MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1922, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

«nSTR4U4N AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION AIR, THOMAS’ FEARS. OF EUROPEAN DEBACLE. LONDON, May 7. Mr Thomas who has just returned from Berlin, speaking at the Labour demonstration at Derby, offered a serious warning regarding the European situation*. He did not think even in August 191.-1 we were nearer a great war than to-day. The standing armies .of Europe were now a million stronger than in 19M. The nations were paying j taxation for the war machine, out of all j proportion to their needs. We wero , told that the Genoa conference was on the eve of breaking up, that a train was waiting to bring Hon. Lloyd George away. The Labour Party were not among those who wished Mr Lloyd George to fail rather than have the ereuit .for doing good. The consequences of failure were so horrible, that the people of England should make their position clear. During the war England gave ample proof of her willingness to stand by France and still wishes justice should be done her, but France must understand that her conception of Europe and her business interests arc different to ours. Franco never levied taxation as she ought to have done. It was common talk in France that a mobilisation bad been ordered, but the great mass of British people are sick of war and are not going to have another. Wo say to France policy, we arc not going to* follow it.” Personally lie believed a Soviet Government would be tbiinoiis to .England, but, we could not dictate to Russia her system of AN ITALIAN DISASTER. ROME, May 7. The collapse of Cora to cabled yestcr-. day, disclosed an extraordinary story of human vicissitude. The town rapidly progressed from a tiny village to nil: important industrial commercial ceil-; tie. The buildings were among the; finest in Italy. The soil was of clay, and sand. Torrential rain fell after a nine months drought. Rite water -accumulated in fissures in the earth and filtered through under the foundations which collapsed. The first building to fall was the magnificent new church of Madonna. Five thousand families are sleeping in tents and huts in open distress. suffering bravely. Government sent troops, workmen and material to erect temporary shelters. The preliminary vote of nine million lire is exhausted and another fifty is necessary. 'Violent-storms arc increasing the suffering of the homoless, who are panic stricken. ITALY’S POSITION. LONDON, May 7. The Foreign Office states official assurances by the Italy ambassador dispose of misleading statements that an agreement liaj been concluded between Italy and Angora, or an agreement of any kind with Constantinople supplementary to the agreement cabled on the .‘Jrd. Ttnly expressed a categorically .firm intention of co-operating with her two Allies to secure an early Eastern settlement. PRINCE OF WALES IN JAPAN. TOKIO, May 8. The Prince of Wales thoroughly enjoyed a trip through the Inland Sea, which was a procession of enthusiastic receptions. Crowds at Asaka and Kobe; broke the cordons -to get a close view of the Prince. Every island passed on the Inland Sea within cheering distance raised hearty “Rauzais,” and fishing fleets flourished flags. ’I lie whole trip was one of picturesque 1 reality. The Prince is in the best of health. After a visit to'Kobe naval establishment, lie sails on Tuesday for Manilla. AY V-PEI-FU’S INTENTIONS. PEKING, May 8. Reports state .General Wu-Pei-Eu has declared that -if .Chang-Eso-d,ill’s forces retreated bevong the great wall, he would .not continue his pursuit of .them. He added that lie does not intend to fight Dr Sun Vat Sell’s forces, unless the latter advances further north. The Premier of China, Liang Shi-tyi, has taken refuge in the Foreign Concession at Tienstin. Ho has threatened -to sail abroad, if -the efforts to arrest biin are persisted in. The other dismissed ministers are also taking rolttgo in Tientsin. General Wu-Pei-Fu lias proceeded to Tientsin, escorted ‘by three train loads of troops. The Fong-tienors have been offering him no resistance. U.S.A. AND HAITI. WASHINGTON, May 8. Mr Lansing (lat o secretary of State) lias sent a. letter to the Senate Committee which is considering Haiti alfairs, stating the United States’ occupation of Haiti was due largely to Germany’s attitude. Germany appeared ready in 1913-14 to go to grea* lengths to secure exclusive customs’ control and a coaling station there, under the pretext of Haiti’s, financial inability.