THE YARROWDALE’S PRISONERS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1917, Page 2

THE YARROWDALE’S PRISONERS

America’s Demand

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

and Reuter.)

(Received Feb 20, at 8.45 a.tn.) Washington, Feb 19

The State Department announces that a demand was sent on Saturday to Berlin asking for the release of the Yarrowdale prisoners. A message was received from the German Government laot sight stating they will be released shortly. It is not known whether this ia an answer to Saturday’s demand or to a previous inquiry.

Large Steamer Sunk

[eeuter’s see vice.—oopybight.3

London, Ftb 18

Tbe 7,000 roa Bibby Bieanm- Worcestershire is reported to have been sunk.

Poles Harshly Treated

Zurich, Feb 18

M. Tranfezint'ki, the Polish deputy to tho Prussian Parliament complains that the German authorities are Btill persecuting the Poles on tho Language and religion questions, and imprisoning workmen for evading foroed labour.

Further Large Sums

London, Feb 18

Cardiff subscribed £30,000,000' to tbe loaD, Bradford £11,750,000 and Bristol £10,000,000.

Economic War

Washingt-oov Feb IS A Berlin massage quotes a Russian newspaper statement that the Entente representatives will bold a conference' in Rome on I‘2th March to discuss measures for the economic warfarej after peace.

German Taxat on

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.)

Amsterdam, Feb 18

An explanatory note regarding the Imperial Budget for 1919, iss/nad in Berlin, announces that the new war taxes are necessary to cover a deficit in the ordinary budget of £02,500,000 It is intended to impose an advalorem tax on coal, and to tax passengers and goods on the railways, also domestic articles and shipping. There will ba an increase iD the excess profit tax.

Ecuador’s Proposal.

Washington, Feb 19

Ecuador has replied to Mexico’’® proposal to join tha neutral action,, with a view to ending the European war. Ecuador suggests a PanAmerican Congress in Uruguay, in. order to obtain a concerted expression; of the views of Amecioan republics.

Iriah Canadian Rangers.

London, Feb 15

The Irish Canadian Rangers wereroyally welcomed at Belfast. The streets were packed with cheering people, who pinned orange and greeu. ribbons and sprigs or shamrock on the men’s tunics. The battalion goes toCork to-day, and tha tour ends at; Limerick on Thursday.

Wilson Contemplating

Washington, Feb IS

President Wilson conferred wifcfe Senators. Tbe President ia now contemplating whether he will ask Congress before it adjourns to confer □pon him full power to act as b© deems necessary to protect American, lives. It is believed that President. Wilson anticipates that tbe probable arm/iDg of American merchantmen ; may result in a need for immediate and resolute action without callingan extraordinary cession of Congress. Officials are of opinion that everything now depends upon whether an overt act is committed or not.

Spain’s Protests

Madrid, Feb 19

Premier Romanone in the Chamber said the entire Spanish merchant fleet had been paralysed since January, but the Government continues to negotiate in the hope of improving the situation aud ha believed would soon obtain tbe desired results.

Austrian Admiral

[LONDON TIMES SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.)

Vienna, Feb 19

Vice Admiral Jonouar has been appointed to command tho AustroHungarian fleet.

Wheat Production

London, Feb IS It is believed that despite the efforts to increase the food production, the wheat grown in 1917 will be less than in 1916, partly duo to the Bevore winter frosts damaging The autumn crops, and also the shortage wLlabour. Probably it will be too late to utilise much of the grass land for grain. The new order lately empowering local authorities to commandeer occupied land near towns and existing orders, applies ;uly to vacant lands,