BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH —J’ItPSS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. BRITISH TRADE. LONDON, Feb 22. Dir Kelleway, in the Commons, said owing to the reduction in the export of British coal, the British Trade Board had met formidable competition in foreign markets by America and Japan. Although there was no evidence that European goods, had displaced British in Empire markets, the present indications are that the British would be faced with seripus competition. ( LONDON WOOL MARKET. | PRICKS STILL DECLINING. LONDON, February 22. At the wool sales a good attendance and 7315 bales of free wool offered. There was a good average selection of merino of which seventy five per cent were sold at from 10 to 15 pet cent below last closing rates. The decline is most marked in inferior shabby sorts, and the poor selection of crossbreds mostly suitable for the Continent all declined similarly. 61D9 bales were offered on behalf of the wool realisation Association whose reserves were slightly higher than those for free wool, and not in quite such a good condition; about half were sold. Average realised for crossbreds showed fully a ten per cent decline. Lower sorts did not sell. A few bales of lambs who offered but were withdrawn. THE MEAT MARKET. LONDON, February 22. Weddels review of the meat trade shows the* imports for 1920 in the United Kingdom was 800,415 tons, which was ninety thousand in excess of any year in the history of the trade. The natural assumption that lower prices would result has been falsified through Government adoption of the policy of holding up stocks in the country at the same time selling in foreign countries part of their supplies 1 purchased for the United Kingdom. The Government policy of holding was just what would have been expected from any financially strong speculator with large stocks and certainly worked out successfully as far as profit earning or avoidance of loss was concerned. The taxpayer has gained by the consumer being <iompelled to [jay the inflated prices for his meat. The food control has become synonym for increased cost of living. KEMALIST ARMY. “THE TIMES ” SERVICE. LONDON, Feb. 22. Information from Greek military sources puts the total strength of the Kemalist forces in Asia Minor at under 60,000, including all auxiliaries. They are lacking in almost every kind of material. Those opposing this Army number 13,000, perfectly organised and ready for an immediate Advance towards Angora to ■ inflict a decisive blow. ONE CASE OF LOOTING. LONDON, February 22. According to the version current in the Lobbies of the House of Commons. 31 auxiliaries raided one farm neat Trim for arms on February 9th. It is alleged that they extensively looted money, whisky and pictures. They nsed the whisky subsequently at a banquet. Five men denounced the proceedings. General Crozier investigated, and then ordered these five to be arrested. The remainder were dismissed 'SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE. CAPETOWN, Feb. 22. The Grand Council of the South African League of Comrades in War has appointed General Luken chairman of the Empire Conference, opening on 28th. BRITISH RED CROSS.

LONDON, Fob. 22. The final war account of the British Red Cross and order of St John, show that the receipts during the war amounted to £21,885,035 and the expenditure to £20,058,355. The public donated £16,510,023. The Committee foreshadows the development of a scheme to benefit disabled ex-service men in addition to £2,717,027 already expended during the past war in relief on behalf of the disabled.

AS IT LOOKS TO A BRITISHER. LONDON, Feb. 22. Sir Robert Anderson has returned from a visit to Germany. He says the conditions are distressing. The people are very poor, but they are proud, and are suffering their humiliation without showing it. They are very shabby, wearing clothes made of paper. They are working hard and long hours, the output is good, with increasing efficiency. There are few profiteers, he says, but considerable extravagance, mostly amongst affluent foreigners. Underfeeding is apparent everywhere, especially amongst children. The Germans do not object to a heavy indemnity, be says, but they resent the long delay in the payment. They attribute their defeat to the British Navy. They are exceedingly proud of the work of their army. The officers are in a deplorable state. Many are reduced to selling newspapers and novelties. Hunger is compelling many others to join the Russian Reds. The English soldiers at Cologne are popular, but the French are loathed, as the Germans will never forgive the use of black troops on the Rhine. The impression gained by Sir R. Anderson is that the people are suffering from depression, but not despair, and the country will evenutally come out strong, self reliant, and vigorous. He says Australia will be compelled to trade with Germany, her attitude being regarded by Germans with amusement rather than anger. The Germans have a high opinion of New Zealanders, who are generally described os a Division of gentlemen, because of their treatment of German prisoners and their demean our when imprisoned.