BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. A DINNER, LONDON, June 8. Two hundred and fifty, including Mr Massey attended the nineteenth West Australian dinner. FORCING ECONOMY. LONDON, June 9. The decision to discontinue control of agriculture and to abolish tlie guaranteed prices and the minimum wages has resulted in a political sensation. The step was due to the fact that the Government is now at last thoroughly aroused to the gravity of its financial situation. It is pointed out that, where all revenue since April Ist has decreased by one hundred millions, compared with last year, the expenditure has only decreased by eighteen millions. Thus far the expenditure has been 223 millions and tbe revenue 155 millions. The State is losing ten millions monthly on the railways.

The scrapping of the farmers’ guarantee is not saving in current expenditure, but an avoidance of what might become an (insupportable liability in the future.

There is certain to be a storm over the violation of the definite four years’ pledge given to the farmers. There are other evidences of an economy scare at Whitehall. These are the disbandment of tbe military reservists; the changes (reductions) in the unemployment benefits; the cutting down of tbe State housing schemes, and this change in the agricultural policy. It is estimated that the agricultural policy change will save 25 millions next year, but there is a danger of an agricultural strike if any attempt is made to -cut the wages of the agricultural workers with undue haste.

BRITISH POSTAGE STAMPS

LONDON, June 8

It is understood in the lobby that the Rt. Hon Mr Kelleway (PostmasterGeneral) is likely to drop the increased postage rates in printed matter' and newspapers for overseas. NAVAL CONSTRUCTION. (Received This Dav at 8.30 a.m.) PARIS, June 9. The “Echo de Paris” says by her naval construction, Japan in effect regulates tbe American fleet. By renewing tbe Anglo-Japanese Alliance, Britain might indirectly prevent naval rivalry tending to separate her from both countries, owing to the crushing fiscal burden which tbe rivalry entails. Although America is arming, not only against Japan, being determined to keep her flag in the foremost place all over the world, it is equally true a renewal of tlie Alliance will lessen the expected clash in the Pacific. JAPAN AND FRANCE./ (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. Prince liirohito ,interviewed, by the “Matin” said France and Japan whose relations were excellent, must co-oper-ate with other nations in maintaining the world’s peace. Japan would ever be mindful of France’s stupendous part on behalf of the rights of humanity.

A LUNCHEON. .'Received This Day at 9.45 a.in.) LONDON, June 9. Turner, of Turner and Davidson, gave a. luncheon to Mr Massey at tiie Baltic Exchange. Sir J. Allen, Sir R. Stout, Sir J. Findlay, Sir W. Mills, Sir W. Herries, and Mr Larkin attended. Turner in toasting Mr Massey said Britain was not likely to forget New Zealand’s sacrifice in the war.

Mr Massey responding, said he believed the time had come for Australia and New Zealand to work together in the Pacific to a greater extent than hitherto. He felt proud to find the same confidence exhibited in England, despite the present serious industrial conflicts ,which prevailed. The Empire could not prosper without proper sea communications in which New Zealand anticipated substantial improvements from the operations of the Imperial Shipping Committee. LONDON, June 9.

Mr Massey said he did not intend at present to suggest subsidies, but he believed if the improved transportation of mails, passengers and cargo were not available without them, the people would be prepared to pay. He trusted the subject would receive most serious consideration by the Imperial Conference. Mr Owen Phillips, toasting the Chairman, congratulated the New Zealand Government on having avoided the pitfalls into which some other Governments had fallen. Therefore the Dominion’s Treasurer would not have heavy deficits to face similar to those confronting other Governments. (Laughter). NORWAY STRIKE ENDED. (Received This Day at 8.40 a.m.) CHRISTIANIA, June 9 The general strike lias been declared off and workers are resuming. Mediation for an increase for seamen, engineers and transporters is progressing. The newspapers welcome the defeat of tlie general strike, which was the first since workers political organisations became communistic. PROTEST AT AVAR PLOT. LONDON, June 8. The London “Daily Express” (a Coalitionist paper) says: There is a plot to drag Britain at the lieels of Greece into a new war against the Turkish Nationalists in Asia Minor. This plot is now developing rapidly. There are diplomatists working behind the scenes both in London and in Paris, with the object of committing Britain to a great offensive. M Venizelos has visited Mr Lloyd George on the same object, but the British taxpayers are determined not to assist.