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a NOTES ON NEWS. I
a NOTES ON NEWS. I I Whtn compulsory service first cast its I <ha? °? before statements were made in JABORN AND IMPULSION. the House of Commons and elsewhere as to what would be the attitude of organised labour in the en.. of- Parliament passing a measure 'compel},? men to enter the Army, Labour I ?", a were told, would never stand  great bodies of workers would go on .stnke, and the industries of the country  be brought to a standstill. Men talked about revolution, and many even of -t h t, least nervous people anticipated if compulsory service were adopted. The event has confounded the prophets and the timorous. Organised lalV)in- has shown that in a time of natio- nal emergency it is one with the nation. Of course, there was never any real reason for doubting the patriotism of the workers fcflr their willingness to shoulder any bunlen provided only they were convinced of the need. Labour, as is well known, docs not like compulsion, but accepts it been use it must. Its attitude is expressed by the resolution passed at the miners' I conference, expressing opposition to the spirit of conscription and determination to «*?rc-ise a vigilant scrutiny of any pro- posad extension of the Military Service Act. Labour, though it dislikes the prin- ciple, recognises that cumpulsion has be- come inevitable. Local tribunals are to be directed to give special consideration to cases where, TRIBUNALS AND TRADESMEN. if a man with wife and family dependent upon him were called up. his business would probably have to close down. A here is a great number of cases of this kind, of small businesses where in ordinary times two or three assistants are em- ployed, but where, 4be assistants having joined the Army, the proprietor has re- mained to carry on, earning a fair living for himself and his dependents. If the proprietor has to go the business has to go> and in the majority of cases it can never be recovered which would mean that the man, his military service con- cluded, would have to take any employ- ment he could get. It is, of course, in- evitable that there should be hard cases in the working of compulsory service, but I certainly there is good ground for treating applicants of this class with special con- sideration. At the moment of writing the concession made by the Government J goes no further than the promise of in- struction to local tribunals, but there is a possibility that exemption may be pro- vided by the Bill in certain cases. It seems to be generally understood now J that the British blockade is a veritable t STKANGMNG GERMANY. strangle-hold, and that the pressure exerted upon Germany is increasing and must eventually be- I •icome overwhelming. Jrrom many quar- ters comes news of the growing serious- ness of matters in Germany, of the short- age of food, and the "war-weariness" and the discontent of the people which has found expression in food riots and an ardent longing for peace. This is the work of the British Fleet. "It may now be accepted," says the Rotterdam corres- pondent of the" Daily Telegraph," ''that the blockade of Germany is the paramount factor in the world war. This is not to imply that the food resources of the Cen- tral Powers are exhausted, that anyone has died of starvation, or is in immediate danger of that fate. But it is to imply that the shortage is already great, and that if existing conditions continue even- tual famine is inevitable." Tfee corres- pondent declares that he has received re- liable information that the next harvest is botnd to be a failure. "It is not so much the immediate present, but the hope- 1. 1'1 \J"'pcd: for tho future—next winter at the latest—which has put fear into the hearts of the Government. It is that which impelled them to their desperate peace venture through the medium of the negotiations with the United States. Not from any unfavourable climatic conditions, or from shortage of labour, is it that the next harvest is doomed to compara- tive failure. The reason is to be found solely and simply in the block- ade. German crops will be poor be- cause the German ground is impoverished because the British Navy has cut off from Germany all its oversea supplier—first, of cattle feeding stuffs; secondly, of artificial manures. In all parts of the German ■eni]!farmers have reporte d that their land will not this year bear its full yield. "With this fact now before them, the Government know that, even if it is staved off in the meantime, famine next winter is inevitable." There is no danger at this time of day ,of the Home Secretary's references to CHILDREN AND CINEMAS. cinematograph films as one of the causes of the increase of juvenile crime leading to a general con- demnation of the picture I ? 1 theatre. There can be no doubt tnat tne -cinciiia has abundantly established its claim as a cheap, popular, and harmless form oi amusement and recreation, so far as the adults are concerned. Whether the ordinary cinematograph entertainment is good for young children is another matter. Most people who have any care for their children desire that they shall remain as long as possible without even a nodding acquaintance with tragedy and ■crime, and there is no denying that these undesirable features bulk too largely in the film plays. In spite of all that has been said on this matter from time to time, however, many parents continue to -take children of tender years with them to these performances, in many cases be- cause, there being nobody else to take -care of the children, the parents are un- able to go without taking them along.  that is a poor excuse for allowing the ilriVttii le ones to see things which may be, and M the opinion of the police authorities ;are harmful to them. A censorship of films in the interests of children can do -nothing but good, and if those who control the picture palaces are wise, they will wel- ■come it. Such a censorship is under con- sideration, and in the meantime the cine- matograph licensing authorities are ad- vised to give special attention to the nature of the films proposed to be shown at children's performances. It is pretty certain that the German official list of casualties are no more trutli- THE GERMAN CASUALTIES. ful than the other items of news connected with the war which comes from German sources. The latest published in- I formation, which gives the total German losses in killed, wounded, and missing; at some-thing over 2,800,000 since the begin- Ding of the war, does not agree at all with any of the estimates made by capable ob- servers, whether they be neutrals or Germany's enemies. As it happens, we are able I to apply a test to the latest Ger- man figures, which should include the lossas for. at any rate, the opening of the great offensive at Verdun, which began in February, and has been terribly costly to the enemv. Yet the total losses givcn in this neturn for the last completed month are only 91,000—a figure which purports to represent the losses on the whole of the wostern front and the eastern as well. This figure is considerably less than the average in the previous months of the war, and clearly cannot be correct. The natural inference is t,hat the German Gov- P.rn -vi.,nt, is, afraid to let the people of Ger- rr-it., know at what terrible sacrifice of n\ bile offensive at Verdun is being car- 'ne« Ul.
ALL WHO SIGNED "REPUBLIC"…
ALL WHO SIGNED "REPUBLIC" PROCLAMATION NOW EXECUTED. —— e —. ME. ASQUITH IN DUBLIN. I An official statement issued on Friday evening from the Dublin Headquarters Staff office stated:— "The trial of two prominent leaders in tho rebellion, whose nameti appeared in the proclamation issued by the so-called Pro- visional Government, viz., James Connolly and John McDermott, took place on May 9, and the (sentence of death was awarded in each case. "These sentences were confirmed by the General Officer Commanding on May 9, and they were carried out this .morning. "All the men who signed the proclamation of an Irish Republic have now been shot, the death penalties being carried out on the following dates:— "May 3.—Thomas J. Clarke, Thomas Mac- donagh, and J. H. Pearse. "May 4.—Joseph Plunkett. WMny S.-Edmund Kent (Eamonn Ceannt). "May 12.—James Connolly and John Mc- Dermott (Sean MacDiarmada). James Connolly was the lieutenant of James Larkin at Liberty Hall, and after Larkin's departure for America he took over the eecretaryship of the Irish Transport Workers' Union. He was for some time in the employ of the Edinburgh Town Council. He took a prominent part in the Socialist movement there, and unsuccessfully con- tested a seat on the municipal body. He was a considerable time in America, and edited a monthly publication called the "Ilarp." In September, 1913, during the tramway strike in Dublin, he was arretted on the charge of conspiracy after violent speeches at Liberty Hall. Refusing to find bail, he was sent to prison for three months, but went on hunger-strike and obtained his re- lease at the end of a fortnight. PREMIER IN DUBLIN. t Air. Asquith arrived in Dublin on Friday morning and proceeded to the Viceregal Lodge. On his way thither the Prime Minis- ter had an opportyhitv of seeing the havoc wrought in the heart of the city. During the afternoon he conferred with the military authorities and Government officials sum- moned from the Cattle to meet him. The Prime Minister and a number of private friends were entertained te luncheon at the Viceregal Lodge, and afterwards Mr. Asquith motored- to the Castle, where he wins engaged for some time with Sir Robert Chalmers, Under Secretary, and the Law Officers. He returned later to the Viceregal Lodge. On Saturday morning Mr. Asquith was in consultation with the military and civil authorities. Among those who conferred with the Prime Minister were Mr. J. H. Campbell, K.C., M.P., Attorney-General for Ireland, and several military officers in high command. The conferences lasted several hours. In the evening .Mr. Asquith was pre- sent at the inspection by Sir John Maxwell of the Trinity College Officers Training Corps and the Irish Association Voluntary Training Corps. The inspection was held in the grounds of Trinity College.. On Sunday morning the Prime Minister attended Divine Service in the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. He occupied the Viceregal pew, and was accompanied by Ladv Wim- borne. After the service he drove 'back to the Viceregal Lodge. There, has been a relaxation in the rigidity of the Martial Law regulations. The follow- ing is the new order issued by the General Officer Commanding the Forces in Ireland: "From Sunday, 14th inst., inclusive, all persons in Dublin must be in their houses from midnight to 4 a.m. Any persons found out of doors between these hours are liable to arrest, unless they can give a satisfactory explanation showing that their business necessitates being out of doors." Hrtherto the hours during which people were commanded to remain within doors wore between 8.30 p.m. and 5 a.m. The following notice was issued in Dublin on Saturday afternoon: II POLITICAL MEETINGS, PARADES, OR PRO-I CESSIONS. General Sir John Grenfell Maxwell, Com- mander-in-Chief of his Majesty's Forces in Ireland, hereby orders that no parade, pro- cession, or political meeting, or organised football, athletic, or hurling meeting shall take place anywhere in Ireland without the written authority, previously obtained, of tho local County Inspector of Royal Con- stabulary, or, in Dublin City, the Chief Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. Irish horse racisg is not included in this prohibition. Mr. Asquith's decision to go to Ireland had been announced by him in the House of Commons only a few hours before his depar- ture. It came as a complete surprise. He said "The civil executive in Ireland, through the resignation of all its principal members, has now for the time being almost ceased to exist. It is very desirable that provision should be made, and made as soon as pos- sible, for the future. Ireland cannot con- tinue indefinitely under the kind of adminis- tration which prevails there at this moment. "Many difficult and urgent problems sug- gest themselves, and I have come to the conclusion that it is my duty without delay to go to Ireland, which I propose. to do in the course of a few hours, not with any in- tention of superseding the executive authority there, I need hardly say, but for the purpose of consulting at first hand with the civil and military authorities, and of arriving, as I hope I may arrive after con- sultation with them, at some arrangement for the future which may commend itself to the general consent of Irishmen of all Darties and of the House of Commons. GOVERNMENT AND DISARMAMENT. I Lord Lansdowne made a notable announce- ment in the House of Lords on the question of disarmament in Ireland. He said that as to the steps that might be taken with regard to the possession of arms by people of all sorts in Ireland, he was not able to give pre- cise details, but he was able to state that there was no intention of allowing the con- tinuation of the state of things under which evervone who could procure a weapon was allowed to retain it without license or per- mission. The precise proposals which very intimately touehed the whole question of the position of the Volunteers in Ireland was under consideration, and he hoped soon to be able to announce the intentions of the Government. His lcrdship also stated that no Sinn Feinera were to be employed in any Govern- ment Department, and that martial law would not be withdrawn until it could be doMo with absolute safety. I SIR JOHN MAXWELL'S STATEMENT. I The following statement has been issued by Sir John Maxwell: The trials by court-martial of those who took an active part in the rising in Dublin are practically finished. Those arrested in the provinces are now being dealt with. Lists of the rebels sent to England to be detained in England are being published in the Press as soon as tAiey have been veri- fied. In view of the gravity of the rebellion and its connection with German intrigue and propaganda, and in view of the great loss of life and destruction of property re- sulting therefrom, the General Officer Com- manding-in-Chief has found it imperative to inflict the most severe sentences on the known organisers of this detestable rising, and on those commanders who took an active part in the actual fighting which oc- curred. It is hoped that these examples will be sufficient to act as a deterrent to intriguers and to brimr home to them that the murder of his Majesty's liege subjects, or other acts cakrwhrted to imperil the safety of the realm, will not be tolerated. I REBEL LEADER'S PROCLAMATION. I An order found on the bedy of The O'Rahillv, one ci the robel who was Mted whilst leading a charge Rflnr the jo..t Office, shows how it the rising was a fopi#rn Jaawls Connelly, who was executed on Friday, tried to rally the foices under his command. The order was presum- ably written in the Post Office, wh'ch the rebels had made their headquarters. It is dated the 28th of April, the day before the Sinn Fein garrisoi surrendered. It opens as follows: "Aumy OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC. I "Dublin Command Headquarters, "April 28, 1916. "To Soldiers,—This is the fifth day of the establishment of the Irish Republic, and the flag of our country still floats from the most important buildings in Dublin, and is gal- lantly protected by the officers and Irish sw diers in arms throughout the country. Not a day passes without seeing fresh post- ings of Irish soldiers eager to do battle for the old cause. Despite the utmost vigilance of the enemy we have been able to get in information telling us how the manhood of Ireland, inspired by our splendid action, are gathering to offer up their lives, if neces- sarv in the same holy cause. We are here hemmed in because the enemy feels that in this building is to be found the heart and inspiration of our great movement. "Let us remind you what you have done. For the first time' in 700 years the flag of a free Ireland floats triumphantly in Dublin City. The British Army, whose exploits we are for ever having dinned into our ears, which boasts of having stormed the Darda- nelles and the German lines on the Marne, behind their Artillery and machine-guns are afraid to advance to the attack or storm any position held by our forces. The ■ slaughter they suffered in the first few days has totally unnerved them, and they dare not attempt again an infantry attack on our positions. Our commandants around us are holding their own." The document then gives details of how the commandants are holding different parts of the city, and concludes: "We have every confidence that our Allies in Germany and kinsmen in America are straining every nerve to hasten matters on our behalf. Courage, boys. We are winning, and in the hour of our victory let us not forget the splendid women who have everywhere stood by us and cheered us on. Never had man or woman a grander cause. Never was a cause more greatly served. "JAMES CONNOLLY, "Commandant-General, Dublin Division." PREMIER IN BELFAST. t On Monday Mr. Asquith paid a visit to Belfast where he had a conference with the Lord Mayor and leading citizens. The Premier arrived at the City Hall, Belfast, at 12.30. There was a large crowd outside the City Hall, but Mr. Asquith pacsod unrecognised and entered the City Hall without any demonstration. He was received by the Lord Mayor and was enter- by the Lorkl tained to luncheon. Subsequently he had a private conference with about a dozen of the leaders of the local commercial community. The con- ference lasted three hours, and at its con- clusion an official statement was issued to the effect that the Prime Minister at his own request met a few citizens with whom he had a full and frank discussion as to the present position of affairs. Mr. Asquith left for Dublin at five o'clock. His departure was witnessed by thousands of citizens who raised enthusiastic cheers as the motor-car drove out of the City Hall grounds. FURTHER SENTENCES. I On Monday evening an official com- munique was issued giving the following results of the Field General Court-martials: Sentenced to death, sentence commuted to penal servitude by General Officer Com- manding-in-Chief: Bryan Molloy, Galway, 10 years; Michael de Lacy, Robert Brennan, John R. Etchingham, James Rafter, R. F. Ring, James Royle, all of Enniscorthy, five years. Sentenced to penal servitude and sentence confirmed by General Officer Commanding- in-Chief: James Joyce, Dublin, penal servitude for life, commuted to five years. Fergus O'Connor, Dublin, 10 years, 7 years remitted. Philip Joseph McMahon, Dundalk, 5 years, 2 years remitted. John Quinn, Dundalk, 3 years. The following were sentenced to imprison- ment with hard labour for one year: Michael Grady, Charles White, John Haniffy, Martin Hanberry, Michael Higgins, John Grady, James Murray Thomas Barrett, Patrick Kennedy, Thomas Ken- nedy, MuTtagh Fahy, Michael Donoghue— all of Athenry, County Galway. Tv.'o years, 18 months remitted—Patrick Weaser, John Greaves, John Ledwick—all cf Maynooth, County Kildare. John Kennedy, of Athenry. was acquitted. REBEL COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. I In the House of Commons, on Monday, Mr. Tennant, answering Mr. Ginnell, stated that P. H. Pearse, lately shot for his share in the Dublin revolt, surrendered uncondi- tionally. His desire to see his mother before his execution was not refused. A priest was sent with a motor-car to fetch her, but, as firing was still going on in the streets of Dublin, he failed to reach her. It was not true that the letters and papers written by Pearse before his death were being kept back. They had all been delivered to the persons to whom they were addressed.
THE NATIONS WAR BILL. I
THE NATIONS WAR BILL. I A White Paper issued on Monday shows that the total expenditure of the United ICngdom in the vear ended March 31, 1916, £ 1,559,158.377. Income totalled £;136,766,84. leaving an excess of expenditure over income of £ 1,222,391,552. Votes of Credit in connection with the war amounted to £ 1,399,652,010. Repayments to the Bank of England amounted to £ 160,427,622. —————
AUSTRALIAN COINS. I
AUSTRALIAN COINS. I Many Australian silver coins are at pre- wnt in circulation in this country. Mr. McKenna stated in the House of Commons on Monday that they are not legal tender in Gr.{>:¡t Britain. "There is a large profit on silver coinage," explained Mr. McKenna, "and I think its circulation should be restricted to the area of the Government which obtains that profit." —————— ——————.
!BOATING TRAGEDY.I
BOATING TRAGEDY. I A boat, which capsized at Gravesend, pre- cipitated six men of the Iloval Engineers into the water. They managed to land, with the exception of a seaman named Wm. Thos. Kemp, who was also in the boat. Seeing the hitter's danger, a sapper named William Miadlesworth, of Hull, dived in to rescue him. but both uien were drowned. At the inquest on Monday a verdict of "Accident- ally drowned was returned, the Coroner praising highly the heroism of Middlesworth.
IGALLANT SCOTS FUSILIERS.…
GALLANT SCOTS FUSILIERS. I The Secretary of the War Office an- nounces lu the communique on the fighting in the Qatia (or Katia) district on April 23 which appeared in the Press of April 26 it was stated that it was a company cf the Royal Scots which gallantly defended the village of Dueidar. Information has now been received to the effect that the com- pany conceded belonged to a battalion of pany coiicer Y?sts Fusiliers. the Po3-al
I SEDGLEY MANS PENSION.I
I SEDGLEY MANS PENSION. I A charge wag made against a man at f-edgley, Staffs, on Monday, of making a iaNe representation in oixier to obtain an o.d-age pension. It was said the defendant pretended to be an older brother, who had he lived would have been entitled to a pen- sion. The defendant said he had never heard of this brother, and assumed the baptismal certificate was his own. The Bench held that there was 11,0 intention to defraud, and dismissed the easib.
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Sowing Perennials.—Many hardy peren- nials can be raised from seeds ii sown in shallow drills in the open garden now. minds like geums, lupins, lychnis, lilium caaididum, delphiniums, anchusas, and simi- lar kinds succeed in this way. w Hardening Bedding Plants.—The various plants summer bedding, like geraniums, heliotropes, fuchsias, and other kinds, should be placed in cold frames where they can be gjven plenty of air on fine days. Later on remove the lights altogether. < Dividing Double Primulas.—Old plants which have finished blooming may be divided, as shown in the illustration. Very flori- ferous specimens are obtained by pottmg on DIVIDING DOUBLE PRIMULAS. I A old plant of double PTinUla6 with collaT of brown paper or zinc, a, inserted in- side the pot. This should be Ifill. high, and filled up with sand and leaf soil in equal parts; b, leaves to be removed. B, a '^division of double primula detached wbtm rooted into the :5oil in the collar and potted into a 2in. pot. The cutting may be kept steady by inserting three short stakes, c, in the form of a triangle around its base. old plants undivided and growing them in a frame until the winter months. A light soil, with plenty of sand, suits primulas. Crown Imperial.—The beautiful crown imperial, or fritillaria imperialis, is the pride of many cottage gardens. Growing 3 to 31 feet high, it is especially useful, as there are few tall plants in bloom in the mixed flower borders. Thriving in ordinary garden soil, a few clumps of crown imperial should find a place in the suburban and villa garden. Plant the large bulbs four or five inches deep in September, in sunny or shady borders. The north border is very suitable. Rose Beds.—These should now be gone over with the Dutch hoe. If the soil needs enriching, give a light sprinkling of super- phosphate during showery weather, and stir it in. Sulphate of potash is often a useful addition, especially on light soils of a peaty nature. Mint.—Mint is not greatly grown by smallholders out of doors, except to supply thoæ growers who force it in large quanti- ties. It can be grown by division of the roots in autumn or by transplanting young f'rowths with roots adhering in spring; the latter is the better plan. It is a profitable crop in some districts, prices ranging from 2d. to 4d. per dozen bunches, according to the time of the year. « Fruit Inside.—Where early grapes are ripe and ripening the houses must be kept drier, at the same time giving all the air possible according to weather conditions. FERTILISING AND SETTING GRAPES. I A, bunch in flower. B, large camel's hair brush loaded with pollen from a free setting variety. Attend to late grapes, which are now or will shortly be in flower. Sharply rapping the trellis in the middle of the day will suiffce for some, but with Alnwick seedling it is wise to treat the bunches with a camel hair brush which has been previously loaded with pollen from a free setting sort. This Week's Work.—The dahlia tubers can now be planted out in the open garden to start into growth naturally. Give them a position where the soil is deep and mode- rately rich, and they will grow freely and produce fine flowers. This is a good time to plant out carnations for furnishing flower bods, also to make groups in the borders. Allow about one foot between the plants each way; stake and tie securely, and water them in. Gunneras are commencing to grow, but care must be taken to protect them against frost at night, or the best growths w'Jl be injured. A little nitrate of soda will encourage growth if applied twice at intervals of a fortnight. Plum trees should be treated with insecticide, and get the spray well beneath the foliage. Give the trees a good syringeing with clear water early the next morning. Hoe over the straw- berry bed now, and give a light dressing of bone-meal and soot around the plants in showery weather. Stir this in with the hoe. This treatment is very essential to plants in their third year. Continue to disbud peach and nectarine trees until the requisite number of shoots to furnish the trees only are left. Always retain a vigorous growth on the upper side of each shoot near the base, besides one for extension. Garden swedes give good results in soil of almost any description, and seed may be sown any time during the present or the following month, the latter period producing swedes for winter use. Ridge cucumber seed may now be sown in the open garden, burying it not more than one inch deep. Broccoli.—These are similar to cauli- flowers, but are hardier, and are fit for use in the autumn, winter and spring. Make a good sowing now on a well prepared piece of ground, distributing the seeds thinly in shallow drills. Michaelmas white, self pro- tecting. and Snow's superb winter white are good varieties. Sow main crop, late queen, and model for later use. These should be planted out on firm ground when large enough. Leeks for General Use.—For home use, grow these the size of the thickness of one's wrist with a well-blanched stem one foot long. Such as these win follow if the strongest plants in the seed-drill are dibbled our in well-manured soil about nine inches apart. Plant very deeply, and water well in. < < Patchy Onion Beds.—These beds are usually well prepared by heavy manuring, therefore instead of having the light crops the present appearance of the bed suggests, the reader is advised to thin out any portion of the rows where the plants are crowded. Failing this, purchse a. few penny bundles of ppring onions.
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Since their fund was started in April last vear Lady Bective and Lady Henry Ben- tinck have sent 38,000 parcels of food to prisoners of war in Germany. lvhen a market gardener objected at the j T?. of Wi?ht Tribunal the other d?y that ?.?me:B. asaMi?s were ?f no use as they eV"mCmdw.d n noat ss t???gbre; presentative retwied, "Can't they, 1hougb; my two da?hteM dig my garden."
PORTION REGAINED IN NIGHT…
PORTION REGAINED IN NIGHT COUNTERATTACK. On Friday night the Press Bureau issued the following despatch from the British General Headquarters in France: '"Yesterdav evening, after a heavy pre- liminary bombardment, the enemy succeeded in capturing about 500 yards of our front trenches north-east of Vermelles. "We regained a portion of the ground lost by a counter-attack during the night. HTo-Jay there has been no further in- fantry .action, but considerable artiHery activity. "In the neighbonrhood fnrthcr north, op- posite Cuinchy-, we bombarded the enemy's pOlition, Otherwise nothing but minor artillery duels at various points 011 the front, princi- pally in the region of Thiepval, Neuville St. Vaast. Mescrines, Voormezeele, St. Eloi, and east of Ypres." On Saturday night the Press Bureau issued the following despatch:— "After a heavy bombardment last night against our trenc lie6 between the River Somme and Maricourt, the enemy made three attacks, one of which succeeded in get- ting into our trenches, but was at once driven out. Some dead Germans were ob- served on our wire this morning, and one prisoner was taken. We lost one prisoner. "On the re.t of the front there have been artillery and trench mortar actions at various poi nt. the heaviest firing taking place about Heburterne, Souchez, Carency, Hohenzollern sector, and in the area about -ict i v i tv on St. Eloi. There has been mining activity on the part of the enemy near Mauquissait and north-west of Wytschacte." GERMAN ATTACKS REPULSED. Sunday night's report was as follows:— "Last night, after very heavy bombard- ment by guns of all natures, enemy attacked our about Ploegsteert Wood in three parties. One party succeeded in entering our trenches, but was immediately ejected, leaving behind ten dead Germans. "The other parties were met on the para- pet by our Scottish trocps and dispersed. Early this morning oue of our patrols en- tered enemy trenches just south of the La Basseo Canal. ''Our artillery bombarded enemy positions 8orth of Monchy-au-Boia and east of Ver- min c.?. "Hostile artillery and trench mortars have been active about Maricourt, Loos, Souchez, Cambrin, and St. Eloi. Some activity about Souchez, the Hohenzollern Redoubt, Givenchv, and St. Eloi." "CONSIDERABLE ACTIVITY." The following despatch was issued on Monday night; Yesterday evening and during the night there was considerable activity on our front between Loorl and the Bethune-La Bassee Canal. "Immediately east of the former place the enemy bombarded heavilv a small section of our trenches, and a raiding party succeeded in entering them, but only for a few minutes. "Meanwhile further north we subjected the German positions near the Hohenzollern Redoubt to a heavy and effective bombard- ment. "Further north still, and just south of the canal, the enemy exploded a mine twenty-five yards in front of our trenches, and seized the crater, after a short bom- bardment with trench mortars. Our in- fantry secured the lip, capturing one pri- soner, and finding several dead Germans in the crater. "To-day both sides exploded mines north- west of Hulluch, but no infantry fighting took place. We carried out a successful bombard- of the enemy's position opposite Fauquissart, and our artillery silenced the ?IH'!MV'S trench mortars in the neighbour- hood of St. Eloi."
I0NE HAN SHOPS..
I 0NE HAN SHOPS. INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TRIBUNALS. Regulations are to be issued to local Tri- bunals under the Military Service Act in- structing them to exempt a man if it is proved to their satisfaction: 1. That he is the sole hand of the business; 2. That there is no other person available who could carry on the bucsiness on his be- half with reasonable efficiency 3. That in the event of the man being culled to the Colours there is reasonable likelihood of the business being closed down; 4. That the man has a wife and children dependent on the business. An undertaking in the foregoing terms was given by Mr. Long in the House of Com- mons on Monday.
ICLOSING THE PRISONS.
CLOSING THE PRISONS. Mr. H. Samuel, in answer to a written question by Sir G. Toulmin, says: The present prison population, compared with that of two years ago, shows a marked de- crease. The figures are as follows: | Local Prisons: May, 1914-13,667; May, 191G—6,904. Convict Prisons and Preventive Detention Prisons: May, 1914-2,S76; May, 1916—2,103. Borstal Institutions: May, 1DM—9J7; May, 1916—5G4. The prisons at Brecon, Chelmsford, De- vizes. Hereford, St. Albans, and Staffcrd have been closed and have been lent to the War Office, and Wakefield will be handed over shortly to the same department. Read- ing prison is closed for ordinary committals. and is being utilised for the detention of aliens. The Borstal Institution at Feltham has been closed and lent to the War Office as a place of internment. The closing of five other prisons is in contemplation.
TRUTH UNDER CHLOROFORM.
TRUTH UNDER CHLOROFORM. A case was heard in the Appeal Court on Monday of a man who had been sentenced to three years' penal servitude for larceny, live years for doing bodily harm to a police- officer, and seven years" preventive detention a; an habitual criminal. The Lord Chief Justice said the appellant had received sen- tences of imprisonment amounting to over twenty-six years. He now appealed to the Court to be put under chloroform, because, he said, people under that drug always tell the truth. Consequently, be would be able to tell them the truth about his previous convictions. There seemed little doubt that the prisoner was an habitual criminal of the first order. Preventive detention might re- form him, and if he behaved himself he wOllJd not serve the full sentence. The appeal was dismissed.
SOLDIERS BURIED IN THEIR BLANKETS.
SOLDIERS BURIED IN THEIR BLANKETS. In the House of Commons on Monday Mr. Neville, asked whether it was the practice to bury in" his blanket a soldier killed in action, and whether it was the practice to charge the soldier's dependents &. 9d. or any other sum for such blanket. Mr. Forster (Financial Secretary to the War Office) said soldiers killed in action were frequently buried in their blankets. It was. of course, net the practice to make any c ?rge for the blanket, and if Mr. Neville E?d knowledge that any guch charge h?d been made, Mr.* Forster hoped ke would let him have full particulars.
-PRINCE ALBERT -PROMOTED.
PRINCE ALBERT PROMOTED. It was announced in the Roy" al Navy ap- pointments at the Admiralty on Monday that Acting Sub-Lieutenant Prince Albert had been promoted to the rank of eub-lieu- tenant, with seniority May 15. Prince Albert recently returned to hie ship after having successfully undergone lengthy treatment for gastric trouble, which necessitated his relinquishing duty at the end of last year.
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OUR _CHILDREN'S CORNER.
OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER. BY UNCLE RALPH. A CHANCE MEETING. "Mv dear Miss Duck, Well, this ie luck Said Mr. Fox, one day, As in the street they chanced to meet. "You're looking very gay, "And plump as well—I needn't tell You that, I'm sure," said he "Pray won't you talk as well as walk A little while with me?" "What you call luck, I," said Miss Duck, Call quite the other thing; And if I talked with you, and walked. Misfortune it would bring "For two might go, but one, I know. Of us would ne'er come back. And so I'll say to you Good day,* Dear Mr. Fox--quack quack! I THE MAGIC BUTTERFLY. "I hate spiders," said Dick to himself as he released a very beautiful-looking Butter- By from a spider's web. The Butterfly settled on the window ledge. "Thank you, O'Boy," it said. Dick jumped. "I know lots of magie," the Butterfly went on. "But I was so flustered that I litit-L, forgot the right one for getting out of spiders' webs. What kind of things do you like best, O'Boy?" Dick felt shy. "Toys," ho said. "Then I will call for you to-night," said the Entterfly, "and show you the land from which the toys come." Then he flew away. Dick rubbed his eyes and decided in his mind that he must be a little mad. But when he had gone to bed there was a flap- ping noise at the window and the Butterfly came in; and it had grown huge. And Dick put on his clothes and climbed on its back ind was carried away through the air. high above the great sleeping oities. Presently they came to the land where the foys mme" from, and it was very wonderful md exciting, and there were trains moving ilong the streets, and soldiers and people walking about and smiling at each other. ] TIll t he TEl were policemen and horses, and things just like any proper kind of town. And Dick was very interested and excited, md he watched them for a long time: and "hen the magic Butterfly took him back to his bodroom and tucked- him up very com- fortably in his bed again. I A TRIP TO THE MOON. Have you ever been a-ridmg on a motor to the Moon? Did you ever take a taxi up along the Milky Way? Have you watched the stars a-twinkle from an airy aeroplane? Have You seen the Baby Witchkin at her play ? She's a daring little darling, and when all the night is still, When the bonny birds are sleeping and the jolly moon is high, She mounts her graceful aeroplane, she calls her trusty Tim, And away she goes a-whizzing to the sky! The big broom scume* onward with its lantern burning bright, As swiftly as a swallow o'er the meadows and the town; The Baby likes to hurry, and she doesn't care a bit If Policeman Dog Star takes her Humber down. Black Timmy is the "tiger," sitting very stiff and smart, He trims his whiskers neatly and he's very trim, fie oils the lantern daily and he brushes up the broom- What would she do without her trusty Tim rhe Baby Witchkin's late to-night, she has no time to lose- She's off for evening breakfast with the kindly Mr. Moon And the chocolate and honey and the lovely greeny cheese Will be eaten if she's not there very soon. And Tim shall have a sugar mouse—of this he's very fond. "Good evening, Babv Witchkin, hurry in and have a chat !'r I hope when I go motoring to see the merry Moon, He will cive me such a jolly smile as that I GOLLIWOG'S BATH. An unheard-of thing had happened Golliwog had been invited to a party! Now, a party is usually a most joyful thing, and there is nearly as much pleasure in looking, forward to it as in the actual party itself. And as this was to be Golliwog's very first party, he ought to have been nearly wild with delight. But instead of that he was just as miserable as he could be. The day before the party his friend Teddy Bear met him. "Gracious, Golly he said, "what ever is the matter? You aren't ill, are YÛll You look quite pale: At least— no, I don't mean that, but-not quite so black as usual." "Don't I, really?" said Golliwog, and ho brightened up wonderfully. "That's the best news I've heard for a week." Teddy looked at his friend sadly. "Poor old Golly he said; "you're going off your head-that's what's the matter with yOU;" I'm not, Teddy, I assure you," Golliwog replied. "But the fact is I've been invited to a party; and I was so wor- ried at the idea of being the cnlx--er- black person there that I've been trying to wash the black off. The soap I've used, and the brushes I've worn out, you'd never belieYe And my hair troubles me 100. Every gentleman parts his hair when he goes to a party, and I simply can't part mine." "Xo," sajjd Teddy, trying to look wise and sorry at the same time. And then he began to laugh, and he laughed till he cried. "Excuse me, my dear Golly," he said as soon as he could speak. "I'm awfully sorry, but I simply couldn't help it. Don't you see how sillv You are? If vou went to the party with a white face and sleek hnir nobody would know you-ana it's you they want. If 1) I were you I shouldn't use any more soap. I should first give that dear old ugly face of yours a good polish with a dry cloth to make it shine; and I should go to the partv as the Golliwog, with the mop of hair and the black face that everv. bod," loves." "Really?" said Gollv. "'And truly," said Teddy. Gr-lliwosr took his friend's adv:e rsnd en- joyed himself hugely. All the ot her guests were delighted to meet him and his ioy was complete when, as he sat unseen in a dark cosner for a few minutes' re-t, Iw dis- tinctly heard one of the guests remark to another: "And have you seen our dear Golliwog? Isn't he perfectly sweet?" "Well, I never!" said Golliwog. "And think of the soap I wasted And the brushes I wore out! What a pity! Oh, what a pity A BIRTHDAY DREAM". Such lovely dreams I had last night! For, only think, the darling elves Came from the land of "Heart's-Delight And brought my birthday gifts tbemselvee! A. Golly with a yellow vest, I A Noah's Ark, a doll, a bail— I eon't re-member- quite too rest, I Bat waking up was best of all!
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Owmg  the scarcity of labour in Lin. comshi, ? "lear of Bour?, a?M?d bv hie  T Ter-er' emptied a tr?k f •"?* t r"lwa-v sfcation Md deliveSd ? aL hand A t-ka railwav i?tatiou ztn d d4eliT*recL it by 'hand ttwk to 'çts.