AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1921, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

iCETHAiiiAN ANI) N.Z. CAfll.E ASSOCIATION PROHIBITION IN PRACTICE. NEW YORK, August 22. The New York ‘‘Herald” sent an investigator to the Bahama Islands, who now reports that 10,000 cases of alcoholic liquids are lieing smuggled into' the United States every week by “rum runnel's.” Statistics show that in 1910, the Bahamas exported 59,000 gallons of liquors, valued at 58,000 dollars but in 1920. the figures were 204,000 gallons, valued at 1,114,000 dollars. The “Herald’s” correspondent declares: The Bahamas were on the verge n J bankruptcy until the illicit rum trade filled its revenue coffers and gave the operators vast profits since the liquors are sold in the United States at 10 times their actual value. COMBERS STATEMENT. WASHINGTON, August 22. Mr Samuel Gompers, speaking at Atlantic City affirmed American Labour’s unalterable decision to fight against the reductions of wages. He said: “A horse gets food and shelter, but the cost of mere food and shelter alone must not l>e used as ihe base 'f the cost of living. Something more is needed for the wealth producer, the American workers. A workman needs some of the ‘worth-while’ things in life and we are going to see that he geti more than a bare existence. CENTRAL AMERICAN DISPUTE. WASHINGTON, August 21. Mr Hughes (United States Secretary’ hn*s dispatched a. Note to Panama declaring that he sees no reason why Costa Rica should not be permitted to occupy the territory involved in the dispute be tween the two countries. A battalion of Marines has also been dispatcln-i to the Q.-.nal Zone, ostensibly for the purpose of enforcing Costa Rica’s rights.