FRENCH FIRMNESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9721, 25 July 1917, Page 5

FRENCH FIRMNESS

SPEECH 3V PREMIER AN INCONQUERABLE NATION. By Teiccraph— Press Association—Copyright Eeutor's Telegrams. (Received July 24, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, July 23. The Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Government. It trusts the Government will suppress ail propaganda which is against discipline and the security of the nation. 31. Clcmcuceau denounced the Pacifists. M. Ribot, Premier, declared that, knowing the whole Parliament was behind him, lie coulA govern more strongly. Germany needed peace and meant to secure it by any means. Prance was in the presence of a campaign of treachery, and the police must redouble their vigilance. The foul German propaganda must be suppressed. If France wished peace through war-weariness she was no longer worthy to be called France. There must bo no blind optimism, no excessive uneasiness. Franco was not to bo conquered. GERMAN U-BOAT RISES OPPOSITION TO ALLIED NAVAL ATTACK. by Toleerapb— Press Association—CopyrlsV Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Received July 24. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 23. The “New York World’s" Washington correspondent reports that Admiral Sims and the Allied naval officers oppose tho suggestion to attack U-boat bases, as they regard the German naval defences as impregnable, and foresee that such an attack would result unfavourably to. the Allies. KAISER AND SUBMARINES U-BOATS WILL DESTROY BRITAIN. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Reuter's Telegrams, (Received July 24, 5.5 p.m-) ZURICH, July 23. For the first time since the establishment of the Empire, the Kaiser met the Socialist leaders in an informal conference. He told them that the submarines were succeeding beyond all expectations, and would bring ruin and destruction to Britain.

BONUSES__AWARDED FOR SINKING GERMAN WARSHIPiS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrlehi Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 24, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 23. The Prize Court has granted bounty amounting to £6415 to the following warships and companies: Princess Royal, Queen Mary, Now Zealand, Birmingham, Falmouth, Liverpool, The Arethusa, Lurcher, Fife, Drake,’ Leonidas, and several submarines for sinking German warships; Koln, with a crew of 467 aboard; Mainz, with a ore W-of 423; Ariadne, with a-crew of 297; V-188, with a crew of 93, during the battle in the Bight of Heligoland. AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS' WAGES A MINISTERIAL CRISIS POSSIBLE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. (Received July 24, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 23. An urgeiit Government “Whip" has been issued regarding Mr Wardle’s amendment to the Corn Production Bill in favour of an increase in the wages of agricultural labourers. The Government regard 25s as the minimum wage for agriculturists as fundamental. Pro-Government newspapers warn opponents not to create a crisis resulting in an appeal to tho country. A cable message published yesterday reads: “The ‘Daily News’ states that the Government is opposed to Mr Wardle’s amendment of the Corn Production Bill, in which ho seeks to secure an increase of the wages of agricultural labourers from 25s to 30s, a week, notwithstanding that tho bill provides*’for farmers a large bonus to stimulate production."' Mr Wardle’s amendment was eventually defeated by 301 votes to 102. MINISTERS’ VIEW OF THE QUESTION By Telerraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 14, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 23. Speaking in the House of Commons on Mr Wardle’s proposal to increase the pay of agricultural labourers, Mr Prothero, Minister for Agriculture, said he could not accept Mr Wardle’s amendment. If it was pressed to a division, he must stand or fall by the result. The bill was essential to our existence and safety. The minimum wage was irreducible, but tho Wages Board could increase it. Tho proposed increase in the wage would impose the payment of an additional £40,090,990 on the farmers. The late Government miscalculated tho submarine menace and the chances of shortages in the world’s supply of grain. We could not afford a third miscalculation. .BRITAIN'S.HEWJJREOIT VOTE By Telegraph—Prtsss Association—Copyrijjh* Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 24, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 23. Tho new credit vote will bo for £559,000,050.