MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1920, Page 2

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

tfJy Electric Telegraph—Copyright.; THE REAR GUARD. LONDON, Feb. 17. The Tainui carries the last of the resuming New Zealanders. INCREASING POSTAL RATES. " LONDON, Feb. 17. The Post-Master General announces an increase in the parcel post rates, and possibly in letter rates, to meet the demand for an all-round increase in wages to the postal employees. THE STATES DEFIANT. WASHINGTON, Dec. 17. White House has announced that the United States will continue to support the Jugo-Slnvs at Fiuine, and threatened the withdrawal of the United States ships from Adriatic. .This does not mean the United States will not interest herself further there.

INDIAN BORDER TROUBLE. BOMBAY, Feb 15. After waiting for some days at Pialharighmia, while the stores are. accumulating, the Crapat column has resumed its March, penetrating into the heart of the Mahsud country, and has eneaped at Marobi, the most interest- x ing Mahsud stronghold yet entered. It is famous as the burial place of the notorious Mullah Powindah, whose remains were removed before our entry. A great girjah was held yeterday, attended by representatives of practically all the tribes. There was a considerable party favouring peace, but the irreconeiliables prevailed, and the situation is unaltered. THE PLIGHT OF THE ARMENIANS.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 17

There is the. greatest anxiety in Franco-Ameriean circles concerning the fate of Marasli, which the Turkish insurgents are attacking. One report states that over 2,000 Armenians were massacred.

•Mr Wilson, head of the American Mission at Marasli, reported the situation is the gravest. At least one hundred Christians are murdered daily. The French and -Armenians are be- <- sieged, in the Mission headquarters. . Turkish bands hold the outlet. I lie French officials believe the Turkish Nationalists are arming and officering the insurgents with connivance of the Turkish regulars.

FURTHER HARROWING . PARTICULARS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 17

Trustworthy information states that fifty thousand Turks and Kurds forces are at Mustaplma Nemel, taking advantage of the unprotected condition of the mountain districts iii Silieia. They are mustering the Armenians at Zeiuu Fundudjek H and in Furnuz vicinity. They have already slaughtered seven thousand at Marasli.

The struggle continues. There have been serious Armenian losses. The Turks advanced to Bightehe, spreading a reign of terror. The Armenians were resisting stoutly, but lack the necessary equipment. Only immediate assistance can save 150,000 from extermination.

AMERICA’S AIRCRAFT FAILURE. WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.

The Congressional sub-committee on war expenditure report that although more than one billion was spent of 1,600,000,000 dollars appropriated for aircraft construction, United States on. Lv shipped 213 De Haviland airplanes to Europe by Armistice day, these machines were, unfit for modern warfare. The report adds that the War Department’s statement that 11,000 airplanes were manufactured in the tw+o.t States up to armistice day was deceptive since the number included several thousand discarded and unsafe machines.

ANOTHER REAR GUARD. _ (Received this day at 9.20 a.md LONDON, February 18.

The Corinth ic sails on Thursday carrying fifty five New Zealanders, being tlie last transport for New Zealand. Only about forty remain, including those in Hospital and those whose wives are at present unfit to travel. About a score of the administrative personnel are engaged in clearing up the work and preparatory to handing over to the High Commissioner.

INTERNAL AMERICAN POLITICS. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February .16.

According to the Tribune, it is felt here that Air Daniel’s resignation from Cabinet has strengthened the Republican Senators stand regarding the Treaty, and weakened the Democrats. It is now expected that the Republicans will not offer further concessions for Treaty compromises.

FINANCING THE ROYAL TOUR. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 17. The Supplementary Estimates provide £20,000 for the Prince of Wales’ tour.

FINANCING- CHINA. (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 15

Mr Laniont en route to Japan, cabled February 9th., and said if tlie present consorted negotiations were concluded, China would bo granted a loan of 20,000,000 dollars, half the bonds whereof would be sold in the United States and half in Japan.