NOTES FROM LONDON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144778, 7 September 1915, Page 3

NOTES FROM LONDON.

MR. K.WFOUR’S STATEMENT. ON THE GERMAN NAVY. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT. LONDON, Sept. 6. Continuing his statement about the German navy, Mr. Balfour said: “Wo may safely assume that only hopes cf decisive success induced German Ministers to inflict a new stain on the honour of their country by the use of submarines. A decisive success was not attained, and does not seem to be in sight, while the losses inflicted on the submarines aro formidable, and British mercantile tonnage is greater than at the beginning of the war. It is true that many inoffensive persons, including women, children, and neutrals, as well as belligerents, have been robbed and killed, but the criminals also paid a heavy toll. Some were rescued, but the very nature of submarines often drags their crews to destruction, and those who sent them on their unhonoured mission await their return in vain. • . “Herein lies the explanation of the amazing change which came over the diplomatic attitude of Germany towards The United States. Men ask why the sinking of tho Lusitania was welcomed by Germany with a shout of triumph, while that of the Arabic was accepted in melancholy silence. It was not because the United Slates had become stronger, Germany grown weaker, or because the- attitude of the President varied; not because German opinion revolted against such lawless cruelty. The reason is found in the fact that the authors of the submarine policy had had time to measure its effects, and deeds which at first were merely crimes may seem to be blunders in September.” A V.C. HERO. LONDON. Sept. 6. The Victoria- Cross has been conferred on Second-Lieutenant Sidney Woodroffe, of the Rifle Brigade. On July 30, at Hooge, the enemy, by means' of burning liquid broke through the front trenches and heavily attacked Lieutenant Woodroffe’s position on the flank, in the rear. He defended the post until all the bombs were exhausted. He then skilfully withdrew his remaining men .and immediately led a counterattack under intense rifle and machinegun fire. He was killed in the act of cutting wire obstacles. JAPANESE TRADE. DEALING WITH GERMANS. BRISBANE, Sept. 6. Japanese files show that early in August tho Japan . Trade Association asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to secure the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand in the Anglo-Japaneee commercial treaty, and improve the relations with European and American countries in connection with immigration and in connection with the expulsion of German residents and the Srohibition of further dealing with ei-man firms. In Hong Kong the business of a number of German firms have been acquired and re-opened by Britishers. NEAV ZEALANDERS AT HOME. ' TIMES AND SYDNEY SUN SERVICES. (Received Sept. 7, 8 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 6. The Hon. T. Mackenzie is visiting the different hospitals whore New Zealanders are inmates. He investigated the complaints at Weymouth, and found the conditions satisfactory. It has been decided to instal an additional two hundred beds. AN OUTRAGE IN PERSIA. BRITISH CONSUL ATTACKED - (Received Sept. 7, 8.30 a.m.) TEHERAN, Sept. 6. Mr. Graham, the British ConsulGeneral, has been wounded and an Indian trooper killed in the outskirts of Ispahan. The outrage is attributed to Germans bribing disaffected Persians. “ANZAC” IN LONDON. FOR SOLDIERS AT HOME. (Received Sept. 7, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept 6. The Australian Natives’ Association is opening on September 13 “Anzao,” consisting of a buffet_ and reading and writing rooms adjoining the Commonwealth offices, for Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

TRADE UNIOix CONGRESS. IMPORTANT PROBLEMS FOR SOLUTION. (Received Sept. 7, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON. Sept 6. At the Trade Union Congress at Bristol 670 delegates, representing ' three million workers, were present. Mr. Soddon, in his presidential address, said the war had brought the most important and complex problems, some of them demanding that Labour should give a definite and immediate answer. These were conscription, food exploitation, the conditions of war labour, including tho employment of women, also of. Belgians, whom he assured of whole-hearted sympathy, a sincere welcome and hospitality. The workers endorsed the determination not to sheath the sword until. their fair land was restored. 'The prices of broad and coal would not have risen abnormally if the Government had moved when the Workers 1 War Committee made representations. The difficulties in connection with the employment of women could only be solved jv equal nay for equal work. Prussian militarism, with its cruelty, rapine and murder, and any form of it in existence in Britain, must be destroyed. Our share in tho struggle will bo useless unless wo are determined to overthrew aggressive militarism. We are engaged in war, not politics; systems are wrestling now, not parties. Ultimate victory will rest with the dogged will and the truest heart. The workers are prepared to make sacrifices in the common cause, but are not prepared to be bled by financial vultures. The chief causes of the labour unrest are food prices and war profits. Mr. Seddon emphasised labour’s share in increasing the supply of munitions and added: “Wo invite Mr. Lloyd George to be equally-keen in fulfilling his promise to deal with war profits. We have a right to demand from the Government a definite guarantee that pre-war conditions shall bo restored. That is the only way to re-unite the country. The heart of Britain is still sound. Let the Government ascend to the full height of its responsibility, not by giving an ear to the hustling press, but by meeting confidence with confidence.” Regarding the combine of various labour bodies, Mr. Seddon said that the variety of interests, different methods of organisation and the spirit of selfpreservation demanded a free exchange of ideas with a view to mobilising the whole forces for a more effective combating of the power of organised capital. A WEEK’S CASUALTIES. LONDON, Sept. 6. The week-end casualties were 169 officers and 3927 men, including 746 Australasians.