LONDON NEWS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 6 September 1915, Page 5

LONDON NEWS.

COMPULSORY SERVICE

QUESTION SHOULD BE LEFT TO

LORD KITCHENER

LABOR MATTERS,

JEWISH V.C.'S DEEDS

MORE SKILLED MUNITIONS

WORKERS WANTED

LONDON, Sep. 5. The Earl of Rosebery, speaking at Glasgow, said that an unexpected result of the hideous conspiracy which was designed to break the British Empire was to consolidate it in a way that the most ardent Imperialist could never have hoped for. Blood is thicker than water, and the cement with which our Empire has been constructed meant to last for all time.

The question of compulsory service ought not to fill the press to such an extent as-it does. We had established, after great effort, a National Government, in which we might put unlimited confidence, positively because it was a collection of our ablest men, negatively because no other government could fill its place. If we had confidence in the Government all questions relating to the war must be left to them. Could we not trust Lord Kitchener to say exactly the moment which, if it ever occurred, he thought * compulsory 'service should be enforced? He believed that if Lord Kitchener found the moment ripe, and the need imperative, he would not scruple to ask the country to give him the power requisite for compulsory service.

It was disheartening to see huge strikes proceeding in this very great stress and. agony of «ar. Groat strikes at such a time were worse tlmn the loss of a pitched battle in the field. He had heard whispers and innuendos that personal ambitions were reigning where they ought not to be, and were threatening to disturb the even balance of the Cabinet. He did not believe them, but if there should be any idea of the kind the country would never forgive the men responsible. .There can only be one inspiring idea from the head of the Government to the humblest among us, and that was their first motive, to crush and annihilate our infamous enemy.

The Transport Workers' Federation, National Union of Railwaymen, and the Miners' Federation are negotiating with a view to combined action in national matters, retaining separate control of their respective industries. It is the biggest combine in trade union history.

The South Wales Conciliation Board endorsed the week's settlements and agreements. The men then demanded 12£ per cent advance in wages, but the owners have offered five per cent. Viscount St. Aldwyn will arbitrate.

"Issy" Smith describes the deed by which he won the Victoria Cross, protesting that he had done nothing. He bandaged a wounded sergeant under a heavy machine-gun fire, and carried him uphill to the reserve trenches 250 yards away. He passed Lieutenant Shipster, who ivas immediately hit in the neck. Laying down the sergeant, Smith rolled over till he reached Shipster, whom he bandaged and carried alongside the sergeant. Smith carried them alternately for short stages to within ten yards of the reserve trenches.v An officer then assisted Smith, who finally collapsed.

Flight Commander Collet, who participated in the raid on Dusseldorf on September 23, has been killed at the Dardanelles.

The skilled munition workers' problem continues urgent, and it is feared that the supply will be insufficient when the new factories open, unless trade union restrictions are relaxed, especially in the number of machines per man.