MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1920, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

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1.. c Australian a'icss dissociation Icarus that tlic reduction oi the price of coal is not likely to cause a corresponding reduction in Australian freights. Tile shipowners point out that wh j n the present freights were fixed in .February of 1919, bunker coal cost. 49s per lege, is due to shipowners representations they say they are not yet satistied and are pressing for a further reducti m.

ROYAL LEVEE. LONDON, March 22. A The King to-day held the first Hoy a! leveee since 1914. It was one of the most brilliant of the present reign. ■ A notable incident was the presentation of the German Charge d’ Affairs, Count von St. Hamer, whose arrival and departuerc were witnessed in frigid silence

The King drove to St. James’ Palace - , in secmi-Stnte, escorted by a detaclrf ment of Household Cavalry, whose klia-i ki contrasted with field dress and naval and military uniforms. Judges attended in robes and wigs. Lloyd George and Ministers were in Levee dress. There were 400 present. ■ A feature wasf, the number of representatives of new: States, including Finland, Poland, and the new Balkan States. Lord Curzon resented Count von St. Hamer and members of the German Staff.

A SEAMEN’S DEADER, LONDON, March 22 Mr Havelock Wilson, Secretary of the Seamen’s Federation, has issued n manifesto to the National Sailors’ and Farmers’ Union, asking them to vote against the nationalisation of shiopmg, because State control would nob mean better wages for sailors or more food. FRENCH LABOR, PARIS, March 24. The paper “L’Eclair” reports that the French •rail way men have been warned to prepare for mobilisation. The French General Federation of Labor threatens to organise a series of strikes if any French Ruhr military adventure is undertaken.

BRITISH NAVY. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Mnerh 24

Replying in the Commons to Viscount Curzon, Hon .W .Long stated the following ships, all of the big gun type wore not required for the post war fleet, but the method of their disposal had not yet been settled—Agincourt; Ajax, Dreadnought; Superb; Inflexible and Indomitable.

The remainder would he all included in tho post-war fleet.

AIR MACHINES, 'Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March ,22. The Air Ministry has allocated to the Commonwealth twenty-eight Bristol fighters and a number of spare engines and other parts ,making up the value of 41 aeroplanes donated privately and publicly from Australia during the war. Tho Bristols will be inscribed with the names of the original donors.

MINERS REJECT OFFER, (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 24. The Miners rejected the Government offer.

DAVIS CUP DRAW. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON ,March 24

The “Times” in a leader, regards a re-draw for the Davis Cup as essential. It is impossible to leave out Canada and France from tho most interesting international, tournament. The “Times” suggests that Australia should follow the recent South African precedent and over-ride the regulations which should not be adhered too^ slavish ly. in what is essentially a friendly sporting com petition.