"By Independent."

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 September 1913, Page 3

"By Independent."

1 Cabled News From Abroad (Sydney Sun.) THE WORLD'S WHEAT. London, Sept. 113. In a paper read by liirn yesterday before the British Association for the Advancement of Science Professor Dixon stated that it was clear that the available proportion of the world's wheat supply from extensive sources had been reached, and that in future they must depend upon intensive farming, with its greater demand for labour. At present, the professor went on to say, 242,000,UUU acres were under wheat. The area might be increased to acres, so that the earth might m the end be able to feed permanently 1,000,000,000 wheat eaters by conservation and distribution of onergy. Population would gradually be distributed over larger areas, because the wheat problem would become of urgency at no distant date. Although an actual shortage of food was a long way oft", more intensive cultivation would cause greater equalisation in the distribution of the population, while there would bo less difference in the cost of production and in the yield, duo to differences in soil and climate. RITCHIE-WELSH EIGHT. San Erancisco, Sept 13. The Welsh-liitclne iignt was culled off because the agreement was repudiated by the promoters after it was signed. "1 did not have even a slip of paper to secure the guarantee agreed upon,'' said Ritchie, when he returned yesterday. "After one of the promoters was voted into authority by his associates, and we signed the papers, the principal financial backer in the affair refused to abide by the | agreement, and made no effort to como to a new one safeguarding my interests. In all other respects the outlook was uncertain. They were not disposed to do the fair thing, and I called the match off/' The champion denied that he disappeared from Vancouver, but declares that he notified the promoters that he was going and they were on the boat to see him off. They did not attempt to re-open negotiations. The statement by Ritchie is discredited in Vancouver by all responsible sportsmen. It is true I that several sports went down to J the boat to see him off, but they , say that that was no place for i them to talk about new terms. | The British following- is now more confident than ever that Ereddie will easily beat liitchie, while others are oi the opinion that Harry Pollock, Welsh's manager, was far too clever for liitchie during the negotiations. ' They say that Ritchie should have had a manager to look after his affairs, and to save him the trouble of rushing all over the town to talk business with Welsh's manager when he should have been training. EXCITING INCIDENTS^ London, Sept. 13. The departure of Sir George lieid and his family from London for Australia yesterday was one of the most exciting incidents that the High Commissioner has ever experienced. The party arrived at St. Pancras station to catch the 10.>30 a.m. train to Tilbury. This train, which takes passengers to the docks, is run in two divisions, and Sir George and his people were travelling in the second division. After the presentation of several bouquets by Australian ladies in London, Lady Reid entered her compartment, and Sir George lieid was saying good-bye to his friends when the train suddenly started. ■ Lady lieid had her head out of the window, and was frantically waving to her husband, who rushed to the door, opened it, and tried to enter. -mm Realising that Sir .George was a heavy-weight, and was in danger of falling between the train and the edge of the platform, a friend dashed forward to his aid, only just in time to prevent him from falling backwards. The High Commissioner appeared to have great difficulty in maintaining his equilibrium. Then the stationmaster and several other people went to his assistance. They had his whole weight upon,them, but they managed to squeeze him into the carriage. Directly afterwards it was discovered that Miss Reid and her two brothers had been left behind. Miss Reid burst into tears,, but byfrantic waving the j officials managed to stop the train when it was almost out of the station. The young lady was seized, and in a half fainting condition was rushed along the platform and .thrust into the carriage, and her brother ran after her and also got safely aboard. ' Sir George was very much upset and exhausted, and his wife was extremely agitated. Had it not been for the timely assistance of the' onlookers it is likely that there would have been a serious accident.