MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

SOUTH WALES COAL FIELDS. GOVERNMENT TAKES CONTROL. A. & N.Z, Cable Association and Reuter.

Received Nov. 30, 8.15 p.m.

London, Nov. 30. Official: The Board of Trade, under the Defence of tlie Realm Consolidation Regulations, assume on December 1 the possession and control of the South Wales coal fields. A. & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. Received Nov. 30, 5.50 p.m. London, Nov. 30. The Press Bureau states that the new Defence Regulations empower the Board of Trade to take possession of any coal mine where deemed expedient for the defence of the realm. The Board of Trade has appointed an advisory committee, representing itself, the Home Office, and the Admiralty, and will apply the regulation to South Wales. The committee will meet forthwith and deal with the wages question.

"A FRESH BREEZE."

MR. MASSEY AT DUBLIN. - / Received Nov. 30, f1.50 p.m London, Nov. 30. Mr. Massey, In a speech at the banquet to Lord Wimborne at the Dublin Mansion House, urged every part of the Empire to do its duty in the war. Every citi2en of military age in the dominion's or nearer home should do his part. The speech was warmly received. Lord Wircborne welcomed it as a fresh breeze introduced into the political atmosphere.

TRADE WITH RUSSIA. FACILITATING ITS DEVELOPMENT. Received Nov. 30, 8.30 p.:n London, Nov. 20. Count BenckendorlT (the Russian Airy bassador in London) presided at the inaugural lunch o f the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce. He read the Czar's message reciprocating the promoters' endeavor to develop trade relations between the two countries, which would lead ti a further strengthening of the existing bonds of mutual friendship and understanding. King George sent a letter approving the Chamber's objects, and hoping they would be successful in drawing closely the bonds of sympathy and friendship, as well as assisting the development of [trade relationship.

Lord Robert Cecil said it was essential, if commercial intercourse was to be close and permanent, that the existing differences regarding language, coinage and credit must bo overcome. It was of the greatest importance that British firms should have representatives in Russia.

AN ENEMY MISSION. TURNED DOWN BY AMIR OF AFGHANISTAN. Received Nov. .10, 5.5 p.m. London. Nov. 29. Tn (lir House of-Commons, Mr Chamberlain said the Germans sent a mission to Afghanistan, for tire purpose of creating disloyalty, consisting of Indian anarchists and Turk?, but the Amir wps loyal to his pledjrcs and dismissed the mission in May. It would not be in the public interest to say what befell them, but the Russians and British captured some.

PEACE CONFERENCE.

CONSULTING THE COLONIES, Received Nov. 30, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 2fl. In the House of Lords-, Lord Beresfonl, in asking whether opinions would he taken before any peace conference, was held, said that those participating in such a conference should be the mouthpiece of the whole Empire. Lord Islington, in replying, repeated Mr. Hareourt'; assurance, given in April, 1015, that the colonies would be fully consulted, but, owing to the exigencies of the war, arrangements for such a conference were somewhat uncertain. If possible, the Premiers would not only be consulted, but considerable opportunity given them to attend a conference before negotiations took place.'

EMPLOYMENT FOR PRISONERS. Received Nov, 30, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 20.' Tlic Earl of Crawford announced that ft scheme had been formulated to employ German prisoners on agriculture. GERMAN PROPERTY IN BRITAIN. London, Nov. 29. Mr. MlCenna announced in the House of Commons that the incomplete returns of enemy property in Britain showed that it amounted to seventy-nine millions sterling. ASSISTANCE FOR PORTUGAL Received Nov. 30, 11 p.m. London, Nov. 11. In the House of Commons, Mr. MeKi'ima said the Government had undertaken to financially assist Portugal. It was undesirable to state the precise form or the amount at present.

A MISCHIEVOUS AUSTRIAN CONSUL. Received Nov. 30, 11 p.m. London, Nov. 30. Renter is informed that the British; refusal to grant a safe conduct to Count Tavnowski, Austrian Consul to the United States, is due to the illegitimate activities of the Austro-German Enibassie* in the United States. PROTEST AGAINST COLORED LABOR deceived Nov. 30, 8 p.m. London, Nov. 30. The Parliamentary Labor Party has passed a resolution emphatically protesting against the introduction of colored labor, and warning the Government asainst the reported cop + «"">l«.t<>«i step.