MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1921, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. renewal notified. TOKIO, July 12. In order to avoid the possibility of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance lapsing on July 13th., which is its terminal date. Britain and Japan have each forwarded an identical note to the League of Nations, announcing their intention to renew the existing Alliance. The renewal is for another year. RECORD DROUGHT IN BRITAIN. LONDON, July 12. Though this drought in Britain is likely to he remembered as the wor* in British records, its seriousness is largely being forgotten in the suffering caused through the intense heat. London city is as hot ns Cairo in Hie daytime and is hotter than it at night. The position is made worse by widespread fires on the- moorlands and on the commons. These are filling the air with smoko. Many conventions are being dropped. Judges and counsels are discarding their wigs in the courts. Parliamentary committees are working in their shirt sleeves. PARIS SUFFERS DROUGHT. PARIS, July 12. TV city of Paris is suffering to an even greater extent from the heat wave than London. A military review in connection with the national festival lias been abandoned. Numbers of both sexes have been fined in Paris for dressing too scantily in order to meet the beat conditions. BELGIUM ALSO ROASTED. Belgium is also in the throes of a heat wave like France and Britain. FRANCE AND SILESIA. PARIS, July 12. In the French Chamber, referring to Silesia, -M. Briand, French Premier, said that France had nil that was necessary 7 to redress the situation in event of the collapse of Wirths’ German Cabinet.

Ho declared: “Herr Wirth’s gestures will not lie sufficient to oblige us to forsake the Allied Sanctions. It would be quite different if the Pan-Germans would upset Wir'th’s Cabinet, hut vanquished Germany must comply.” FRENCH PREMIER’S PROFESSIONS PARIS, July 12 The French Chamber of Deputies arc discussing tho question of granting additional credits to the Government. Tn support of those. M. Briand (Premier) justified his attitude towards Turkey, “with which,” be said, “we must have peace.” M. Briand disclaimed any desire to colonise Syria or to establish a protectorate there. PRINCE OF WALES. ALL ENGAGEMENTS DECLINED. LONDON, July 12 The Prince of Wales has declined all public engagements during August and September. Ail official announcement states: It lias been realised for some time that the Prince of Wales must have a holiday, that, will enable him to have a complete rest from public duties, which - i as nut enjoyed for some time. COMMERCIAL. LONDON, July 12. Bank shares.—Australasia £7B 10s, Now South Wales £3O, Union £l2 2s 6d Now Zealand 43s 9d. ACCI DENTALLY DROWNED. (Received This Dav at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 12. . A verdict was returned that- Earl Craven was accidentally drowned. MR HUGHES WANTED. (Received This Dav at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 13

It is stated in well informed circles that Mr Hughes .lias been invited to attend the Washington Conference. His decision will be largely influenced by politcal fcelngs in Australia. Unless reassuring advices change his views, his present intention is to hurry home at- the earliest moment. Their constant application to the Conference's business is telling heavily on Hie delegates. SHIPBUILDING FIGURES. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 13 Lloyds shipbuilding figures continue to show a falling off, due to the trade slump and labour troubles. The tonnage launched last quarter declined by 111,917 tons, compared with the previous quarter. Tonnage begun declined by 323,849. TREASURY BONDS. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 13 The Stock Exchange lias officially notified that dealings in new Treasury bonds are not permitted till further notice. Bandon has lieen released. JAPANESE STATEMENT. TOKIO, July 13. The Foreign Office has issued a statement to the effect that Japanese favourable attitude towards disarmament is unchanged, but Government are not yet ready to make a direct statement regarding Mr Harding’s proposal. Japan has notified the League of Nations that if any situation arises where the Anglo-Japanese alliance terms appear to be inconsistent with League procedure the latter will prevail.