BRITAIN'S PART.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15929, 16 June 1917, Page 9

BRITAIN'S PART.

GOVERNMENT RECONSTRUCTION, OPPOSITION TO MR CHURCHILL. (By Cable—Press Aaaociatien—Copyright.) (United Service.! LONDON, Juno 14. Mr Lloyd Gcorgo is completing the reconstruction of tho Govornment. Tho inclusion of General Smuts is dependent on South Africa's conscnt. The question of the representation of tho other Dominions is being considered, but it is understood that General Smuts's position is regarded as oxceptional Widespread opposition to Mr Winston Churchill's inclusion compelled Mr Lloyd George to remodify his intentions.

MUNITION" EXPLOSION. c 50 PEOPLE KILLEIX LONDON. June 14. Fifty persons were killod by tho explosion at the Ashton-imdor-Lyno munition factory. A recent message said: "In tho House of Commons Mr Bonar Law announced a serious munitions explosion at Ashton-under-Lyne, whoro a number of people wore killed or injured." THE CASUALTY LIST. 150 PEOPLE INJURED. and X.Z. Cabli> Auocialimi.) (Hoceivod June 1.1 tit. 10.55 p.nt.) LONDON, Juno IS. One hundred nnd fifty people wero injured by the munitions explosion nt Afihton-tindcr-Lvne. "A considerable proportion of the casualties was amongst school children who wero returning home. Flying "fragments of boilers, bricks, nnd gasometer frames were responsible for a largo proportion of the casualties. Debris -was hurled one mile, and one street is described as resembling a shambles. Flames from the munition works ignited .1 cotton mill, -which was gutted, and »lw> ignited a corn mill at Dnkinfield, which, was completely destroyed. MUCH DAMAGE CAUSED. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, Juno 14. In the House of Commons Mr Bonar Law stated that, tho munitions oxplosion occurred in a privately-owned works. Mui-li damage was caused to tho neighbouring mills, workshops, and dwellings.

THE TRADE CORPORATION. ITS FUNCTIONS EXPLAINED. LONDON, Juno 11. The Trado Corporation lias presented the Attorney-General with a declaration that tho Corporation's fundamental object is to financially assist British traders and manufacturers, especially in connexion with overseas' trade. It will not. compete as a contractor or a merchant trader, arid also its charter will not confer on it exclusive privileges. VENEREAL DISEASE. LONDON, Juno 14. Tho King has sent a messago to tho National Council commending tho campaign against venereal disease, and expressing satisfaction at tho Rteady growth of public opinion in favour of a movement vitally affecting tho health of the community and tho moral auc' physical welfare of tho raco. THE LIQUOR TRADE. GOVERNMENT FAVOURS ACQUISITION. Mr Ronar Law stated in the House of Commons that tho Government had decided to appoint Commissioners to settle the terms of tho State acquisition of tho liquor trado, either for the duration of the war or after tho war. Tho Governmcht favoured tho acquisition of the trade. The Houso of Commons 'Will Salt opportunity of considering tho matter before anything is settled. EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. LONDON, June 14. In the House of Commons, Mr J» F. Hope said that Cabinet bad decided that a general . exchafigO, of British and German prisoners was impfactic-' able, owing to the exorbitant demands made by Gefniahyi CANADA'S PART. CONSCRIPTION OF - OTTAWA, June 14. Tlii> Government has decided, trt impose super-taxation on largo lncotncft in ofder to fulfil tho country's demand for tho conscription of wealth. Tho appointment of a Food Controller is pending. ACTIVITY~IN ARABIA. TURKISH FORT CAPTURED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Router's Telegram*.) (Received Juno 15th, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 14. The Admiralty reports that British warships captured on Tuesday Fort Saliff, on tho eastern shore of tie Bed Sea, 150 miles north of Perim, after a three hour's' resistance. They tobk 94 prisoners, and captured two machine guns, also military stores, camels, and harbour plant.