BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS

tUSTBAMAN AND N.Z. CABLE .ASSOCIATION. THE ALIEN LAW. LONDON, Feb. 16. Hon. A. Chamberlain in the House of Commons, replying to Mr Hopkins regarding the proposed amendment to the British Nationality Status Act, 1911, said replies had not been received from all the Dominions. He had endeavoured to secure their concurrence.

Mr Chamberlain, when asked if loiicurrence could not be telegraphically ‘equested, aid:—“l think we must treat the Dominions with becoming respect. It is improper to hurry them unduly. ’ Mr Hopkins asked: “Has not this matter been going on for years? ”

Mr Chamberlain said half the governments of the Dominions are self-govern-ing, to whom we cannot dictate. They must he allowed to answer in their cwn time. It is important that there he uniform legislation regarding this matter throughout the Empire. BANK RATE REDUCED. BY BANK OF ENGLAND. LONDON, February 16 The Bank of England rate of discount has been reduced to per cent. ALLEGED COTTON SWINDLE. LONDON, February 7. Hoolcy and the five others (cabled on January 26) have been committed for trial on the charge of fraudulent cotton share dealing.

MOVE TO COLLECT ARMS. LONDON, February 16

The Usltor Government has issued a notice fixing a period of grace, till Saturday in Belfast, and till Tuesday in ths County of Ulster, for the surrender of arms and ammunition, after which all persons found in unauthorised possessions of weapons will lie prosecuted under the Firearms Art. ' BRITISH POLITICS. LONDON, February 16. In the House of Commons, Mr A. Chamberlain said it was not intended by the Government to carry out this year the Geddes Economy reports and recommendations regarding the Defence Ministry. The possibility of combining certain administrative services of the Wa r Office, the Admiralty, the Air Ministry would he explored by Technical Committees in connection with the Committee of Defence. LONDON, February 16.

In the House of Commons, Air Chamberlain said the views expressed in the Admiralty memorandum on the Geddes Economy report should not he taken a.s the considered decision of the Government which had not yet formulated its opinion.

LADY RHONNDA’S FLEA. LONDON; February 17. A Parliamentary Committee on Privileges will shortly hear Viscountess Rhondda’s petition for permission to take her seat in the House of lo d

TRIBUTE TO BALFOUR, LONDON, February 10. Members and supporters of the Government gave a welcome luncheon to Mr A. Balfour. Mr Lloyd George, who presided, said r that Mr Balfour above nil others, had at Washington, helped to oloar the skies. He treated great problems in a great way. Mr Balfour had a most passionate love for his country. He had won the honour of the civilised world. He had won more than ever the trust and affection of multitudes, of his fellow countrymen. Mr Balfour, replying, said the world owed an unaccountable debt of gratitude to the United States. Mr Balfour was latei- tumultuously welcomed in the House of Commons, all parties of Commoners waving their order papers. Speaking at the luncheon t 0 Mr Balfour, Mr Lloyd George referred to the Washington agreement. He said it reduced burdens and removed anxieties, not merely from England the Empire, Australia and New Zealand, but from all lands. It was one of the most conspicuous services rendered to humanity. Mr Balfour, replying, said that fou r months ago nobody expected that the vast area pf the Pacific ocean, in which anxiety, suspicion, preparation for possible wars, competing expenditure and something approaching mutual fear were prevalent, would so soon change to conditions under which all those wretched symptoms threatening them each with the horrors which had passed through Europe, had completely ended. A foundation had been laid on which any great question might be settled. ! ‘ EGYPT’S FUTURE, LONDON, February 17. The Cabinet have, reached a complete

agreement with Lord Allenby on tho matter of the future Government of Egypt. The terms, however have not yet been announce!. It is understood Lord Allenby will return to Egypt immediately, and that he will be empowered to negotiate an arrangement with Sarwat Pasha. It is believed that Lord Allenby has accepted the main heads of policy (as cabled on January 29), with a compromise relating to the garrison.