MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1920, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

fly Electric Telegraph—Copyright.;

TOBACCO PRICES. LONDON, Feb. 20.

The report of the Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act to inquire into the prices of tobacco deals mainly with the operations of the Imperial Tobacco Co. This company is believed to control no less than 80 per cent of Britain’s tobacco. The Committee points out that the prices of tobacco have risen no less than 110 per cent since 1914. It points out tho duty has risen about 122 per cent in the same

period. The Committee says it finds no evidence that the company’s operations have contributed in any way to the rises in price. The Committee says it refrains from suggesting any safeguards against monopoly, ‘ hut it urges there must be a regular publication of the profits of all these combinations. It also urges the Government to take all powers needed to protect the public against this detrimental monopoly. The report does npt deal with the collateral companies in Dominions belonging to this tobacco combine.

CHINA AND JAPAN(lfpceivecf this day at 8.40 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Feb. 20. Thousands participated in a "demonstration calling on the Government to refuse to enter into the 'Shantung negotiations with Japan and requesting the Government to refer the subject the League of Nations. The demonstration which lasted more than pwo days, took the form of a mass meeting, and wifh the closing of the phinpse stores and parades. INTERNAL CHINA. (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) NEW YORK, February 20. The New York Times Washington correspondent reports it is expected a state of virtual agreement will be reached between "the north and south of Chinn. The final conference for the settlement of the difficulties will, probably be held at Shanghai shortly. It is understood that both the Pekin, and Canton parliaments will dissolve, 3 j ( d a new Parliament; which will sit at Pekin, will be elected. The Vice-pre-" sideney of China will be filled by election of a southern leader. The demobilition of a large part of the forces will also be carried out.

noted explorer dead. (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 20. yObjituary —Adiuiral Robert (Edwin Peary, the Arctic explorer from pernicious anaemia. Thirty blood transfusions were ineffective to save his life.

TRUST ACCOUNTS. WELLINGTON, This Day

John Ira Fraser, a solicitor of Naseby, was fined £SO not having trust accounts made out to the auditor within the time allowed. Mr Bartholomew, iS.M., said it appeared to be nothing but dilatoriness on the defendant’s part. He had no option but .inflict tho minimum penalty.