BRITISH & FOREMAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREMAN ITEMS.

JIV TELEGI’. AI’II— CHESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. FOOD MINISTRY. LONDON, Jan. 13. The Consumers Council demands the creation of a Food Ministry. It alleges that the whole attitude of the Government is primarily in the interests of traders, whose influence is paramount in Parliament. The Council expresses the opinion that the proposed decontrol of wheat is fraught with the gravest danger and fomenting speculation.

MARKING FOREIGN GOODS. LONDON, Jan. 13. The Association of Chambers of Commerce rejected the motion in favour of compulsory marking of foreign goods entering the United Kingdom. Speakers said it would'prejudice reexport and might react unfavourably abroad. SHIPPING SLUMP. LONDON, Jan. 13. As a result of the shipping slump sixty vessels are indifinitelv laid up on the Tyneside. Dozens of others have left for foreign ports to lay up.RUSSIA IN A TURMOIL. DELHI, Jan 14. Advices through Russia state there is a great anti-Bolshevik propaganda throughout Russia.% The authorities have been compelled to reopen the churches and services are being held in spite of persecution. Deserters from the Bolshevik Army in Georgia, are looting Baku. DOVER ELECTION REVERSE. LONDON, Jan. 14 The newspapers declare that the Dover election is a crashing reverse for the Coalition, which indicates a public demand for lesser taxes. The Government waste is so insistent a question that no Coalition seat is safe, unless sweeping economics are effected.

FISCAL DICTATION.

LONDON, Jan. 13

The Nottingham Chamber of Commerce 'has passed a motion urging the Government to negotiate with the Australian Commonwealth Government, with a view to reducing the Australian tariff on footwear. The motion was rejected by the Associated Chambers of Commerce. The Chambers’ speakers emphasised the impudence pf the Home Government interfering with the Dominions’ fiscal arrangements. FRENCH REACTIONARIES. \ PARIS, Jan. 13. A Court has fined the leaders of the French General Federation of Labour, as being an illegal organisation, and has ordered the Federation’s dissolution. These proceedings were the outcome of the railway strike in Mardh. BILLIARDS. LONDON, Jan. 13. Hooper beat Riley in the Amateur Billiards Championship, by 2000 to 596, having it all liis own way. He made breaks of 54 and 51. VENIZELOS’S LATEST. ' ATHENS, Jan. 13. The Venizelist organ “Patris” announces that M. Venizelos lias definitely abandoned Greek politics, while King Constantine reigns. It says King Constantine can abandon any hope of inducing M. Venizelos to return. ‘WORLD’S LARGEST LINER. ' BERLIN, Jan. 13. The world’s largest steamer, the Tirpitz, will be surrendered to the Allies on the 18th. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. BERLIN, Jan. 13

Hopes and fears of Germany are reflected in the comments on the fall of the French-Ministry. Papers discuss a possible new phase of the French post-war policy. Reactionary organs express the opinion that the Chamber wants stronger men than M. Leygues to tackle Britain and Italy on the question of German disarmament, and expeefr a harsher (policy towards Germany.

Socialist'organs believe that I ranee s financial difficulties will compel her to approach Germany with a view to reaching an economic and ultimately a political understanding. COMMONWEALTH FINANCE. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.), LONDON, Jan. 14. The Commonwealth financial experts report the money market is steadily improving. The Commonwealth loan is practically assured. It is understood South Australia and Tasmania are jointly floating three millions shortly. Mr Coghlan lias published a cablegram from Mr Storey stating he is not coming to London for the purpose of borrowing. The Commonwealth immigration office is marking time awaiting instructions from Government. Meanwhile Mr Milieu is calling a conference of agents general to discuss proposals for the unification of immigration departments in London, and co-operation of the agents general with the Commonwealth. Mr Millen is gratified at the British approval of the Australian wool realisation. He does not anticipate immediate advantages from the allocation of profits because they will necessarily be deferred pending the realisation of stocks and adjustment of accounts, .but he. thinks the ultimate results will materially benefit Australia’s mercantile credit m London, apart from Commonwealth finance.

FRENCH CABINET. * PARIS, January 14. Ponet has undertaken the formation of a french UNEMPLOYED. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m ) PARIS, January 15.

Unemployment in France is increasing Many factories closed owing to high prices of iraw material and difficulty of finance. Many ships are held up at Nantes and Marseilles. The ports are practically workless.