BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1921, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.f LONDON, Jan. 12. Lord Milner, speaking at a farewell luncheon to Lord Stradhrooke, Governor elect of Victoria, said he sometimes heard it said that the position of Governor was of less importance than in the old days. He personally did not take that view. He believed it was generally recognised that a Governor’.* position was no whit less important or influential than hitherto. On the contrary in the jjjreat Democratic States, there was increasing work for Governors tt> do, outside of executive work and party politics. There had been a discussion in late days whether the Governor of a State should be sent from England. It had to some extent fallen to him to decide the matter, yet it was a case for Australians themselves to decide, and the moment they made up their minds that they desired a change of system, there was nobody going to make the slightest effort to force upon them a Governor from home, but so long as they desired them it was our duty to find the best available men. It was not an easy job to satisfy their need. These great growing communities demanded men of high position, character and ability, and the supply of such was not unlimited.

FRENCH GOVERNMENT RESIGNS

(deceived this day at 12.25 p.rn) LONDON, Jan 12. i The French Government has resigned. 1 RELEASE OF RIOTERS. I (Received this dav at 12.25 p.m) DELHI, Jan 12. Government lias released all prisoners, totalling 060 in connection with the riots. - JAPS AND DISARMAMENT. j (Received This Day at 12.20 p.m.) * TOKIO, Jan 12. J Tlie newspapers are discussing disarmament proposals. The,, “Jijishim-

po” urges Government not to wait for a lead from other nations ,but to boldly make proposals. It says Japan is bound, ns a great power to exert her- j self not only in the interests of fhe 1 world at large, but the highest self-in-terest, for one hnlf of her total national j expenditure is devoted to armaments. It . suggests the Army be reduced by one half and thereby set an’example to the j

! world and help in removing the susI picions against her. I The “Hokum in Shimbun” says America. is taking a lead in the movement while Britain and Japan arc silent. Tf America is anxious over the situation, the best she can do is to join the League of Nations.