BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1921, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

THE WOOL DEAL

(Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 5.

The “Yorkshire Observer” states Canadian co-operative wool growers, graded wool to Britain in 1020, have decided to establish a permanent selling agency at Bradford. Ibis movement should give pause to the Australian growers, representatives, who are mostly politicians anxious toi popular approval, approaching the surplus wool problem solely from the view point of endeavouring to screw up values beyond the economic level. Dealing with the suggestion that Bawra should buy the British Government’s interest in surplus wool, the paper adds that probably something is afoot needing Bradford’s, watchfulness. «We hope we won’t awaken one morning to find the Government have been influenced by Mr Hughes’ eloquence and pulsating patriotism, and has consented to relinquish its interest in order to allow the Australian Government to consolidate the ring it/ would like to Admiral Grant, on behalf ol Aus tralia, is attending the naval discussion at the Conference. . Hon Lloyd George is entertaining the Dominion Premiers at Chequers Court during the week-end. COL. HARVEY’S VIEWS.

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 5,

Colonel Harvey, United States Ambassador, speaking at Independence Hay celebrations in London, sanl if Georg 111 had put forth a proclamation approximating in eloquent sincerity ami appealing force, to George V 8 endeavour to reconcile Ireland, there ivoull have been no bell-ringing m Philadelphia 145 years ago. Already a bettei understanding between Britain and United States, had made the turbulent Atlantic a mill-pond elimating the danger of naval warfare. There na. good ground to hope also, that whatever apprehensions existed of perilous possibilities in the Pacific, they might be dispelled sooner than was commonly anticipated. If this splendid consummation were attained, disarmament would follow normally and inevitably. ROYAL banquet. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) _ LONDON, July o.

The Belgian King and Queen were banqueted at Buckingham palace last night. Messrs Hughes and Massey were included among the 150 distinguished guests. Kiifg George proposed the Royal toasts and King Albert, responded.

CORN CROP ACT

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) - LONDON, July o

In the Commons there was a long m- > teresting debat 6 on the Corn Production Act Repeal Bill. Sir 11. Horne urged that the cost might be thirty . millions in the next four years. Aof body anticipated such an extraordinary drop in prices of agricultural products. The country’s finances could not face such a subsidy. At the present price guarantee, it would cost twelve millions, but prices were likely to <>o much lower and tho loss might easily he thirty-two millions on the year’s crops alone. Under the circum- * stances the Government had done well to compound this year’s payment at nineteen millions. LONDON, July 5. In the'House of Commons members for agricultural constituencies sharply criticised the com production Act Repeal Bill, some saying the Agricultural Wages Board should be saved . Mr Acland described the bill as a hiack, deliberate incorrigible breach of faith. The debate was adjourned.

IRISH CONFERENCE. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) CONDON, July 5. It is stated in Parliamentary circles that progress towards a definite agreement is substantial. De Valera is expected to visit London at the close ut the conversations. An official Dublin message states General Smuts arrives to-morrow and will be met by prominent Irishmen, including De Valera. Smuts’ secretary has been in touch with Irish politicians for some days. AFTER THE STRIKE. COAL MINE TROUBLES. .A • ! (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 5. j A disconcerting aftermath of the c°al strike is rapidly developing. When in- ; dustry was under control, all collieries ; were over-staffed to the extent of 110 , thousand. It is now estimated that between 100,000 and 150,000 will beoonie a surplus. Probably sixty ]>er cent of the normal workers will be absorbed at the end of July but three months will elapse before all workable mines will be in proper order. Some pits must be abandoned and others la' reshafted. In many cases electrical pumpings are ruined, for which large new capital will be imperative. Tin* general outlook is unhappy for employer and employed alike. JAPANESE STATEMENT. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) TOKIO, July 5. The Foreign Office has issued a statement to the effect that by no stretch of imagination can it honestly be said the Anglo- Japanese Alliance was desired or even remotely intended to be used as an instrument of hostility or even defence against America. ITALIAN CABINET. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) ROME, July 5. Signor Bononni has formed a Cabinet • and appointed Marcbesa, Della Torret- ; ' .f n) as Foreign Minister. Torretta is now Ambassador at Vienna. He was war time Ambassador at Petrograd. Gasparotto becomes Minister for war; de Nava, Minister to Treasury. The Cabinet is supported by two demoera tic groups and Constitutionalists and Popular Party.

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