BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

4CJSTKALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCi-TION WIRELESS IMPROVEMENTS LONDON, Jan 11. Mr Golding, of the Commonwealth Telegraph Department, has returned to London after three weeks’ inspection of the Italian and French wireless stations, Ho has witnessed special demonstration* at Paris with an apparatus for the eliminaton of atmospheres, thereby ensuring an uninterrupted transmission. Signor Marconi considers that, by the use of this or similar apparatus at the receiving stations, in conjunction with high-power transmission, commercial communication without a relay system will be . possible between England and, Australia. Other experts agree.

A FIREBOX EXPLOSION

LONDON, January 11. A strange accident occurred to the Midland Express. An explosion in the firebox hurled the driver and fireman from the footplate. The train travelled on for 150 yards and then stopped. The guard went to investigate the unexpected stoppage, and found the engine empty. Then the drivei uas found dead on the line, and fireman seriously injured.

ASIATICS FOR NORTH AUSTRALIA. LONDON, Jan 11. Mr Lucas (Agent-General for South Australia) announces in the press that he cabled to Mr Barwell, South Australian Premier, regarding a statement made by the London “Morning Post’s” Australia correspondent that the Australian newspapers have, with one accord fallen on Mr Barweil', resenting furiously his scheme for Asiatic settlement in the north territory. Mr Barwell says Mr Lucas, has replied to him that the “Morning Post” statement !s absolutely incorrect. He says he is receiving considerable support from the newspapers, including the Adelaide “Register” and Melbourne “Age,” and also front influential citizens in various states.

Mr Lucas states he also cabled to Mr Barwell a statement made by a “Times”' correspondent that Mr Barwell. not only supported the introduction of coloured 1 labour into Northern Territory, hut had advocated the granting of full citizen rights to the Asiatics. Mr Barwell replied to ft is, declaim that the reported advocacy of full citizen rights for Asiatics was incorrect. He added:—“All experience goes to show that the development of the Northern Territory by white labour is impossible.”

BRIDEGROOM DISAPPEARS. i i | (Received This Day at 10.15 a.in.) LONDON, January 13. I A mystery surrounds the disappear- ! a nee of Eric Raymond who had six j hundred pounds in his possession, When j he left Scotland for a southern town to ■j be married. It is believed lie lifts~*fal- ! len into evil hands in London, where ' he would be robbed, j His boxes with wedding presents I have since been delivered at the bride’s ! house. COMPANIES REGISTERED. ' -Received This Day at 9:40 a.m.) j LONDON, Jan 12. Companies registered at Somerset House in 1921 numbered 6,395, the capital aggregating ninety-nine millions ! compared with 10,064 companies, with ■' a capital’ of nearly 569 millions in 1920. Experts attribute the decline mainly to the heavy taxation.

GOOD FEELING IN AFRICA. (Received This Day at 1.5 p.m.) CAPETOWN, Jan 12. A most moderate tone continues tb prevail in Johannesburg. The essential services *ure running smoothl There has been only slight trouble on matters of detail in three places. The men’s speeches on the reef show practically no bitterness.

TEA SALE. /Received This Day at 11.30 a.m A 'COLOMBO, Jan. 12. At the first tea sales of the year 2*2 million pounds were offered of good selection -arid quality. There was a keen demand for every grade. Broken Orange Pekoe ranged from one rupee twenty-five cents to one rupee thirty* cents; Broken Pekoo 1.5 to 1.10; tannings eighty to ninety cents; dust sixty to sixty-five cents.