BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

DRINK BILL INCREASED. REASONS FOR IT. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, March 13. The Alliance publishes the iigures of the national drink expenditure for 1915, which iucreased by 10% per cent, over those for 1914. The individual expenditure was 88s lid per head. The Alliance attributed the increase to extraordinary high war wages and the abnormal development of ''shouting" and the unprecedented disturbance of normal family life., which was resulting in a deplorable increase of drinking among women.

THE EAST HERTS ELECTION. A DOWNING STREET BOMBSHELL. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, March 13. The East Herts election was a heavy reverse for the Government, who sent influential Unionists and Liberals to support Mr. Henderson, while Billing, the airman, had no party organisation, butappealed for more efficient defences against air raids and the necessity for regaining the air supremacy. The Evening News says that the result is a bombshell in Downing Street, and is a plain warning that the country is weary of the indecision and inaction of the war machine in the United Kingdom. AN UNEXPECTED RESIGNATION. London, March 13. The Daily Express says that surprise is felt at the resignation of MajorGeneral Long, Director of -Supplies and Transports, whose work has been one of the master successes of the war.

UNION OF JEWS. SETTLEMi'.., I AFTER THE WAR. London, March Ifl. A National Union of Jews has been formed to secufo equal rights in all countries after the, war. Mr. Israel Zangwill, the well-known author, stated that the Jews hoped to get land either in Canada or Australia. THE "SOONERS"' CORPS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received March 14, 5.5 p.m. London, March 13. Mr. Lovat Fraser writes: The War Office's prompt formation of a noncombatant corps is an excellent move, which will make future sham consoientieus objectors da some pretty hard thinking. As they do not agree with training or the use of arms they should get near the front in double quick time. Its reception will be awaited with interest, ■«