MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1917, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

the referendum, NOT THE BEST WAY. OTTAWA, Aug. 31. Mr. Connolly, 'Agent-Genoral lor Westralia, was entertained at the Canf|)t adian Club, Vancouver, said the referendum was not the best way to decido on any bitterly contested issue, such conscription, in consequence of tho liability and misrepresentation.' A COMEKCIAL MOVE.

[LONDON TIMES SERVICE—COPYRIGHT] (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON,. August 31. Tho War Cabinet >has sanctioned a new scheme for the supervision, col lection and diffusion of commercial intelligence throughout tho Empire. II is intended to reform Consular Service providing for changes in commercial attaches and consular services by the creation, of an onlargod commercial intelligence department, represented in Parliament by a Parliamentary secretary, occupying a dual position in additional to a parliamentary secretary at the Board of Trade; also an additional Parliamentary under-secretary of foreign affairs. The Advisory committee of business men is assisting the department. LIMBLESS NEW ZEALANDERS. LONDON, Aug. 30th. Sir Thomas Mackenzie and Colonel Richardson conferred witlr limbless New Zealanders at Walton-on-Thames to ascertain their views regarding training for 'futuro vocation|s. Mamfavoured learning now occupations l>eforo leaving England, but will discuss the subject and report to Sir Thomas Mackenzie later. , . It was suggested that seed cultun would be a suitable occupation ofFcrinj great prospects in New Zealand.

- A GERMAN DESERTS. PARIS, Aug 30. Rudolph Rovontlow, nephew of Count Reventlow, has deserted from the Cermanß. Rudolph was spending his leavo with his mother on the- German side of Lake Constancy. Both rowed to tho Swiss shore at night, the German patrol vnihly pursuing them. WITHOUT PAY. (Received This Day at 9.50 a.m.l LONDON, Aug. 31. Returns show that 128 commoners declined to draw their salaries.

A ONE DAY STRIKE

BERNE, Aug. 31

A one day general strike has been proclaimed throughout Switzerland, as a protest against Governments’ food policy. A general scarcity is feared. SETTLING DOWN. (Received This Day at 9.30. a'.m.) P HELSINGFORS, Aug. 31. Finnish Deputies respected the decree closing tho Diet. A number of Socialists members met privately. There nro

indications that normal relations with ">the Provisional Government will be resumed.

A FIASCO

f Received This Dav at 10.15. a.m.) OTTAWA, August 31.

A general strike was called by the anti-conscriptionists organisation as a protest at the passage of the militate Service Bill. It ended in a fiasco, as only a hundred attended the demonstration.