MOTHER COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17661, 13 December 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

LABOUR DEMONSTRATIONS

FOOD TROUBLES. LONDON, December 11

A labour demonstration, at which Messrs Bon Tillett, M.P., W. C. Anderson, M.P., and J. 11. Thomas, M.P., attended. vigorously protested against the food administration, which allowed some to get plenty and others to go short, and passed a resolution in favour of democratically elected control boards, also that tho State and municipalities in conjunction with a co-operative movement, should organise the production and distribution of foodstuffs.

One prominent Labourite hinted at a “ down tools ” policy if matters were not improved.

THE BLOCKADE

BRITAIN’S SHIPBUILDING Reuitßr’ii Telegram*.

(Received December 12, 7 p.m.)

LONDON, December 11

In the House of Commons Sir L. G. Chiozza Money stated that to November 30 seven standard ships of a total tonnage of 47,234 tons had been completed and had started their voyages. A large number were being completed. One ship had been sunk. The total new tonnage completed in November was within a measurable distance of the tonnage losses by enemy attacks. WAR VOTE. £550,000,000 SOUGHT. LONDON, December 11. A new vote of credit for £550,000.000 will be asked for in the House of Commons.

BRITISH PRISONERS

STATEMENT BY MR MACPHERSON.

A. and N.Z. Cable A**oci*Uon and Reutsr. LONDON, December 1L Mr J. I. Macpherson i Undersecretary for War, states that British prisoners in Germany total 1863 officers and 41,836 men; in Turkey, 340 officers and J. 959 men; in Bulgaria, 43 officers and 586 men, and in Austria 12 officers and 74 men. Tho captures last month aro included. THE BRITISH NAVY. ADDITIONAL SAILORS VOTED. (Received December 12, 7 p.m.) LONDON, December 11. The House ,of Commons agreed to a voto for an additional 50,000 sailors for the Navy. IRISH AFFAIRS. SINN FEINER’S REMARKABLE SPEECH. (Received December 12, 7 p.m.) LONDON, December 11. De Valera in a remarkable speech in the County of Cork said that tho Nationalists of Ireland, whether desiring separation from or inclusion in the Empire, ought to march shoulder to shoulder. Neither party should doubt the other’s motives. It is generally believed that the speech signifies that the Sinn Feiners are anxious to pavo the way for an understanding if a satisfactory settlement is offered to Ireland.