ENGLISH NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13997, 29 January 1916, Page 5

ENGLISH NEWS.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

OFFICIAL STATEMENT WITHHELD

ENFORCEMENT OF ECONOMY

RESTRICTION OF NON-ESSENTIAL

IMPORTS

EASING THE STRAIN ON TONNAGE

STATEMENT BY MR, RUNCIMAN

London, Jan. 27

Mr. Lloyd George stated that Mr Abquith was unable to make a statement on the progress of the war before the prorogation of Parliament.

Mr Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, stated in the House of Commons, that in order to believe tonnage the Government had decided to cut down non-essential ins ports Paper pulp or other paper-making materials would be first dealt with. These materials absorbed 2,000/300 tons of space annually. The whole of the British mercantile marine was uuder the Government in order to be used to the best advantage. The -Allies' Governments would be assisted by a small committee, of whicfi Lord Curzon would be chairman. The import of raw tobacco, building materials, furniture .woods,, veneers, and some fruits might shortly be prohibited. A full statement of the method would be announced as soon as possible. The export of waste paper and rags, would be prohibited, and the list, might be extended until the strain on tonnage eased.

Mr. Bonar Law acknowledges the gift of twelve biplanes, including one from Poverty Bay, through the „ Overseas Club.

Mr. Bonar Law, speaking in the House of Coniioons, said he hoped the think an Imperial Conference could usefully be held at present, but a discussion would shortly occur with Mr.

Hughes