AN IMPORTANT COMMISSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17533, 27 January 1919, Page 5

AN IMPORTANT COMMISSION

PROBLEMS OF WORLD-WIDE INTEREST. ■ SOLDIERS' DESntE FOR LAND. LONDON, January 22. Members of the American Commission investigating conditions in Europe are of opinion that, unless the Peace Congress exercises foresight in dealing with problems of emigration, a tidal wave of restless humanity will sweep the world like Goths. The returned soldier of every nation is tremendously land-hungry, and this hunger must be satisfied. The populations of many European countries have. increased, despite the war, which has prevented emigration, but now an emigratory movement of tremendous size must be reckoned with.—-A. and N.Z. Cable. DEMOBILISATION. GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER RAILWAYS. mGHT-HO'HR DAY FOR EMPLOYEES. LONDON, January 23. Sir Auckland Geddes, Minister of Reconstruction, will shortly succeed Sir Eric Geddes in taking charge of demobilisation. Sir' Eric Geddes will then take up the new Ministry of Ways and Communications. -.The Bill introducing and establishing this department provides the Government with powers to take over the railways and canals. The Railway Executive Committee has practically completed arrangements for the establishment of an eight-hour day from February 1. The change will be effected gradually, and will ultimately necessitate | largely increased staffs. Meanwhile the : men will be paid on the basis of an eightj hour day.—-A. and N.Z. Cable.