 6. A private Bill lias been drafted for tho purpose of extinguishing German Rhodes Scholarships, and transferring the extra scholarships to tlia Dominions. BELGIAN RELIEF, BR IT AIN 'S CONTRIBUTION. LONDON, April 6. Sir Edward Grey, in the House of Commons said that Britain's contribution to relieve Belgium might be reckoned ab £500,000 per month. Although it was not- paid directly, it was paid out of the Allied loan to Belgium. AUSTRALIAN WOUNDED. A NEW HOSPITAL. LONDON, April fi. Orders have been issued that all the Australian wounded men in future are to be treated at the Wemeroux H9Spital, where the authorities aro providing an additional five hundred beds.