COMMONWEALTH

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144667, 29 April 1915, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH

A MELBA CONCERT. MELBOURNE, April 28. Madame Melba's concert in aid of the Belgians netted £6IOO, including £2400 for the sale of Hags. SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. AGAINST FOOD SUPPLY FOR TROOPS. (Received April 29, IQ.IS-a.m.) MELBOURNE, April 29. Tu tlie House of Representatives several questions were asked regarding the alleged under feeding of troops. Mr. Mathews moved the adjournment to call attention to the overworking and underfeeding of the troops in Egypt. He laid the charge against the heads of affairs in Egypt. There has been an enormous sick list and must bo some reason. He could not believe that Australia was a sick nation com-' pared with others. Sir Robert Best, stated that at a time like the present the Department of Defence called for sympathy rather than criticism. However very serious allegations had been made regarding the food supplied to tho troops. Mr. Jensen, replying, .said he was sorry the matter had been brought up. He did not think the matter would be improved by ventilation. The Defence Department was doing everything possible. General Bridges reported that the health of the troops generally was good. He thought members, should have more confidence in the Minister of Defence. Tho motion was negatived. CONGRATULATIONS TO CANADA. (Received April 29, 10.15 a.m.) MELBOURNE. April 29. Mr. Fisher states that the Commonwealth cabled congratulations to Canada on the Canadians’ gallantry. (Received April 29. 10.15 a.m.) BRISBANE. April 29. Queensland congratulated Canada on the action of the troops. A WESTRALIAX OPINION*. NO TIME FOR DANCING. (Received April 2D, 10.15 a.m.) PERTH, April 29. The president of the Chamber of Commerce deplored the attendance at various forms of amusement and censured the Government action in opening a Palais de Dance. He that during the next few weeks the people would have the seriousness of tho position impressed on them and recognise it was no time lor dancing.