BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1921, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FIJI LEGISLATION. (Received This Day at 8.30 n m.) SUVA, April 12 At a meeting of the Fiji Legislative Council this morning, Mr Henry Milne Scott moved that in the opinion of the Council the interests of the Empire m the Pacific would best he served by a confederation of British Islands in the Western Pacific, governed and controlled from a common centre. This was carried by the elected members. The Council also passed the new income tax ordinance of a shilling per pound and minimum of £SOO for bachelors and others £IOOO up to £SOOO, a surtax of one shilling each up to £SOO with a maximum of six shillings exceeding £25,000; absentees one shilling per pound up to £IOOO and then by steps to seven shillings exceeding £25,000; shipping companies sixpence per pound on outward business; insurance companies sixpence per pound on income exceeding £IOOO business; profits tax of twenty per cent on profits exceeding fifteen per cent upon capital. MESOPOTAMIA DJ SBUTE. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) NEW YORK, April 12 It is understood that it has been formally suggested that the Mesopotamia dispute between Britain and United States, should he adjusted hv America appointing a Commissioner to contei with the’British petroleum Commissioner. It is believed this would assure a quicker settlement than might be expected through the usual diplomatic exchanges. It is also reported that France’s reply to Mr Hughes’ mandate note, and the preliminary answer from England, have been received by the State Department. It is believed that France has accepted in principle, Mr Hughes’ declaration of America’s rights, and England has indicated that she favours Mr Hughes’ position. KAISERIN’S FUNERAL. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, April 11 The eix-Crown Prince and other children are journeying to Poern. The Kaiser accompanies the body to the frontier. MR HARDING’S BELIEF. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 12 In a message to Congress Mr Harding says he believes the League of Nations is dead. He declared for peace by resolution, without delay. ALL NIGHT SITTING. (Received This Day at 12.20 pm.' OTTAWA, April 12 The Commons sat all night, a crisis arising regarding a vote of two million sterling, further funds being needed to j complete the vessels of Canada’s merchant marine. PRISONERS BREAK GAOL. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) DELHI, April 12. Thirty five prisoners escaped" from Serajgung gaol, overpowering the warders and shouting “Gandhi.” Nix were recaptured. e A BIG BLAZE. REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. (Received this day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 12. The biggest fire at Portsmouth for years originated at joiners works at Flatliou.se Quay which were destroyed. Large stocks of timber were saved. \ The King, who was at Canterbury I from whence the fire was first observ- | ed, sent bluejackets to assist the lire j brigades. Members of the new defence force also gave valuable assistance. Incendiarism is suspected,

AMERICA’S ATTITUDE. (Received Tins Day at 1.5. p.ni.) WASHINGTON. April 12. Mr Harding in an address to Congress urged the immediate adoption of a resolution declaring peace 'vith Germany, but not hampering the collection of reparations for the restoration of devastated Europe He declared that a separate peace was inadequate. It would be wiser to accept confirmation of the United States rights under the existing treaty, if satisfied as to reservation modifications securing freedom from committal of United States, which will take no part in the existing league of nations but will heartily join in an association to promote peace. He urged the immediate enactment of the Emergency tariff, dclaring American agricultural interests wer menaced. This ’ tariff should be followed by a more matured measure, the revision being based bn a policy of protection whim would resist selfishness. America was ready to co-operate with other nations in an approximate disarmament, hut ’ prudence woud forbid America di.sa.rnp ing alone,