BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1921, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION FRENCH STATEMENT. (Received 'This Day at 12.20 p m.) PARIS, February 21st. The War Minister speaking at the icfebration of the fifth anniversary of he battle of Verdun said any eoncesion the French made on the other side if the Rhine would be regarded as a ign of weakness but Government was ontemplating the possibility of having o show it had not lost its force. GERMAN ELECTIONS. (Received this dav at,1.30 p.m.) BERLIN, * February 21st. Although the returns are incomplete, ut of 380 seats, the present posiion is. Majority Socialists 100 seats. Clericals 80. / Democrats 20. •Nationalists 80. Communists 30. Independent Socialists 10.

COLONIAL OFFICE. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 21. The Colonial Office estimates include £150,000 for overseas settlement, and £55,000 for assistance to settlers. Hon Bonar Law in the Commons, replying to Sir H. Brittain, said Government were considering the altering of the name of the Colonial Officce to make it more in consonance with the wishes of self-governing sister nations. • A LAUNCHING. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 21. Vickers are launching the Moreton Bay on April 23rd. The date of completion is uncertain owing to the ship joiners strike. Shipbuilders expect an early settlement of the strike. FRUIT FREIGHTS. (Received Th;« Dnv at 1.5. p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 21. The Colonial Office, replying to the request of Agents General for reducing fruit freights from eight to six shillings per case, state the shipowners decline.