NOTES FROM LONDON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144777, 6 September 1915, Page 3

NOTES FROM LONDON.

MB. H. G. WELLS. ON THE CONSCRIPTION QUESTION. BT 1 ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPTRIGtIT. TIMES AND SYDNEY SDN SERVICES, (Received Sept. 6, 8 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 5. Mr. H. G. Wells writes that as far as the principle goes the whole mass ot the nation is solidly for national service. Where the hitch comes is the profound doubt amongst the workers whether the principle of national service will be applied to the profits and privileges of too rich and influential as well as to the lives of the common people.. In a State where the workers have been taught to read and write the nationalisation of capital must precede the nationalisation of flesh and blood. PROPOSED DUTIES ON ENEMY GOODS. TIMES AND SYDNEY SUN SERVICES. (Received Sept. 6, 8 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 5. The Australasian Merchants' Committee passed a resolution for submission to the Commonwealth and Loinmion Governments suggesting that alter the war discriminatory duties should be imposed on all German and Austrian goods imported to Australia aud New Zealand. This action constitutes a reply to the prompt proposal of Loudon that mercnants should decline orders from Australasian Arms for German and Austrian goods after the war. SPEECH BY LORD ROSEBERY. NEED FOR MORE UNITY. LONDON, Sept. 4. The Earl of- Rosebery, speaxing at Glasgow, said that an unexpected result of the hideous conspiracy which was designed to break the British Empire was to consolidate it in a way that the most ardent Imperialist could never have hoped for. We saw the desperate valour of the Canadians allied to ours; we heard of the Australians’ and. New Zealanders’ almost superhuman efforts at the Dardanelles. English, Scottish, and Irish blood was flowing with the blood of Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, South Africans, and Indians, and from every remote island to which Britain had (trim. Blood is thicker than water, but much more was the cement, from which the Empire was constructed, meant to last for all time. ' The question of compulsory service ought not to fill the press to such an extent as it did. "W© had established, after great effort, a National Goyemment. m which we might put unlimited confidence, positively because it was a collection of our ablest men, negatively becaiis© no other Government could fill its place. Wo knew the disadvantage of “swopping horses when crossing a stream,” but if the Government did not represent the United Kingdom it represented nothing. If we had confidence in the Government all questions relating to the war must he left to them. Could wo not trust Lord Kitchener to say exactly the moment which, if it ever occurred, ho thought compulsory service should be enforced? He believed that if Lord Kitchener found the moment ripe, and the need imperative, he would not scruple to ask the country to give him the power requisite for compulsory service. It was disheartening to see huge strikes proceeding in' this very great stress and agony of war. Great strikes at such a time were worse than the loss of a pitched battle in the field.- He had heard whispers and innuendos that personal ambitions were reigning where they ought not to be, and were threatening to disturb the even balance of the Cabinet. He did not believe them, hut if there should be any idea of the kind the country would never forgive the men responsible. There could only be one inspiring idea from the head of the Government to the humblest among us, and that was their first motive, to crush and annihilate our infamous enemy. SOME LABOUR PROBLEMS. LONDON, Sent. 4. Tho Transport Workers’ Federation National Union of Railwayman and the Miners’ Federation _ are negotiating with a view to combined action in national matters, retaining separate control of their respective industries. It is the biggest combine in trade union history. The South Wales Conciliation Board endorsed the week’s settlements and agreements. The men then demanded 12} per cent, advance in wages, hut the owners have offered 5 per cent. Viscount ,s,t„ Aldwyn. wiH. arbitrate.

The skilled munition workers’ problem continues urgent, and it is feared that the supply will be insufficient when the new factories open, unless trade union restrictions are relaxed, especially in the number of machines per man. HOW A V.C. WAS WON. LONDON, Sept. 4. ”Issy” Smith describes the deed by which he won the Victoria Cross, protesting that he had done nothing. He bandaged a wounded sergeant under a heavy machine-gun fire, and carried him uphill to the reserve trenches 250 yards away. Ho passed Lieutenant Shipster, who was immediately hit in the neck. Laying down the sergeant, Smith rolled over till he reached Shipster, whom he bandaged and carried alongside the sergeant. Smith carriedthem alternately for short stages to within ten yards of the reserve trenches. - An officer then assisted Smith, who finally collapsed. LONG BOOTS FOR THE TRENCHES. LONDON, Sept. 4. The War Office has decided to give ■soldiers long boots for the trenches, instead of puttees. INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE. LONDON, Sept. 5. Official.—Twelve thousand Bunerwals occnpied the passes in the Peshawur region. A British column from Rustak took the offensive in the direction of Malaudri Pass, and inflicted severe losses. The Bunerwals are now completely disheartened, and are scattering. Meanwhile a hostile column from the Upper Swat moved down the river and attacked Sandaki, but were repulsed with heavy losses, and are dispersing. JAPAN AND THE WAR. LONDON, Sept. 4. Japanese newspapers are discussing means of more effectively combatting Germany. The Japanese Emperor recently gave an audience to the Premier and the Russian Ambassador, and later the War Council assembled.