MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1920, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright )

THE FIJI QUESTION. (Received this day at 10.20 a.m.) DELHI, Feb. 17.

The committee appointed to inquire into the Fiji colonisation scheme recommend asking the Government of Fiji for a similar guarantee to that which J the British Guana is ready to give. It , is provided in the guarantee given that the Government of India should send a deputation to test the scheme generally, especially the question of adequate wages. THE MAHUD CAMPAIGN. (Reuter’s Telegram.) (Received this day at 10.10 a.in.) DELHI, Feb. 17. In connection with'the Mahud cam-, paign, an accident occurred on the 13tli . when a tower in Cosmai collapsed, killing fourteen Indian rankers, and injuring seven. The Mahtids held a jirgah at Kerringnn on the 14th, when all sectionsreported in favour of peace. A letter was sent asking the suspension of i i bombing, and stating rifles and tribal ■ security for the maintenance of peace would bo.brought into the British lines within a few days. The captured rifles will he surrendered within three months.

COMBATTING a shortage. (Received this day at 10.20 a.m PRETORIA, Feb. 17. In view- of the shortage of supplies of cereals, the Union Government decided to suspend the import duties on wheat, flour and maize. A STATE TRIAL . (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) PARIS, Feb. 17. M. ißonrgeoisc, President of the Senate presided at the opening of the trial of Calliaux before the Senate. The proceeduro will follow that of the French criminal courts. The first accusation will be read and then the accused will be examined. Then evidence for both sides will be heard. The accusation charges Caillaux since the declaration of war with working against external security of the State by manoeuvres, machinations, and intelligences with the enemy, thereby assisting the enemy military Gause. The trial is likely to last four months and will prove to be one of tho historic trials of the world. The whole of tho recent history of France will be reviewed.

A WISE STEP. (Received This Dav ar 12.25 p.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 18. The Tramway strikers have resumed work pending arbitration. £1,500,000 IN BONUSES EMPLOYERS’ OFFER TO COTTON WORKERS. LONDON, Dec. 19. Bonuses estimated to amount in tho aggregate to £1,500,000 arc to be paid to operatives employed in the mills belonging to the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners’ Associations. They will be paid in three instalments, on January 10, February 14, and March 20, and the total to each operative varies from £3 to £9, according to age, sex, and grade. If a similar bonus is given to weavers the total amount will be over £4,000,000. A resolution was passed at the December meeting, by the Joint Executive Councils of the Card room and Spinners’ Association declaring that the proposals are in every respect unsatisfactory, particularly as to amount and method of payment. The cotton-spinning trade is enjoying unexampled prosperity, and tho operatives are under agreement to work at their present rates of pay until the end of March.