MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

ALLIED WAR AIMS. COMMERCIAL WAR DEPRECATED.' INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION THE SAFEGUARD. Received Nov. 23, 10.35 p.m. London, Nov. 28. Lord Lansdowne, in a letter, to the newspapers, urges greater co-oraination in respect to the Allied war aims. It would lie a great achievement, lie says, to end the war -honorably, lint a greater one to prevent a curse falling on our children. If (lie Powers would agree to arbitration on after tlie war disputes it would be a long step towards security. A commercial war would only be less ghastly in its immediate effects than a war of armed forces, but it would be deplorable if the Powers emharked on commercial hostilities, which certainly would retard the economic recovery of all the nations involved. Subject to" our own fiscal interests, the stream of the world's trade ought to be allowed to flow strongly and uninterruptedly in its natural channels. We are not going to lose the war. but its prolongation spells the ruin of the civilized world.

The German .peace party would be stimulated if (1) they knew the Allies did not desire the annihilation of Germany as a great Power; (2) the Allies do not seek to impose on the German people a form of government other than their own choice; (3) except as a legitimate war measure, the Allies do not desire to deny Germany a place among the great commercial communities; (4) the Allies after the war are prepared with other Powers to examine international problems, including the freedom of the seas; (n) the Allies are prepared to enter into a pact of international arbitration. GENERAL ITEMS. London, Xov. 28. An Order-in-Council prohibits the export of coal from December 7 to all British destinations abroad, except under license. The Peninsular and Oriental Company has purchased the Monrse line of steamers, trading between Calcutta and the Pacific Islands. Negotiations 'between tjie Government and the Kailwaymcn's Union have 'broken down. The railwaymen demand ten shillings weekly increase. The Government offers live shillings. In the House of Commons Mr. Thomas stated that the Government had refused to re-open negotiations while the men at Liverpool were deliberately working slow. An amendment to the National Insurance Act provides a State dowry of 40s to girl workers who marry. LIVERPOOL RAILWAYMEN. Received Nov. 20, 10 p.m. London, Nov. 28. The Liverpool railwaymen have decided to resume normal working, but will adopt drastic action if a settlement is not reached. SEAMEN'S WAGES. Received Nov. 2fl, 10 p.m. -, London, Nov. 2S. The standard monthly rates of wages have been fixed for vessels over 200 tons as follows; Carpenters, £l4; boatswains, donkeymen and storekeepers, 10s; boatswains' mates, lamptrimmcrs and firemen, £l2; able seamen, £ll 10s. SPECIAL GALLIPOLI DECORATION. Received Nov. 20, 10 p.m. ' London, Nov. 28.

The War Office Ims 'agreed to advise the King to sanction a special Gallipoli riband star, which the Commonwealth and Dominion Governments propose for all members of the 1914 contingents of Australians and New Zealanders. Two conditions are necessary to qualify—firstly, the recipient must have sailed before the end of 11114; secondly, he must subsequently have participated in the Gallipoli campaign. The War Office explains that it is necessary for Australia and New Zealand to agree upon the design of the star, which will then be approved by the, King, whose prerogative comprehends all decorations.