BRITAIN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 267, 27 October 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN

MR. MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH. ATTEND CABINET MEETING. 1 UNITED SERVICE.] London, Oct. 26. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward attended a Cabinet meeting this morning and were given the places ol honour on either side of M.r, Asquith. For two hours the Empire and war policy were discussed. Mr. Massey, interviewed, said he was impressed with,.the similarity ot proceedings to those in New Zealand and the warmth of feeling exhibited by Ministers for the Dominion. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward and their secretaries leave for the western front on a visit to the New Zealanders and the British and French lines. On returning they will visit the fleet and tour the provinces. It is improbable that they will complete their programme in the time allotted. The negotiations with the Board of Trade are dragging. Mr. Massey on Wednesday night addressed the pilgrims at the Savoy Hotel, Lord Charles Beresford presiding. Mr. Massey said that New I Zealand was holding German Somoa I for the Empire, but we mean to keep it- - PERMANENT REPRESENTATION. ON THE IMPERIAL CABINET. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSN.i (Received 27, 11.40 a.m.) London. Oct. 26. The “Manchester Guardian” says the presence of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward at the Cabinet meeting confirms the It has been suggested that the Dominion Governments should have permanent representation on the Imperial Cabinet through a resident Minister. Without being ideal this would have certain advantages and it could be carried out with the minimum of constitutional change, and would g-ive the Dominions the information which they chiefly need regarding common Imperial concerns. The Minister could keep his colleagues, fully instructed regarding the Imperial foreign policy. SPEECHES AT THE PILGRIMS CLUB. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSN.] (Received 27, 8.55 a.m.) London, Oct. 26. Speaking at the Pilgrims Club, Mr. Massey, after outlining New Zealand’s part in the war, explained the terms of the Compulsion and the Pensions Acts. The details were cordially received. He concluded by giving them the following message from New Zealand: —“Stand fast, men of Britain, for the glory of the Flag and the glory of humanity.” Sir Joseph Ward paid a tribute to the Navy’s work. But for it, he said, no Empire would be now extant. English statesmen had lessons to learn from the war. whereof as a citizen of the Empire he would suggest that one was the necessity of ah air fleet equal in efficiency to the Navy. The overseas dominions could share in this work of training aviators. The Jutland battle had proved that the enemy,, with their airships, provided superior eyes for their Navy to that of Britain. They must recognise that air fighting had come to stay. Speaking regarding after war treatment of Germany, Sir Joseph Ward said that they should not show any sentimental stupidity towards a country which had attempted to put us under. He added: “If I had my way, I would not allow their ships to pass the Suez Canal on terms equal to ours or give them coaling facilities. We should give preference to our Allies in the struggle.”

Lord Charles Beresford complimented Mr. Massey on his thoroughly businesslike compulsion scheme, and agreed with Sir J. Ward’s views on the construction of an air fleet. BEATEN AND THEY KNOW IT. FRIGHTFULNESS TO SPEED PEACE. (Received 27, 9.15 a.m.) London, Oct. 26. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Stockholm correspondent states that a distinguished neutral resident . of Berlin who is visiting Sweden gives the facts of the official German attitude. He says the present position is that the authorities realise, the war is lost. They know Germany has still power to manufacture munitions at a formidable rate, but the output of the allies is much greater secondly, they recognise that the reserves of men are insufficient to allow Germany to conduct the war to a victorious issue, though a defensive war can be conducted foi a considerable time. They acknowledge that sooner or later the Allies must break through at the Somme, and estimate the limit of German endurance at twelve months. The authorities are co-ordinating their efforts to secure peace which will not brand them as defeated. They are determined to smash Rumania, and to use submarines in order to hurt Britain to the utmost, believing Britain will thus more quickly accept peace. COMBING OUT THE ELIGIBLES

[AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z, CABLE ASSN. | (Received 27, 10.45 a.m.) London, Oct. 26.

The combing out of military eligibles is proceeding energetically, and employers are warned that few exemptions will be renewed and they must arrange for substitutes. The military authorities are willing to assist in exchanging called up partially fit men for fully fit men previously exempted. It is expected that all fit men under 26 years of age will be taken. THE COAL OUTPUT. PREMIER’S APPEAL FOR ACCELERATION. r REUTEB’S TELEGRAMS- 7 (Received 27, 10.45 a.m.) London, Oct. 26. Mr. Asquith addressed 3000 representatives of the coal mining industry, and appealed for the elimination M avoidable absenteeism whereby 5 per cent, of time was lost. If, he said, this were made up the deficiency of the output could be remedied. The output had progressively decreased since the war although the importance of coal in the carrying on of the war was only second to the importance of men. The meeting passed a resolution pledging both employers and workmen to do everything in their power t? increase the output.

LONDON NEWS ITEMS.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.! London, Oct. 26,

In the House of Commons Lord Robert Cecil said the Government understood that Germany was willing to exchange interned , men of military age, but the War Office considered it impossible to assent in view of the military results.

aUHI'HAI.I AN ANU N.Z CAH‘.K ABHN 1

Tn the House of Commons Captain Pretyman’s bill prohibiting the use of “Anzac” in connection with anv trade, business, calling, or prowas read the first time.