BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

BY TELEGRAPH!—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT,

BRITISH SHIPBUILDING. LONDON, Jan 24. The figures given in Lloyd’s Register of vessels launched in 1921 show that the highest tonnage recorded was 618 merchant vessels, exceeding 100 tons, toallin 2,035,624 tons, while the world’s output was 5,861,66 tons. The British per centage was 35 compared with 22 2-3 per centage in 1919, and 58 in 1913. The decrease in the world’s output was entirely clue to a decrease in the United States and other countries, which, combined, show a small increase. The register remarks that in view of-the increasing tonnage high production costs and low freights are causing a check which may prove the beginning of a serious decline in shipbuilding. , HON A. FISHER’S INTENTIONS LONDON, Jan 24. The Hon Andrew Fisher has finally decided to abandon polities. He will remain in Australia, for a few months to wind up his private and business affairs, and then will return to England.

SOCIALISATION OF MINING. LONDON, Jan 24. The Miners’ international Federation Conference at London, held at the instance of French and Belgian organisations and supported by German organisations, passed a resolution involving socialisation of tlie mining industry in every country. It is of supreme importance and calls upon workers to redouble their activity in favour of exploitation of mines by the community. The Conference asked the public to urge on their respective Governments the need for introducing legislation giving effect to the proposal. OXFORD UNIVERSITY EXPEDITION. LONDON, Jan 24. Ralph Segnit a South Australian at Balliol Colele, secured honours in the final examination of geology, and was awarded the Burdett Coutts scholarship for two years in geology and science. Segnit accepted the invitation to accompany the Oxford University expedition to Spitsbergen as assistant geologist. The expedition which will be devoted to exploration in zoology, geology and botany is the first of its kind arranged by Oxford. It will be composed of 17 members. The first batch is expected to leave about the middle of June and the second six weeks later. Segnit is among the first party of arrival.

RUSSIA’S DEBT

LONDON, Jan. 24

The official text of the draft agreement between Britain and Russia follows on the lines of previous cables relative to original drawing up of the agreement, but shows that it does now include the recognition of pro-revolu-tion debts. The declaration annexed to the trade agreement stipulates that such debts shall lie equitable and lie dealt with in a general treaty at a later date. Russia meanwhile is admitting her liability on principle. SHIPPING SLUMP. (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 24. So many tramp steamers are laid up in British ports that it is almost impossible to secure a berth for overseas. Similar, condition prevails at Antwerp and other ports. The Journal of Commerce says the total tonnage held up in the world fs between four and five million. REDUCING WAGES.

(Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 24

The National wool textile industrial council at Bradford has decided that women’s wages he reduced by half a crown and men's?-by 3s (id weekly, under the sliding scale due to the descending living costs. STATE CONTROL. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) ROME,, Jan 25. Cabinet has approved of a Bill drafted by the mixed commission, cabled on October 4th, which provides for state control of metallurgical, textile chemical, electrical, agricultural transportation, navigation, building, mining and catering industries, including businesses employing under fifty. Industries to be worked by committees of nine employers and nine workmen elected for three years, the workmen’s committee to be entitled to full information in regard to the business except trade secrets. Two workers in each factory to be deputed to keep the committee informed. Manufacturers are already filing protests against the Bill.

A GREEK DEFEAT

(Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.)

PARIS, iJan 25,

1 According to Constantinople advices 1 the Kemalists, after three days battle ' drove back the Greeks in Asia Minor. Three thousand Greeks were killed or wounded. One Turkish battalion'claims to have captured nine hundred prisoners and* nine guns. NAVAL BUILDING. , (Received This Day .at 9.45 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan 25. The Senate adopted a resolution directing the Senate naval affairs committee to report whether it is possible for United States to suspend the naval building programme for six months. ITALY’S WATER POWER. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) ROME, January 25. Ricci the new ambassador to Washington has announced his intention of trying to attract American capital to develop Italy’s colossal water power. He will have opportunities of planning also exhibitions of art and sacred objects in United States.