MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1920, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) EUROPE’S SAD STATE. LONDON, May 19. Mr H. H. Asquith, Liberal Leader, speaking at the Central Hall, Westminster, pointed to the tragic situation that exists 'throughout Europe. He expressed the opinion that the only practical remedy was the revision and modification of the peace terms, coupled witli the prompt executive operation of tlie’League of Nations’ powers.

CONDITIONS IN AMERICA. LONDON, .May 18. Referring to his visit to America, the Queensland Premier, Hon. Mr Theodore, said the Labour conditions there are most disturbed. The tendency of workers towards higher wages, and Shorter hours is particularly marked. The country is suffering, however, owing to there being many reactionary La. hour leaders and'also owing to 'the absence of a satisfactory method of ad-' judicating upon disputes and ol' regulating the conditions controlling collective bargaining. „

INTERNATIONAL LOAN PROPOSED. LONDON, May 18. The “Evening Standard” indicates that it is possible that the. Allies will be raising an international loan for the purpose of mobilising Germany’s indemnity, and to allow her money for reconstruction. It is admitted, it says, great difficulties stand in the way of finding money for such a loan. COTTON ''GROWING TO BE TRIED. ' LONDON, May 18. Hon Mr Theodore,- the Premier ol Queensland has told the Australian Press Association that he lias no doubt that Queensland will now take up the: natter of cotton growing seriously. The oresent high prices ol cotton, .and the ikelihood ol their ruling tor aconsideiuble time, justified the experiment, and: also made cotton-picking less dependent on cheap labour than formerly. During the visit to America, Mr Theodore stated that he had investigated cotton growing in California, where the conditions closely approximated those in Queensland. His investirntions have convinced him that it -is= tolerably certain that Queensland will make cotton growing a success. WAR GRAVES 'IN THE EAST. jjONDON, .May 18. The War Graves Commission intimate that owing to the conditions in Gallipoli,’Syria, Palestine, and Mesopotamia, no facilities can be given to relatives to visit graves this coming summer. ,FRANCE AND ■(!H INA. ' PARIS, May 18. M. PaiiiTove, former'French Premier, has gone to China on a'mission aiming: at the establishing of closer , relations between France and China.

CHINA HARD PRESSED. ’ PEKIN, May 18. Following oil repeated offers of tlie Northern Government’for a resumption of the peace conference, the Southern Chinese Government has telegraphed that it would accept the offers, provided the Northern Government would agree to the abrogation of the 1918' Chiiio-Japaneso military Pact. The Northern Government replied that the withdrawal of the Allied troops from Siberia line! nullified the Pact. It point-: ed out that there was a necessity lor immediate peace to save - China’s unity economically as well as politically.

FUTURE OK DEVONSHIRE HOUSE. LONDON, May 18. , The purchasers of Devonshire House intend to demolish the building and erect a cinema, restaurant, and dancing hall, using the famous staircase as an approach to the latter..

THE MONEY market. LONDON, May IS. The Stock 'Exchange is flat. His indeed unsettled. -There are many sale.Sj apparently these are due to fears of excess profits, due to the war wealth levy. Consols are £47 10s. Peninsular shipping shares are £470 and £490. Ranks.. Rank of Australia £BS, ex share bonus; l/ank of New South Males, £3l 12s Gd; Union Rank of Australia £l3; National Rank of New Zealand 1245; Rank of New Zealand 74, New Zealand loan 59.

STR T MACKENZIE. . LONDON, May 18. An influential committee of business men and Agents-General are arranging to tender Sir Thomas Mackenzie a farewell banquet. Probably Lord Milner will preside. TRIBESMEN PUNISHED. CAIRO, May 18. The Governor-General of Egypt reports that Colonel Harwell's force has concluded what lie terms.a successful punitive expedition against the tribesmen who were responsible for the deaths of Majors Stigand and ‘W bite in December last. The enemy’s mam force was surprised. After fighting, the' principal chief, with a considerable force, surrendered unconditionally.

FAMINE RELIEF. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, May 18. It is officially announced that the Treasury has spent £402,329 stciliug since June last on grants to voliintarv societios for the relief of famine stricken areas of Europe, in connection with' the scheme by which the Treasury pays pound for pound voluntarily raised.