GENERAL ITEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16663, 7 April 1916, Page 93

GENERAL ITEMS

PREPARATIONS IN HOLLAND. TO PROTECT NEUTRALITY. THE HAGUE, April 5. After a secret sitting of the Second Chamber the Dutch Government announced that the suspension of all furlough was a precaution to ensure the strict maintenance of neutrality, and not a sequel to any political 'complications.

REASONS FOR PRECAUTIONS.

GUA&D AGAINST RETREATING GERMANS. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) LONDON, April 5. The Amsterdam Telegraaf, discussing Holland's military preparations, thinks the Government regards the allied offensive as being imminent, and wishes to secure the Dutch frontier against retreating German troops.

WHEAT FOR ALLIES,

PURCHASE IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, April 6. The Allies' Food Commission has completed the purchase of 2,960,000 bushels of ■wheat at a cost of approximately £740,000. (Received April 6, at 10.55 p.m.) The commonwealth wheat pool has sold a further 115,000 tons to France arid Italy, realising £1,000,000.

BRITISH BEER.

PRODUCTION TO BE REDUCED. LONDON, April 5. In 'the House of Commons the President of the Board of Trade (Mr Runciman) announced that from April 1 the output of beer would be reduced by 28 per cent, compared with that of 1913-14. A Bill to give effect to this wpuld be introduced next week. ' This rfeduction would be equivalent to. a restriction of brewing imports by about 33£ per cent.

MR HUGHES IMPROVING. ' ■ . LONDON, April 5. (Received April 6, at 8.30 p.m.') Mr W. M. Hughes,, Prime Minister of Australia, is rapidly progressing towards recovery. •

MR. ASQUITH'S MESSAGE.

TRIBUTE TO ITALIAN ARMY. "THE CERTAINTY OF VICTORY." ' PARIS, April 5. V (Received April 6, at 8.30 p.m.) Mr Asquith, on leaving Rome, delivered a message, to the Italian people. He paid a tribute to the infeomparable bravery and tenacity of the army, struggling against almost insurmountable difficulties. He was more than ever convinced of the certainty of victory.

ALLIED COUNCIL OF WAR.

* PARIS, April 5. (Received April 6, at 8.30 p.m.) Mr Asquith and MM. Ribot and Briand held a council of war aboard the special train.

„ NEW MILITARY MEDAL., LONDON, April 5. (Received April 6, at 8.30 p.m.) A Royal warrant institutes a military medal for bravery for non-commissioned officers and men, i

THURSDAY'S CABINET MEETING. i

THE DAILY MAIL'S FEARS. i' / LONDON, April 6. (Received April 6, at 10.55 p.m.) The newspapers attach importance to to-day's. Cabinet meeting. It will be the first full meeting for months, owing to Mr Asquitli's absence. The Daily Mailj in an alarmist article, suggests that the meeting may bring the compulsion issue to a crisis. A majority in the House of Commons favours general compulsion, but Mr Asquith has already declared that he will, resign office when general compulsion is introduced. Much depends upon Mr Ronar Law, % who is threatened with the revolt,of a powerful Unionist section. The Daily Mail adds : "If Mr Bonar La.w takes a firm stand, Mr Asquith must accept or see the Unionist members of the Cabinet resign." The Daily Chronicle says: "The position is rendered difficult owing to reckless newspapers and politicians seeking to bring down' the Government by hook or by crook. Happily the moderate element of the Unionist Party may save the situation."