AMERICAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1921, Page 1

AMERICAN ITEMS

AUSTIIALIAX INI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AMERICA’S MERCHANT MARINE. NEW YORK, Dee. 25. The Washington correspondent .of the "New York Times” says an extraordinary programme of shipping subsidies. in order to place the American mercantile marine on a competitive basis with that of Great Britain, has been proposed by the experts appointed by President Harding. It is expected that the President will recommend the adoption by Congiess of the programme which includes a

direct subsidy of 41 .(100,(HK) dollars. V fund of 100,0DD,000 dollars will he created, and lent to American shipowners at not more than 5 per cent, interest. Government-owned ships will be sold to Americans at the rates prevailing in the world’s markets, and in order to encourage shippers to use American ships deductions will he made from income tax in regard to that part ot business done in connexion with American vessels. The Government will also create a non-profit making corporation. and offer marine insurance of American vessels at cost. Legislation will ho enforced assuring at least 50 per cent, of the immigration traffic to American ships.

CRIME IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, Dec 24. The day before Christinas brought a record crime wave in New York. Ton hold-up robberies wore reported, in which four persons were killed, qvne nf whom was a, bandit and one a woman. Several detectives were seriously wound ed. Other persons were beaten. About 10,000 dollars’ worth of jewellery and money was taken. Now'r from. Chicago indicates an unprecedented number of eases of violence—oven for Chicago. Eight robberies and hold-ups were reported in one day. Several persons were seriously injured.

MR LLOYD GEORGE. NEW YORK. Doc. 2(i. According to a Philadelphia message ihe local Eisteddfod, which invited Mr Lloyd George to attend its celebration on January 2nd, received a cablegram from his secretary regretting his inability to attend, ns Mr Lloyd George was not visiting the United States this