BRITISH MINISTRY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 884, 9 December 1916, Page 9

BRITISH MINISTRY.

MR GEORGE'S CABINET. LABOUR REPRESENTATION. A GENEROUS ALLOTMENT. Australian and N.Z. Coble intonation LONDON, December 7. The Central News Agency states ■ that Air Lloyd George offered Labour two seats in the Cabinet, one in the I War Council, and three CnderI Secretaryships. CONSCRIPTiON OF WEALTH. CONTROL OF INVESTMENTS. LONDON, December 8. The Labour Conference pressed iMr Lloyd George particularly regardling the conscription of labour and I wealth. The Prime Minister intimated that as regards the first matter, his policy J would be in the direction of the regulation of the work of the whole | manhood of the country so that no I class could complain that it was be- ! ing unfairly treated. Regarding the I conscription . of wealth, he foreshadowed a scheme for controlling | the investments of savings upon the I lines existing in the case of certain classes of American securities. This ! would place the realised wealth of | the country at the Government's disI posal. There would also be a large j extension of the war profits tax. All (profits would be calculated on the j average of the three years before the war, and all in excess of this amount j would go to the State. TO WIN THE WAR. PRIME MINISTER'S AIM. LONDON, December 8. Mr Lloyd George spent a most busv day, and the formation of the Cabinet is making good progress. The most important achievement was the understanding which was reached with the Labour Party. All sections of labour were represented at the Conference, and the majority finally decided to take part in the formation of the new Government, Mr Henderson being a member of the War Committee without portfolio, and so able to devote the whole of his energy to the war. Mr Lloyd George informed the Conference that the single plank in his political platform was the vigorous prosecution of the war to a victorious conclusion A serious task lay before the country, and it could only be accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of the nation. He admitted fully that Labour had already played a great part, but greater demands had yet to be made upon Labour as well as all other classes of the community. Every prospect of success depended upon an increased output of munitions, hence tremendous responsibilities were throw* upon Labour. These responsibilities made it only equitable that Labour should have some say in the direction of affairs. The Government would contain a real Labour Minister presiding over a new Labour Department which would take over the whole Labour work of the Board of Trade. j The Labour members searchingly cross-examined Mr Lloyd George, and were gratified to learn that his policy practically amounted to State control of all induslries and of the means of transport on land and at sea, in order that the country's manpower may be directed into the best channels. Every effort would be made to increase home-grown food, and farmers would be provided with the most modern machinery, while food prices would be rigorously controlled. GERMAN COMMENT. A CHANGE IN TONE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December 8. The German Press has significantly changed its lone. The attitude of complacency which was prominent when Mr Lloyd George resigned, has been replaced by mingled hostility and apprehension. The Press is denouncing him as a secret intriguer, and is warning the German people that his accession to power means that the war will enter a new phase, and will postpone indefinitely peace prospects.

LABOUR MINISTERS. PROBABLE APPOINTMENTS. Australian and M /. Cabtr satiation. LONDON, Dei.mbcr 7. i The Labour Party discussed Mr Lloyd George's proposals, and ofliciully announced that it had decided to participate in the new Govern- ■ ment. It is understood that Mi’ A. Henderson and Mr G. N. Barnes will enter the Cabinet. The Party adopted a resolution expressing the hope that the Government will endeavour to settle the Irish question with a view to the | fullest exercise of the nation’s and ! Empire's forces. Good progress is reported in the i construction of the Government. The names are not expected to he announced till Friday. Mr A. Henderson (Minister of Pensions in the late | Government), Mr W. Brace (Undersecretary for Home Affairs in the Coalition Government), Mr G. .1. Wardle, Mr G. X. Barnes, and Mr John Hodge are the most likely Labour selections. [ Thirty members of the Liberal war group met in the House of dominions and passed a resolution stating I that in view of the paramount importance of the formation of a Government without delay for the vigorous prosecution of the war, they pledged their active support to I Mr Lloyd George to that end. I Mr Asquith, in an address to the Liberal Parly on Friday, will explain the circumstances attending his rei situation. The “Evening Standard” states ithal the Labour leaders consented to I participate in the Government on j condition that the Government imi mediately and extensively engaged in the control of mines, shipping, I and land. KAISER’S PREDICTION. CURIOUS FULFILMENT. “The Times" Service. LONDON, December 8. A correspondent recounts that in an interview with the Kaiser a decade ago he asked his opinion of Lloyd George. The Kaiser replied: “He will be Premier within ten years,”