MOTHER COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17711, 11 February 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

VERSAILLES CONFERENCE.

COLONEL REPTNGTON’S CRITICISM.

THE BRITISH COMMAND. (Received February 10, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 8

Colonel Ropingon telegraphs to the “ Morning Post ” from Paris stating that the decisions of the Inter-Allied War Council regarding the control of the British troops in the field are reported to bo of such a strange character that Parliament should demand the fullest details, should order an immediate examination of the proposals, and. obtain the opinions of the British General Staff on them.

COMMENT IN LONDON,

(Received February 10, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 8

Critics of Mr Lloyd George and the Government are utilising tile disquieting rumours regarding centralisation at Versailles to weaken the coalition. The “ Globe” says that Colonel Repington evidently learned facts jealously withheld from the Commons. The “ Star ” supports Colonel Repington’s demand for the utmost publicity regarding the enlargement of the powers of the Versailles Council, and suggests that the Lords and. Commons should act together in clearing up the intolerable’ mystery. A joint committee of the two. Houses ought to be appointed, on which no member of the Cabinet should have a seat. Tho “ Star ” adds: “ It is asserted that Mr Lloyd George will establish a headquarters at Versailles and issue orders from there. Is this constitutional?” The “ Westminster Gazette ’ says that a definite assurance will be given to Parliament regarding the limitations imposed on the Supreme War Council. The Commons must ascertain if tho Council’s functions have been altered. The “Evening Standard” says:— “The eccentric Repington has discovered another mare's nest.” The paper savs that it can state positively that what was done at Versailles has the sole object of increasing the fighting power and efficiency, of the Allies armies. When Parliament meets, Mr Lloyd George will be willing to explain the matter. T 1 j The “Spectator asks Mr Llovd George if he can do so and declare his confidence in the military leaders, dispelling the suspicions that he has been p’vnnpted by the recent I ress campaign against him. ITALY’S DELEGATE. (Received February 10, 5.5 p.m.) ROME, February 9. General Giardino has been appointed the Italian delegate to t crsailles. MAN-POWER PROPOSALS. SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS. LONDON, February 8. Sir Auckland Geddes attended a manpower conference at Westminster, at which the Amalgamated Society of Engineers refused to be represented Mr j H. Thomas, representing the i«>h\ajmen suggested a separate confeience between the National Service Ministry and the Engineers Societj, hpt a ve J large majority of the conference leiected tlio proposal and substituted a proposal to'invite the Amalgamated Society of Engineers to meet representatives of all the unions at a conleience not attended by any Government officials. . THE U-BOAT MENACE. ADMIRAL JELLICOE’S STATEMENT. LONDON, February 8. Lord Jellicoe, speaking at Hull, sai«: “ We are in for a bad time dunng the next three months, but I that if we hold out the submarine menace will be killed by August.

THE FOOD PROBLEM.

MEAT RATIONING

A. end K.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. (Received February 10, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 9, The Food Minister’s meat rationing scheme for London and the Homo counties was issued to-day. It provides for the’ use of meat cards bearing four * Ol 1 . „ n ph of which enables a purcha.o’during a week of fivepence worth rfSLSEd‘meat, or alternatively i ,1 nmiltrv game or horseflesh, SSpinV from five to Twelve and a halt to description, or alternatively three ounces of boneless or four ounces of. bony uncooked ham or won alternatively six to eight ounces of uncooked sausages, according to the meat contents, alternatively any of, the forcsoing uncooked meats in a canned state or as sandwiches, meat pies between two and a half and four ounces. Public eating housekeepers are to collect coupons in respect of meals served.