BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1921, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARRE ASSOCIATION. NEW POOR. • PARIS, Oct. 12. Newspaper information states that a number of cardinals of the Roman . Curia are in monetary difficulties owing to dear living. The Vatican has decided to come to the rescue of thu Churchmen, who are now within the**r* category of the “new poor,” by providing residences in the oH Papal pri-

REFUSF-S A DINNER. LONDON. Octolier 12 The Daily Express’s Sheffield correspondent says:—“l am impressed hy f the Duke of York’s refusal to at- •' tend the Cutler Company’s banquet to which he was invited as the chief guest. The Duke declares that he is convinced that it would not lie l ightfor him to he present at such a function while there are thousands of workless people wha are #ompiilsorily hungry. The Duke visits Sheffield on Novemlier 4th.. when there will lie no feasting.

WAR WIDOW HONOURED. LONDON, October 12. Mrs McCitdden, mother of the airman Captain MeCuddcn V.C., has been chosen to take the British National Wreath to the United States for the grave of the American Unknown warrior. The journey is being made under the auspices of the Pilgrim Fathers’ Association. The wreath is six foot high It consists of flowers rapresenting the United Kingdom and the Dominions. The lady’s husband served for 30 years in the British army. She also lost three sons, a son-in-law and two nephews in the war.

THE NAVY, (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, October 12

The Admiralty welcome Mr Massey’s speech and points out the Navy now is, and always Ims been an Empire Navy. It is now for Australia and New Zealand to decide the amount and manner of their contributions. It must not be forgotten meantime, that air development is an important part of naval strategy. SOVIET MINING TERMS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON. October 13. The “Evening News” states owimr to the impossible conditions imposed, the Russo-Asiatic Consolidated Corporation limited have abandoned negotiations with the Soviet to reopen their mining properties in Russia, covering 2) millnin acres of gold, silver, copper, tin and platinum interests The mines are in good condition, and the Soviet has unsuccessfully attempted to work them.

IMPERIAL DEFENCE, fßeceived This Day at 8 30 a.m.) LONDON, Oet. 13 Sir lan Hamilton, in his book “Soul and Body of the Army,” urges the appointment of tho Minister of Defence to control the sea, land and air forces, with the united General Staff, upon which the forces of the Commonwealth and Dominions should be strongly represented. The sequel to this unity of control would he the establishment of a united services staff college, replacing the separate staff colleges, where students would receive general instruction in the work of all services. Finally, at the end, students'electing in which service they might specialise. In this way officers of either service would acquire a knowledge of sister services.

BE RG EX LAND DISP GTE. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) VENICE, Oct. 13. The protocol of Bergenland agreement has been signed. FRENCH DELEGATES. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) PARIS, Got. 13 Government has appointed Yiviani, Jusserand, and Serrnnt to accompany M. Briand to the Washington Confer cnee. THE PRAYER ROOK. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON. Oct. 13 Rev R. J. Campbell, speaking at the Church Congress, urged the advisableliess of diversion from the- present form of the prayer hook. The marriage service contained much that might he left out. The burial service might lie almost entirely rewritten, as it contained almost a pagan note of mourning. Prayers for use at sea were scarcely useable except in time of a* storm.

A VEILED REFERENCE. JAPAN AND LORD XORTHCLIFFK (Received This Dav at 9.40 a.m.l TOKIO, Oct. 13. Lord Xortheliffe in a statement cabled to tho London “Times” on Oet. third in which he was quoted as warning Australia of the danger to its unoccupied anas from a northern power, has aroused the Japanese Foreign Office. On its behalf Baron Ijuiz stated“ Perhaps it is improper to express an opinion without leading the complete text of Ixird Northcliffe’s statement, although he studiously and seemingly cautiously avoided a direct reference to Japan. The general tone indicated that he tried to feature Japan as a menace to Australia. If by the teeming millions that he . fears would overwhelm Australian AngloSaxons, he means Japanese, if by ambitious covetous power, which, some day might lieeome Australia’s enemy lie means Japan, such a statement coming from a person 1 of Lord Northcliffe’s influence must not he passed over lightly. The goodwill and friendly spirit on Japan’s part towards Australia has been cultivated under the Anglo-Japane.se-alliance. There is no room for alienation of this spirit. Japan has looked towards Australia as a. possible outlet for surplus population. Japan realises the importance of maintaining good relationship with Australia for the peace of the Pacific, for which Japan has not spared any effort.”