NOTES FROM LONDON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16468, 21 June 1919, Page 3

NOTES FROM LONDON.

THE LINEN DEAL, SOME NEWSPAPER CRITICISM. t By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received June 21, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 21. The newspapers are criticising Martin’s linen deal. They say it is equivalent to the world supply for three years. It is pointed out that the Government has not protected the public against possible profiteering, though Martin purchased below cost, involving the taxpayer in a loss of several millions. Also the release, of the enormous supply of linen will adversely affect the Belfast linen and Manchester cotton trades. Mr. Martin contends that Belfast manufacturers insisted on carrying out their war contracts for aeroplane linen, despite the armistice, hoping to repurchase the enormous surplus at a big profit. They offered the Government only 30 per cent, of their contract price. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [Mr. Martin bought 40,000,000 yards for £4,000,000.] FREE TRADE CAMPAIGN. OPENED BY MR. ASQUITH. * (Received Juno 21, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 19. Mr. Asquith opened a free trade campaign at Leeds. He declared that the tree trade system triumphantly bore the supreme test of the greatest war in history. Tiie minute and pettifogging proposals of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Imperial preference were the first instalment of protection, which was stealthily crossing the threshold of the fiscal citadel. They needed the utmost economy in administration and the greatest possible development of production. It would be a mistake to meet such an emergency by hampering British trade with tariffs. He appeal to tho country to_ reaffirm its allegiance to free trade principles. , TRADE ACTIVITY INCREASED. I UNEMPLOYMENT DIMINISHING. (Received June 21, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. The increased activity in all trades is responsible for a further reduction by 140,000 of the recipients of the unemployment donation. NATIONALISATION OF MINES. RECOMMENDED BY SIR JOHN SANKEY. (Received June 21, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. The Daily News forecasts that the Coal Commission has drown up four reports, of which Sir John Sankey’s is tho most important, and recommends tho complete nationalisation of the coal mines within three years, and the earliest possible acquisition of the royalty rights. THE POLICE UNION. MEN REFUSE TO RESIGN. (Received June 21, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. A large meeting of policemen unanimously passed a resolution refusing to resign from the union, as demanded by Mr. Shoitt, the Home Secretary.