MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1919, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION] BIG RAILWAY SCHEME. PARIS, March 19. British, French, Italian, Belgian, Swiss, Serbian, Roumanian and Greek diplomatic and technical delegates are considering a now railway service via Pairs, Milan, Trieste, Agram and Belgrade, ultimately reaching Odessa via Bucharest, also Bombay via Constantinople and Baghdad. This service would divert trade from Germany to the Allies and explains the British Government’s sanction of the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

THE TRANSPORT BILL. LONDON, March [29. In the Commons, the principal opposition to the Transport Bill emanated from the representatives of dock interests. Sir E. Carson said he distrusted the stark mad concentrations. Government were gluttons for cenralisation, whereas de-centralisation always led to greater efficiency. Hon Bonar Law said he was gratified at the reception of the Bill, which was largely duo to Sir Erie Geddes creating the impression that ho was able to deal with a gigantic task. Never in the past had there been a real transportation policy. An unanswerable case had been made for control of docks and electricity on which effective control of the railways depended. Although there would be central control, the running of the docks could only be done by delegation to responsible authorities. LIBERALS DISAGREE. LONDON, March 19. The joint committee is aiming at union and coalition and • non-coalition Liberals disagreed. The Non-Coalition-ists insisted upon maintaining their identity and negotiations have been broken' off.

AUSTRIA’S ROYALTY. PARIS, March 21. The Council consideded the eases of Emperor Karl and Empress Zita, and agreed that Karl had tried for months to secure peace. No charge will be laid against Karl, who in view of Zita’s health, will be permitted to escape to Austria with her children and refuge in Switzerland. SUBMARINES FOR AUSTRALIA (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, -March, 24. Submarines J. I, 2, 3,4, and G. 7. cabled on Feb. 11th, will be handed ovci to the Australian Navy on Tuesday. BANQUET TO FRENCH MISSION. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 24 Mr Fisher, Australian High Commissioner, banquetted General Pan, head of the French Mission, at Australia House. Mr. Fisher in proposing the toast of the mission, hoped similar missions from other countries would go to Australia, following the French example. General Birdwood paid a tribute to tho French Commandership with the Australians at Gallipoli. General Pau in responding, passed a touching eulogy on the Australians who died for Franco. They wero strong energetic soldiers, and like tho French, fought for the glory of their country and the liberty of the world. Their graves would create links between Australia and France which would never ho broken. Lord Bryce proposed the toast of Franco and M. Gambon responded. SI BERIA NS SUCCESSFUL. PARIS, -March 24. Siberians have conducted a successful offensive west of the Urals, and have driven back the, Bolsheviks thirty miles capturing towns and villages fifty miles south-west of Perm. POSTION HOPEFUL. LONDON, March 24. Mr Thomas, M.P., Rnilwaymcn’s geerotary, says he is optimistic as to tho settling of the Union difference. He has arrived at an understanding with the Government, but has not settled anything. He is appealing to the railwaymen to refrain from ill-advised action at the instance of men whose only conception of securing justice, he says is brute force. If the proper spirit prevailed for the next few days, he was confident of an amicable-settlement. SHIPS FOR N.Z. LONDON, March 24. The question of securing an increase in the insulated ships tor Now Zealand has been urged vigorously during past few months by Mr Massey, who in addition to consulting tho Controller and communicating with the Im perial authorities, has, by special interviews in “The ’limes” drawn pointed attention to the Dominion’s shipping needs. Mr Massey has now been advised by the Controller that three additional steamers have been assigned to the New Zealand for April loading.

INTKRNKD ALIENS. (Received This Da.\ at 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, Mareli 25. Lord Jersey in the House of Lords, foreshadowed the draslie expulsion of interned aliens. The number now is six thousand, whereof four thousand probably desire to remain. Lord .Jersey advised them to expect the worst, though they would be allowed the right to appeal to a tribunal. The 'Primate and others appealed for less drastic measures. Lord Jersey promised all cases would be considered on the individual merits. FORBl.l)l>KX OATHKBIN(.IS (Received This Day at 8.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 25. The Military Commander in Ireland has forbidden meetings and processions on the occasion of do Valera’s entry into Dublin.