BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

4UBTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIVES

CAPETOWN, June 5

The South African Natives National Conference, at Bloemfontein, passed a resolution protesting against the extension of the dominion, stating it was tending* towards the abolition of the King’s veto, which was the only constitutional protection the natives enjoy; also claiming the right to direct representation of the Constitutional Conference in 1922 by its own people elected by themselves.

IN THE NEAR EAST

A DIFFICULT SITUATION

LONDON, June 5

A new situation has been created in the Near East by the anti-British attitude, the Kegialists revealing a divergence of British and French viewpoints. ° The political correspondent of the “Sunday Times” describes tli© attitude of French agents in the Near East, as very unsatisfactory, and attributes the postponement of Hon Churchill’s promised statement in the Commons on th e Middle East, to trouble with the Angora Government, pending the removal of which, no settlement in the East is possible. French newspapers discussing the question of Franco-British co-operation in the Near East, declare the French oppose any policy demanding fresh French sacrifices of men or money in order to aid Constantine,.

railway PASSES FOR M.p.’s

BRITISH PROPOSAL REJECTED

LONDON, June 4. The House of Commons, after a debate on the Government’s proposals tq pay members’ railway fares, on a free vote, defeated the proposals by 197 votes to 171. Speaking on the matter the Leader of. the House, Mr Chamberlain, .said he warmly favoured the payment of members’ fares. He instanced a Scottish member who .was never able to go home during the session, and only saw his wife when he came to London on a deputation. He said he would abandon a proposal not to change M.P.’s income tax, as he understood the revenue authorities were prepared to deal generously with members as rewards expenses. ° The House then rejected Professor Butcher’s proposal that third Class.tickets should be granted bv 213 votes to 104.

Later a division was definitely against anv free tickets which was a surprise.

Mr Maclean (Liberal) aroused hot protests from the Labour members by saying the Government was relying upon Labour to help them out by supporting the old fares. An odd situation has arisen. The fact is the Government generously distributed free railway vouchers, and a number of the members availed themselves of them, while later the House quashed them by the Vote.

OWNERS’ ATTITUDE

LONDON, June o

Tlie President of the Mine Owners Association has informed Mr Hodges (Miners’ Secretary) that the Govern-' ment time limit regarding its £10,000,,000 contribution introduced a new factor which the owners cannot ignore. They will therefore request the owners to invite the miners to enter a new conference. HELP FOR ENGLISH MINERS. •PETROGRAD, June 5. The journal “Machovik” announces that the Central Council of the Soviet Trade Unions is sending £20,000 to the English miners. It declares it is a duty of the Russian proletariat to support revolutionary movements in other countries, whether in the form of strikes rebellion on- otherwise. JAPS IN PACIFIC ISLANDS. TOKIO, June 4. The Japanese Naval Minister has announced that he has ordered the withdrawal of Japanese naval garrisons from the South Pacific Islands, including Yap Island, leaving their protection to civil police force.

GREEK ARMY IN TROUBLE

LONDON, June 6

The official circles state that the Greek Army is in a precarious position at Smyrna. Kemalists show marked hostility towards Britain. The situation constitutes a serious menace.

BRITISH COTTON LOCK OUT.

LONDON, June 6

The Ministry of Labour has invited the cotton masters and men to a conference on June 7.

DEATH OF WILL CROOKS

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 6,

' Obituary—Rt. Hon Will Crooks, exmember of the Commons for Woolwich, aged 68 years. [A poor'boy, brought up in a Poor Law institution, who by hard work and determination raised himself to the position of a leader among working men; an excellent homely speaker; lias been Mayor of Poplar and a member of the L.C.C. Author of a “Trade Disputes Bill” to establish Industrial Arbitration Courts for settlement of strikes and lock-outs. Visited Australia, 1913. One of the most successful of recruiting advocates, and addressed the troops on active service. Appointed a Privy Councillor on New Year’s Day, 1916. Was seriously ill in the winter of 1916.]