BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

PRINCE’S SPECIAL MESSAGE

LONDON, June 20. A striking and unprecedented tribute, virtually marking a new era in jouralism, was accorded to Alt Keith Alurdoch before he left London for Alelbpurne oil July 2nd, to assume the position of editor-in-chief of the. Aid bourne “Herald.” A farewell dinner given in his honour at the British Empire Clul) was attended by. Sir Phillip Gibbs, the famous war -correspondent and novelist, now editor of “The Review of Reviews,” Sir Ross Smith, the famous aviator, and a number of other prominent public men. The Prince of AVales -sent the following message from St James’s* Palace:—“l wish Air Keith Murdoch ‘bon-voyage’ and success in his new activities in Australia.” The Princes’ message was described at the gathering as “the tribute of the Empire’s Young Alan to an outstanding Australian young man.” It has been most cordially welcomed in newspaper circles, and is regarded as greatly enhancing the prestige and status of the whole journalistic profession, and as a crowning tribute to Air Murdoch’s per soality. Prominent references are made in the London Press t» the Royal message and to Mr Murdoch’s career.

A BANQUET. LONDON, July 21

Mr Hughes was the guest at the American Luncheon Club at Savoy Hotel. Mr Wilson Cross, an oil magnate, presiding, said the invitation to Washington Conference made it fitting that Mr'Hughes should be the guest. America and Australia were the great democracies of the world and had much tlu* same ideals. These young democracies having no ancient feuds or prejudices to overcome, must he looked to, for ;lic salvation of the world’s affairs.

Air Hughes after an ovation, said: — I know well that American citizens in London are watching with intense interest the progress of these negotiations initiated by Mr Harding, which we hope will lead to disarmament and peace. The war has taught us that isolation is incompatible with the modern circumstances of nations.

LONDON, July 21

Air Hughes atqhe American Luncheon Club said every nation was dependent on the others and affected by what they do. Neither Australia’s remoteness nor, America’s traditional policy could keep the effects of war from them. America has invited the nations to come to her home to discuss the greatest problems the world had ever faced. There were many points of likeness between Ameri-ca,.-md Australia, but she is great and we are small. She has over one hundred million' people and we have five. We are not what shy was ninety years ago. She to-day, is what Australia will lie in a hundred years. AVe have the sane language and enjoy the same literature, and ideals which mean so much. Australia can never forget that out of the Pacific will come whatever of success or failure the future has in store for her. Out of the Pacific "ill come for us life or death. For America •ml Australia the Pacific holds vital interests. Now conies the invitation to Washington to discuss disarmament. All the peoples of the world are groaning under the burdens of war, and the weight of armament, and say joyfully this is good news. Men turned to each other saying there shall be no more war. This indeed is the hope of all, and it is well the nations should meet round the Council table with a view to ending the suicidal policy of rival armaments. It is well also to remember the difficulties standing between mankind and -their desire. It is not enough that they meet, if they cannot agree on some practical scheme which they are prepared to give effect to. This is not easy, as it is hedged round everywhere by difficulties.

SINN FEIN POLICY. CAPETOWN, July 21 The South African National party are much concerned regarding the Dominion’s settlement schemes for emigrants now being discussed in Britain at the Imperial Conference. The Nationalists strongly oppose any immigration ,from Britain, on the grounds that the Africanders position in South Africa would be threatened by it. The “De Burner,” the principle Afri eander organ says:—“The Africanders possess a- powerful means of defence in their * «wid it rtd.voc3.tcs 3 comprehensive language boycott, and also the formation of an African Economic Bond, pledging its members to insist on the use of the Dutch language in all transactions with the Government departments and officials, and also in all business transactions.

ANTI-JAPANESE CAMPAIGN. NEW YORK, July 21. / At Turlock, in California, Janies Shea, President of the Fruit Pickers’ Union, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and inciting to riot in connection with the 'deportation of the Japanese, who already have all returned. Other arrests are predicted WAR MEMORIAL SCHEME. LONDON, July 21. A scheme is afoot, for the formation of women’s committees throughout the Empire with the objects of raising £2,000,000 sjteiHing with which to build a beautiful gothic shrine as part of as elaborate Empire war memorial at Westminster Cathedral. \n appeal is to be made only to wpmen and individual subscriptions are to be limited to ten shillings. The effort will be spread over ten years. The design suggested is a shrine in the form of a Greek cross, consisting of 78 chapels, each containing stained glass windows symbolical of strategic and dramatic phases of the war, and parts that Britain, the Allies and Dominions played therein. The completion of Die shrine will occupy 14 years. The Dominions’ offices in London have arranged successive to display a model of tho shrine.