GENERAL NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17938, 1 February 1917, Page 5

GENERAL NEWS

INSPIRING GERMANY,

WITH IDEALS OF NATIONHOOD.

effectiveness or the bikjckade

(By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright)

(Australian and N.SS. Cable Association.)

LONDON, January 31 Received January 31, 9.35 p.m.

Lord Robert Cecil, speaking at Nottingham, said that the Allies did not desire to crush Germany, but wished to inspire Germany with real ideals of nationhood. He did not deride the proposal of a League of Peace, but the first, business of the Allies was (o carry the war to a successful issue. Rome thought they could beat Germany with the blockade, but victory must be won on the field. Nevertheless, the blockade had absolutely destroyed Austro-Germany’s overseas’ exports, and largely diminished their trade with neighbouring neutrals. We heard from many sources of food riots in the enemy countries, and it was established beyond question that the enemy had little wool and less cotton, and were making clothes and boots from paper. Some people dema-nded a blockade of neutral countries, but that did not come well from a people who went to war in defence of smaller nations. It was a I-’oreign Office problem to carryon the blockade effectively, while preserving the goodwill of neutral^

POLANE’S SORRY PLIGHT. BARBAROUS TREATMENT OF THE PEOPLE. A REGIME OF MISERY.

(The Times.)

LONDON, January 30

Received January 31, 8.35 p.m

All industries in Poland are dead, the factories closed and dismantled, and the machinery has been sent to Germany. All the church bells have gone. Besides daily shootings, there are constant imprisonments for the smallest offences, and there are harrowing scenes in connection with deportations. Nightly, cordons of armed troops surround the workers' quarters at Warsaw, and the people are forced to stand herded together in the streets while officers select the most suitable, deporting fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers.

Children are compelled to stand all night long in the bitter winter weather, till they are herded like cattle in trucks and sent to Germany. The likeliest men are offered release if they will enlist in the Polish Region, but few respond. An eye-witness says that 100,000 people in Warsaw alone have been sent into slavery. A regime of misery exists in Poland which no civilised people would dare to impose on the worst criminals.

BRITAIN'S POOD SUPPLIES,

NO DANOEE OP BEING- CUT OPF.

(By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright)

LONDON, January 31 Received January 31, 9.25 p.m.

Mr Arthur Hill, of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, interviewed, said that the continued sinkings did not give cause for panic regarding the food supplies. Our losses in tonnage were not progressive, and Britain's food supply was indefinitely safe provided we make the best use of the remaining ships and launch as many as possible. Everything depends on the organisation of labour. Hundreds and thousands of men employed in home defence are wasting their time, and ought to be sent back to their civil occupations, subject to immediate call in the event of an invasion.

Britain in 1916 imported 40,000,000 tons of cargo, of which only 15,000,000 tons was food. Our tonnage losses amounted to 6 per cent, yearly, therefore, if the losses were quadrupled, we still would be able to bring in essentials.

PASSPORT RESTRICTIONS.

(The Times.)

LONDON, January 31. Received January 31, 8.55 p.m.

Furthr passport restrictions, consequent on national service. Include the abolishing of permits to assisted domestic servants who may be nominated as emigrants to the dominions, and to intending male emigrants born in 1900 or previously.

YOUTHS OF EIGHTEEN CALLED TIP

LONDON. January 31, Received January 31, 11.30 p.m.

Youths of eighteen have been called up, and those bom in 1890 have been ordered to report a month after their birthday. M2HIMXSINO BISKS. LONDON, January 30. Received January 31. 8.35 p.m. With a view of minimising risks, the Government has urgently ordered gloves to be worn by munition workers.

MILITARY SERVICE.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn & Reuter)

LONDON, January 31 Received January 31, 9.35 p.m.

The list of certified occupations under military service age has been revised by a general raising of the age. A further raising is foreshadowed.

A BRAVE NEW ZEALANDER.

AWARDED THE VICTORIA CROSS.

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, January 31

This morning at Government House his Excellency the Governor by the King’s command presented to Mrs M. E. Cooke the V.C. awarded by his Majesty to her husband, the late Private Thomas Cooke, Sth Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces together with a letter signed by his Majesty and addressed to Mrs Cooke. Honourable Colonel J. Allen, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Major-General Sir Alfred Robin, Commandant of the New Zealand Military Forces, were present at the ceremony.

The act for which the late Private Cooke was awarded the V.C. is described in the London Gazette of Sth September. 1916. as follows: “For most conspicuous gallantry. After a Lewis gun had been disabled, he was ordered to take his gun and gun team to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that, finally, he was the only man left. He still stuck to his post and continued to fire his gun. When assistance was sent, he was found dead beside his gun. He set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty.’’