PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGNS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13728, 17 March 1915, Page 5

PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGNS.

REVIEW BY LORD KITCHENER

SUCCESSFUL BRITISH OFFENSIVE

INDIANS AND CANADIANS COM-

MENDED

REINFORCEMENTS FOR FRANCE

GERMAN FAILURE AT WARSAW

DARDANELLES SITUATION WELL

IN HAND

ARMAMENT OUTPUT SHORT OF

REQUIREMENTS.

London, March 15

Lord Kitchener, speaking in - the House of Lords, said that the recent fighting had enabled them to realise how successfully the British had taken the offensive. Sir John French's message announcing his victory stated that the Indians had shown great gallantry. From the 10th to the 13th the fighting was severe, and the losses heavy, but nothing daunted them. Their tenacity and courage were admirable. The Canadians showed their mettle, and received Sir John French's commendation for bravery.

Since he last addressed the House, considerable reinforcements had left for France. They included the first complete division of Territorials to leave England. Our association with both our Allies on the western front had only deepened our admiration for their qualities.

Lord Kitchener said the violent attacks on Warsaw had failed. The considerable concentration of troops in East Prussia was now being well held, or driven back.

After referring to the- defeat of the Turks at the Suez Canal, Lord Kitchener remarked that the operations in the Dardanelles showed the great power of the Allied fleets. The House might rest assured that the matter was well in hand.

He regretted that the output of material was unequal to the necessities, and was not fulfilling expectations. A large number of orders had not been completed, and that was seriously hampering recruiting through lack of sufficient labour and necessary plant. He cited an instance where the men's absence from work . and irregular timekeeping led to a serious diminution of the output of factories. The Government was arranging a system whereby important armament firms would come under Government control.

Lord Kitchener, after alluding to the temptation to drink, said unless the whole nation co-operated in the supply of necessary' armaments and munitions successful operations in various parts of the world* would be seriously hampered. His attention had been called more than once to the fact that the restrictions of trade unions undoubtedly added to our difficulties, not in obtaining sufficient labour, but in making the best use of that labour. He was confident that all concerned would agree to waive the restrictions during the war. The output of war material at present, and for the next two-or three months, caused him very serious anxiety. Increased output was of the utmost importance.

Lord Kitchener said he hoped that the Bill about to be introduced to amend the Defence of the Realm Act, would rectify the matter. Labour might rightly ask that their patriotic work should not be used to inflate the profits of shareholders in indusrial and armament firms. The Government was arranging a scheme whereby industrious workmen would reap some of the benefits. The King had also approved of a medal to be conferred upon

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loyal workers engaged in making munitions.

Earl Crewe introduced the Defence of the Realm Amendment Bill, and explained that the measure was one for the organisation of industry rather than the displacement of industry.

, Lord Landsdowne said that Lord Kitchener's speech was the greatest appeal yet made to the people of "the country, and the country was not in the mood to challenge the Government's demands for the powers embodied in the Bill.

The Bill passed the second reading