MISCELLANEOUS TEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1921, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS TEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AIR SMUTS. CAPETOWN, Dec. 20. Speaking at the opening of tho National Provincial Congress of the South African Party, Air Smuts referred to the Washington Conference. He said having secured tho right of the Dominion to its own representation in tlie future, there would be no question about status at all. Inducements to the Dominion to cut the painter and become a Republic had been absolutely removed and Ireland was now being added to tho list of Dominions. This entirely refuted tlie idea of dissolution of tho Empire voiced on tlie continent lately. Ireland had been Achilles at the heel of Empire, but there was no sign of weakness now. He looked forward to a, brilliant future for the Empire. He felt the change in title had come for humanity. Ncx year would be a year of progress and prosperity. He emphasised the seriousness of the Indian qtiesion. South Africa, was urged to find a solution which would save the Empire from serious injury. BRIAND INTERVIEWED. UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS. LONDON, Dec 20. Tlie “Daily Mail” had an interview with AI. Brinnd. who said if Germany does not pay, France will have toj borrow. Germany’s bankruptcy will bring France into an impossible position. He was sure a. solution will he found for Anglo-French differences. The nations were emerging from a long, terrible war. and did not want a crushing burden of land armaments, but the Wirtli Government in its weakness, compelled Franco to remain armed and guarded. It was impossible to say what German Government would lie in Power tomorrow. Concerning Angora, he said she was maintaining ninety thousand men in Cilicia-. It was a staggering burden and she could not dtv otherwise Hum withdraw and make terms with tlie Turks. The delusion that France wanted war with Britain was insensate. Submarines were required for defence, not attack. Franco has accepted the Hughes ratio. There was still no eonVirination regarding he six. ten thousand too ships Germany was allowed to Imild hv tho Versailles Conference He wanted the Washington Conference to take this into account. Finally Franco was unanimous in favour of a peace built up on the Entente. IN FAVOR OF A STRIKE. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Doe. 20 The minors ballot at Transvaal collieries on the Chamber ol Alines proposal for a reduction ol wages resulted in favour of a strike by eighteen to one. The Industrial Federation states there is no alternative to strike, if the Chamber maintains its attitude. ACTION IN INDIA. • Received This Dav at k. 30 a.m.) DEld'l, Dec. 20. Action is being taken everywhere against the Extremists, and numerous members of the prescrib'd Nationalist volunteers with their leaders have been arrested oil charges of alleged sedition. The majority of Calcutta University students have struck, including the missionary college. Various vermicular newspapers arc being prosecuted publishing seditious articles, or inciting the people to join the volunteers. One or two have apologised to Government, including the leading Calcutta Extremist newspaper. Everywhere deterrent sentences arc being passed. Regarding Calcutta, the sole idea appears to be to ensure tlie boycott ol the 1 rime is complete, even to the extent of fastening a placard on stray dogs, advocating a boycott. Tim Government’s firm attitude is causing a hostile leoling, not only amongst the Extremists, hut among certain Moderates, and > ne Provincial Government decided to abandon the campaign, but it is generally considered the Government action is justified.

BANDITS AT WORK. •Received This Day at ‘.1.49 a.m.) PEKING, Dec. 20 It is reported from Shanghai that, bandits kidnapped .Madame Sunyat Sen at Kweiliug. in Kwangsi Province, and a 1 (, now holding her in the mountains for mie hundred thousand sterling ransom. It is believed the bandits disguised themselves as soldiers and seized p,,, v.bile she was en route to join her husband, whose armies are marching towards Piking. Madame Sunyat Sen intended to take charge ol 'lie Red Cross work. She is one ol the best educated women in China, having graduated with honours at two American Universities. RUSSIAN FIGHTING. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, Dee. 21 Fierce lighting i.niliimes <.n Karelian front, where the Bolshevists are sustaining heavy losses. VI vianT satisfied. (Received This Dav at W.IC a.m.) PARIS, December 21. M Vivian! has returned from Wash ingtou, satisfied that France has obtained real diplomatic success there, the principal questions being settled to her satisfaction. The matter ut tonI1; „re would Im dealt with in London, but lie thought the questions of submarines aviation and asphyxiating gas could' only be .solved with the assistance of the nations interested incluo(iermuny.

HRIAND AND LLOYD fiKOItCJR LONDON, Dec 21. The I'reatest secrecy is maintained roou'ding the Briand-Lloyd George conference. It. is reported there ms vorv plain speaking on both sides. It now appears impossible to conclude the conference to-morrow as intended, diflienlties having arisen compelling the continuance for the week-end It is considered unlikely that any decision will he taken but a meeting oi the Supreme Council will he summoned in January, either in Paris or San Homo where iti is proposed to be submitted questions of reparations and economic, restoration of Europe. appeal chanted. PARTS, Dec. 21. After inquiry into the condition of the railway services a majority of the parliamentary committee recommends the state to retain ownership of lines, but to hand over the working thereof to Private companies.^^