BRITISH AND FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1922, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

WESTRALIAN LOAN. Jleoeived Tins Day at mSu a.m.) LONDON, April 7

A West Australian two million. 5 per cent, loan, issued at £96 has been underwritten.

THE MEAT TRADE. (Received This Day ai *.3U a.m.) LONDON, April 7

Interviewed, Sir John Elder said he was glad to see the Commonwealth Government taking an active interest in the position of the meat trade. He hoped the Government’s welcome offer would quickly have effective results, otherwise it would he too late for this season. The best propaganda the Meat Trade can follow consists of cheaper production of cattle, lower freezing costs, cheap ocean transport, improved quality, and better dressing. Australian beef is in competition with the world, and must stand or fall on its merits. Mere boosting is of no avail. The -Meat Board should support the endeavour being made here to get the authorities to accept the Recommended in the Bridgeman report, which would afford the much needed and only effective protection to Australian meat imports.

The Commonwealth Government should assist in this direction. Argentine chilled beef shipments have been recently reduced. Doubtless tbc losses have been too heavy, owing to imports being greatly in excess of the normal consumption and were sold below cost. It is possible a price war, in the shape of dumping may recur. Meantime the t-onsuiption of frozen beef lias l>eiiefited and prices are baldening. It is impossible fo forecast the trend of the market as it is entirely dominated by foreign interests.

RESTRICTING IMPORTS

'Received This Day at 13 30 a.m. >

LONDON, April 7

Argentine meat importers have decided to combine to restrict imports as cabled on "22nd and 24th March.

NEAR EAST PEACE. {Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, April 6

The Angora Government has consented to peace pourparlers if Hie Greeks evacuate the Eliichar-Efionkara, Hissar line within a fortnight. * BRITISH POT ITU'S. •Received This Dav at 9.4(1 a.m.)

LONDON, April 7. j In the Commons, the Overseas Settle- ■ ment Bill was read a first time. ' Sir IV. Sutherland has been appoint- < ed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Earl Crawford has been invited to join the Cabinet.