ATTACK ON LORD KITCHENER

Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13208, 25 June 1915, Page 5

ATTACK ON LORD KITCHENER

STRICTURES BY MR MARKHAM, M.P. DEFENDED PY MR LLOYD, GEORGE. LABOUR LEADERS THANKED. SOME UNPATRIOTIC EMPLOYERS. Received June 25, 9.55 p.m. LONDON, June 24. In tiie House of. Commons, Mr Markham said Lord Kitchener had failed to do what the nation had expected. Instead of taking the advice of business men he had called in a number of "dug-outs"—half-pay officers. The state of the War Office for eight months had heen a scandal. Mr Lloyd George characterised Mr Markham's criticisms as "high explosives." He said Lord Kitchener agreed that the Minister for Munitions must have a free hand in givng orders. Mr Lloyd George thanked the Labour leaders for their support, and said he , did not think it would be necessary to compel workmen, though if it was impossible to get the necessary labour by voluntary means, the State must have recourse to compulsion. He did not believe a single worker would refuse if told " they were wanted to save the country. The difficulty was with employers, some of whom actually demanded compensation for allowing their workmen to go. The Bill was read a first time.