THE HERALD. - SATURDAY, Di'CEMBER 30, 1916. 1916-- 1 9 1 7 . The year 1916 ends and another year alas! in the midst of war. The ,anguine hopes entertained at this time year that , 1916 would witnes6 the end of the greet have been Lisappointed. So far, Great Britain and her Allies

The King sent the following Christmas messages to his soldiers and sailors and to the sick and wounded:— • I send you, my sailors and sbldiers. , Green cower:es. . ____ ......r. hearty good wishes for Christmas and the tplia,enitactisista•be.a rclanobir4dleelreacilileftaonm'oun

A leaving csrtificate and Ets 6d conipenpensation were granted to Thor. Smith. a platelayer's labourer, living at Bishop Auckland, at the Munitions Tribunal at Stockton on Ftriklay afternoon. He stated that he gave a week's notice, which was accepted, and when it expired he aske

AMS TER I /AM , Wednesday. A message Hague state that, in view of a precaratory meeting of delegates to the Peace Conference suggested by the German reply Plea Went Wiltion, v.gtals have arrived at Hague, and are making discreet inquiri,s as to hotel accomiaodation ;edgings for

Wednesday night's concert was cl a special chariacter, and proved a great success. The were Mrs Jones, contraito and mandolinist, who with Mrs Schofield rendered salsas and in most pleasing manner. Mrs Sersior. soprano, was mi received as to merit the eneore•asked for, but tame

1 1 A rept esenta of the Mlinistryof Muni. 'ticiats produced a letter whh had sent to aJ..I Ausniticn works stating that, in 1 the disposal of erap material. I danger, warning shouall 'be given to dealeie. Any metal covered with a yeLlov: powdel I must be v. 'betc.rs puttmg into

The Empire War Conference which IS :10W bt.ing summoned iii conformity with the statement made by the Prime Minister in his recent speech in the House of Commons cannot assemble before the end of February. . , . - - By that time Parliament will again be in session, and it is exp

Suanto Arrhenius, holder of tha N,, Prize, Stockholm :—" It woul , l be rather unwise of the Entente Powers rdecline unconditionally the offer of Central Powers to iteg.Aiate .trnis of the coming peace. If the eonai tioros of the Central Powers are tonna Enterre may be expected

Alderman Nevlle Chamberlain, ehe Direetor.General of Nacional Service, Birmingham for Lunckin on Weineettay to take up h.ia .new utticial clutiee. . , In J.: h t v \V a - IPrllnagham Daily I'Laii" ropresentativa ou Tuesday be ut:y . of Ids plans Which had was ontirely preniatuae

WA-II I NGTON, Wednesdey "Now is the opportunity of the Allies," said an Administration official to-day. • "They have it completely in their power 'to confound Germany by ,plecing their case before neutrals fai sly and Straightly, : setting forth their ideals and anus in a state