AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1921, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

FRENCH PRESSURE ON AMERICA

TO JOIN THE LEAGUE

(Received this day at 8 a.in.) WASHINGTON, March 10

Although officials refuse to comment on the Pans despatch, stating the French Ambassador to Washington is endeavouring to induce President Harding to accept a modified League it is felt that the report actually represents the situation. It is-understood France is anxious to have l nited States entei the League anil almost any reservation safeguarding American interests. REDUCING WAGES. (Received Tins Day at 9.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, March 11.

Probably 150,000 men are affected by the wage reduction in Chicago. It is announced that practically every Western and several important Eastern railways are making reductions, m many cases to the amount of 22 per cent and never less than 12J per cent. The movement is the result of the extraordinary efforts, of the railways to reach a profitable basis, following the return to private ownership, after the war. Wages greatly increased during the Government management and when returned hv Government the Companies were compelled to take up huge deficits. The workers’ organisations arc protesting by all available means and plan to take a strike vote. The Federal Board controlling wages must give an approval before the reductions can be enforced. The Board m one or two cases has refused to permit the reductions, hut it is felt it will he compelled to approve of general reductions, in order to save the railways from inevitable bankruptcy, or at least an acute financial stringency.