BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1921, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH-—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. COAL SITUATION. A DANGEROUS OUTLOOK. LONDON, Feb. 17. A dangerous situation appears to be approaching in the mining industry The miners are opposed to the owners proposals that wages made should depend largely upon profits, and they demand a new standard which shall incorporate the greater part of the present earnings. The owners are almost certain to resist, and a deadlock appears inevitable. Government control of prices terminates at the end of March and the owners have declared it is impossible to carry on unless prices are raised and wages reduced. The miners have intimated that they will not accept any reduction. Meanwhile the coal export trade is practi - ally at a standstill and unprofitable collieries are being closed. QUESTION OF TAXATION. LONDON, Feb. 17. As some European countries are deliberately and systematically inflating exchange against themselves, in order to undersell and get indebtedness, it was pointed out to Sir Peter Ryland, a member of an influential industrial deputation, to Mr Chamberlain, urging the alleviation or postponement of taxations industries during the present depression. He stated the continent prices defied British competition. Mr Chamberlain replied that the factors mentioned were beyond Government • control. It was impossible at present to reduce income tax.

COMMONS DEBATE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, February iB. In the unemployment debate, Mr McLean declared the Government should deal with unemployment as swiftly and from the same strong national standpoint that they dealt with questions of foreign policy. He charged Government with reckless extravagance and maladministration. Government's foreign policy* was not so managed as to develop the peace of world, with the J resultant unemployment. Labour speakers emphasised that the party was not prepared to accept 18s benefit payment and demand 40/- weekly for out of " ork householders. Mr Sexton admitted that if there was any guarantee of a reduction in the cost of living, the rate of wages would have to he reconsidered, but they could never return to the old economic idea based on a mere subsistance level.

CLOSING DOWN. (Received this day at 8 n.m t LONDON, Feb 18. Hon Lloyd George announced that the Ministries of Food, Munitions and Shipping will be abolished before the end of the year. COMMONERS ARRESTED. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Feb 18. Crowley, commoner for Kerby, was arrested in Dublin. There are now twenty-two Sinn Fein members of Commons in custody.

LABOUR RESOLUTION. (Received This Day at 8 a.in.l LONDON. Feb. 18. The Parliamentary Committee ot Trades Union Congress and Labour Party executive passed a resolution affirming that the Government’s policy of extending the unemployment insurance is lamentably inadequate and urged that comprehensive steps be taken to restore international trade and organise national schemes for work, with adequate maintenance for those unable to obtain employment. not attending. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) GENEVA, February 18. Britain, Finance and Belgium will probably not attend the Red Cross International Committee on the grounds of the Committees’ indifference to German outrages upon Red Cross formations and the absence of protest against the execution of*Nurse Cnvell. Americans attending will submit a list of offences, of which Committee ought to have complained. PARIS, February 18. Mademoiselle) ‘Thullioz who with Nurse Cavell assisted prisoners u> es-. cape from Belgium after receiving many decorations, suicided recently. It is alleged she denounced a number of persons to the German authorities in Belgium including Architect Banco, "ho was shot with Nurso Cavell. , (

TURKISH DELEGATES. ! (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, Eeb. 18. Turkish delegates to London Conference arc authorised to sign modifications j of the Sevres Treaty. I SEARCH FOR ARMS. ! AMSTERDAM, February 18. • A German detachment for several weeks conducted searches for secret depots of arms and munitions in Rhine- j land and Westphalia. Great hauls of machine guns and shells were made especially in country districts. GERMAN PROPOSALS. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) PARTS, Eeb 18. It is believed in diplomatic circles that German counter proposals will include a reduction of reparation payments and the delimitation of trade spheres in various countries, Germany hoping to secure Russian markets and finally the reconstruction of the devastated areas*by German contractors and workmen. GERMAN STRIKE. . LONDON, Feb. 18. A general textile strike has begun in Nord Dcpli, against a reduction of dear living wages. A CORRECTION. LONDON, February 18. The Bullioz story is incorrect. The suicide was Mademoiselle Tollier who was arrested on a charge of murder.