MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1918, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] CAN ADI A X“PPR OVA L. OTTAWA, August 20. As the result of the Imperial Wai Cabinet’s meetings, Canada now pos sesses full control of her Oversea; troops except in matters of discipline and military operations. Tho change is regarded hero as a further indication of recognition of Canada’s statue as a nation within the British commonwealth. The Canadian Press approves of tho changes by which the Overseas Premiers will communicate direct with the British Premier and also permanent re presentation in the Imperial Cabinet. GALLIPOLI STAR. LONDON, Aug. 20. The King has approved of the design of tho Gallipoli Star.

LEAVING FOR HOME. LONDON, Aug. 20. Sir Joseph Ward visited the New Zealand Military Hospital and expressed pleasure at the excellent organisation. The Hon. Mr. Massey nsd Sir Joseph Ward expect to leave Canada by next month. SPAIN’S DECISION. (Received This Dav at 9.50. a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21. Spain has. decided that while observing neutrality, she will utilize German ships for her own commerce.

A YORKSHIRE TROUBLE fAUSTRALIAN A N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION/ LONDON, Aug. 20. The Coal Controller announces that the surface workers in certain Yorkshire collieries threaten to strike primarily over disputed hours. The underground workers have also given notice. A large number is affected. A great part of tin* Yorkshire collieries are likely to be idle, to-morrow. The Controller adds that he has been trying to settle the dispute by arbitration. Tho miners’ loaders refuse. The Controller ap pealed to the men to reconsider their decision', but regrets that there is no sign of them doing so.

COAL SHORTAGE. (Received This Dav at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21. Lord Calthrop (Coal Controller) who is seeking a conference of the Miners’ Federation at,Southport said the country expected a coal shortage of thirtysix million tons this year. He hoped tVo save Between eight millions and nine millions bv means of household

rationing, coal gas and electricity. The deficit could only he mot by rationing important industries not directly concerned in war work and by an improved output. Our Allies privations far exceeded ours. France’s coal ration for a family of five was only 28 cwt per annum. American troops pouring into France needed meat constantly. Nearly all the coal delivered to the railways was suspended in order to divert shipments to Italy. The Germans straits were worse than ours, but during, July we were unable to fulfill our obligations to our Allies and neutrals. July’s output was 15,760.000 tons, represent ing a decrease of 3,300, 000 compared with 1917 but July could not bo regarded as normal, because fifty per cent .of the miners in June and July were .absent for a week owing to influenza. Lord Calthrop read a message from Admiral Beatty and General Haig urgently that an adequate supply of coal was vital lo tho Allies cause. General Foeh telegraphed :—Coal is the key to victory. Miners of Britain, help me.”

STRIKERS INCREASING. [LONDON TIMES SERVICE--COPVRIOUtI (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 20. Seventeen thousand strikers in London now include three hundred tube conductresses. WORKERS’ DEMAND. (■Received This Day at 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21. A joint National Conference of tram, bus and other vehicle workers, also dockers and general workers, passed a resolution demanding immediately nationwide recognition of the principle of equal pay for equal work, otherwise the workers will take immediate drastic action.

MORE STRIKE TROUBLES! (Received This Day at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON, August 21. Swansea Harbour Trust railwaymen have struck owing to dissatisfaction with the Government wages award and work at the port is at n. standstill. Many factories are threatened with closing, owing to shortage of coal and raw materials. A PRESENTATION. (Received This Dav at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON. August 21. Sir Thos. Mackenzie on behalf of the Apumoana League presented a medal to Captain Yercoe for long service in the war.

A FRENCH PROTEST. PARIS, August 21. France has strongly protested against Germany’s irregularities in connection with the agreement for the exchange of prisoners. Germany is probably intentionally creating confusion by sending back prisoners from certain camps and also has not- exchanged prisoners in the stipulated ratio, which France lias observed.

POLISH QUESTIONS. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) COPENHAGEN, Aug. 21. Vienna telegrams state R.vron Burinn, answering an interview at beadquarters. said the conference discussing the Polish question was unfinished. Personally he considers the Poles have the right to select their King. Another report represents Prince Padgiwell, the leader of the Polish Gov ernrnent, ns stating that Germany had accepted all the Polish demands except the claim to nominate a King. Munich newspapers state the failure of the conferences negotiation regarding Poland are due to Count Tisza s opposition, fearing the creation of a Czecho-Slovaks State which would weaken Austria. Tisza favours an absolutely independent Poland, without territorial concessions from Austria.