GENERAL NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17920, 27 April 1917, Page 5

GENERAL NEWS

SPAIN PARALYSED. THE BLOCKADE MEANS BXTXN. MUST JOIN THE ENTENTE. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) PARIS, April 25. Received April 26, 3 p.m. The Petit Parisian, publishes an interview with IS Somanones, Spanish Premier, who said :—“We are neutral, but are blockaded more fhn-w Britain. Our vessels axe unable to sail, and our business is paralysed. It means min, end while ruining ns the Germans are carrying on propaganda in our midst seeking to frighten us by the horrors of war. The time will come when every man must give his vote and take his part in the European conflict. In resigning I voted for France.”

THE WAB CONPERENCE. ENTERTAINED BY EMPIRE PRESS UNION. BETTER HEWS SERVICE URGED. LONDON, April 25. Received April 26, 3 p.m. The Empire Press Union gave a luncheon to the War Conference delegates at the Savoy. Lord Burnham, president, occupied the chair, and there were 100 guests, including Mr Long (Colonial Secretary), Mr Austen Chamberlain (India Office), High Commissioners, British and Indian editors, and dominions pressmen. Lord Burnham urged a better news service between the United Kingdom and other parts of the Empire. The cables were now so congested that they could not get through more than a third of the usual quantity of news; He advocated an all red cable. Sir R. L. Borden (Canadian Premier) said that the step taken in calling the War Cabinet marked the constitutional development of the Empire, which would proceed along the path of equal nationhood. Communication and transportation were vital factors in order to keep the Empire together. Canada would fight until Germany was beaten.

THE FUTUBE OP QALXIPOLL urn. MASSEY’S VIEW. -PAH.T.TA MTiOTABY VISIT TO INDIA. LONDON, April 25. Received April 26, 5.5 p.m. At the Press luncheon Mr Massey eulogised the press of the Southern Hemisphere for its high tone and fairness. He regretted the paucity of dominion news in British newspapers. The matter of better cable communication required to be taken up by the different Governments. Referring to Anzac Day he hoped Gallipoli would not be left to a foreign country. Sir Jas. Neston, Lieut.-Governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, said that bringing the Indian and dominions' representatives into the conference had done much to remove existing misunderstanding. He hoped that the suggestion of a Parliamentary visit to India would include a dominions’ delegation, also press representatives, and that the visit would be before the next conference. General Smuts Insisted on determined warfare so as not to give the enemy a chance of again becoming a world scourge. 29TH DIVISION, GAILIPOM DEEDS COMMEMORATED. r~ LAN HAMILTON’S TRIBUTE. LONDON, April 25. Received April 26, 3 p.m. Sir lan Hamilton, in unveiling a me-morial-to the Twenty-ninth Division In Elthara Church, told how the division fought incessantly at Gallipoli. Its casualties had been over thrice its full strength, but it was still fighting in France. No soldiers were more gallant. It was characteristic of them that they never mentioned their own deeds, but only the Anzacs* bayonet charges. THE QUESTION OP REPRISALS. 3 SIXAIN’S ATTITUDE. LONDON. April 25. Received April 26, 5.5 p.m. In the House of Commons Mr Bonar Law said that the Government could not adopt the suggestion to threaten to take reprisals on Cologne Cathedral if Laon Cathedral suffered at German hands. SWEDEN PEELS THE PINCH. STRIKES AND HUNGER DEMONSTRATIONS. COPENHAGEN, April 25. Received April 26, 6.5 p.m. ' Strikes and hunger demonstrations continue In many Swedish towns. The military participated in several. GERMANY’S POLICY. A SEMZ-OPPICZAL ANNOUNCEMENT. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn & Reuter) AMSTERDAM, April 26. Received April 26, 8.45 p.m. A Berlin message says that in reference to urgent demands that the Government declare its war aims, it is semiofficially announced that the Government has nothing to add to previous communications. It will continue its policy undeterred by pressure. BRITAIN’S POOD SUPPLY. BREAD AND SUGAR REDUCTIONS NECESSARY. ECONOMY OR COMPULSORY RATIONING. POOS CONTROLLER’S WARNING. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn' & Reuter) LONDON, April 26. Received April 26,' 8.5 p.m. The House of Lords debated the food limitation question. Lord Devonport (Pood Controller) emphasised the necessity for a redaction in the consumption of bread to 41 bs weekly. The meat consumption had been considerably reduced, and the sugar allowance must be reduced to half a pound weekly. It would depend upon the people’s consumption of bread and other foodstuffs within the next two months whether compulsory rationing’ would be necessary. He warned the country that in the meantime the machinery for this step was being organised, and declared that if the necessary diminution was not accomplished they could not get through to the next harvest except with severe privation. AUSTRIA CONVINCED. VICTORY IMPOSSIBLE, NEW YORK Appl 26. Received April 27, 1.20 a.m. The New York Times’ London correspondent learns from a specially wellinformed source that there is ground for believing that Austria is seeking an opportunity for quitting the Central Powers. It is stated that the Russian revolution and America’s entrance into the war has convinced Austria that victory is impossible. CORN PRODUCTION BILL. SECOND READING PASSED. LONDON. April 26. Received April 27, 12.15 am. In the House of Commons the Corn Production Bill was read a second time by 288 to 27 votes. The Labour party intend moving an amendment in committee to increase the minimupi wage af agi iculturlsts to 30s.

THE SECOND DIVISION

THE CLASSIFICATION PROPOSALS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. April 26. The classification of the Second Division has been occupying the attention of the Recruiting Board for some time. It is stated now that definite proposals are being submitted to Cabinet for approval. Big values in Napery. Here are a few of our many specials: 100 dozen beautiful hand-worked supper cloths in point lace, etc., 1/11, 2/3, 2/6, 2/9, 2/11, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6 to 15/-. 50 dozen duchess sets in embroidery lace and insertion, 1/-, 1/3, 1/6, 1/D, 1/11, 2/3. 2/6, 2/11, 3/6, 4/6. 60 dozen crash and linen cushion covers in newest designs, 1/11, 2/3, 2/6, 2/11, 3/6. 20 dozen beautiful cushion tops in silk and satin, hand painted, usual price 2/6, sale price 1/3. 18 dozen linen and crash stamped work all at Uss than half price. Ask to sec these. 40 dozen sideboard runners in crash and linen, 1/6, 1/11, 2/3, 2/6, 2/11, 3/6. 20 dozen pin cushions in beautiful drawn thread work, usual price 1/-, 1/6, sale price 6d. See windows for specials at H. & J. SMITH, LTD_ The Progressive Store, Tay street. 'Phone 288,—(Advt.)