BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

THE TIMES ON AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS. “ THE TIMES ” SERVICE. LONDON. May 234. The “Times” Umpire Supplement devotes generous space to Australasian affairs wheiein are several columns with a description of social, sporting, com mercinl and productive attractions of New Zealand, all whereof are most cordially presented to its readers. Special attention is paid by one article on the results of the Washington Conference to the Dominions a lid Imperial relations. It is suggested that the Dominion Parliament does not realise U vitality problems which the Imperial Conferenees are faced. The “Times” says Imperialism of the country is stirred to a brighter flame every four years or so, hut this flame has more light than heat which shines more brightly in London than in the Dominions, and languishes when the Conference is over. The Article concludes with a. desperate look at which the naval problem of the Pacific presented a year ago lias disappeared. Vet even the total disappearances of capital ships from the Pacific, and every other Ocean-would not alter the essential fact that Now Zealand is ohsoluteTy dependent on Empire’s sea. powers, vet is not hearing her fair share of the cost. EMPIRE DAY. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 24. ! Other Empire Day messages are from Lord Curzon who says—Let the Commonwealth of British nations show it can solve its own problem and reveal its immense corporate strength in its efforts. An example may perhaps be found for the solution of some of the difficulties of the larger world. Hon Runciman says it is impossible to overrate the importance of the cultivation of Dominion markets, constituting a field of enterprise, the potentialities of which have never been completely explored. Lord Emmott says the great hope of the world’s future lies ill the maintenance of the unity of the Empire. Mr Sliortt (Home Secretary) says the Empire is the greatest safeguard for civilisation the world has known. General Booth says there are tens of thousands of decent people here pressing for an outlet for their energies in countries under flit 1 1 nion .lack, where living is pleasant. Sir J. Cook says the future of tlu* Empire depends greatly upon flu* development of the dominions. Me had no doubt Australians would worthily 1

meet the great future awaiting them, j Air Harwell says we need not mistrust the future if the English speaking _ nations of tlu* Empire hang solidly to1 get lied. Trade relations between Britain and the dominions should he eiilarged and improved. Mr Mitchedsays | Empire Day which was enthusiasticallv celebrated in the Dominions, directs our ! thoughts to Empire development. ‘ Sir .1. Alien says the day stands Ini f snnething more than the perpetuating iff tin* memory of Queen Victoria, lie have to consul* r how to |i. **vent *he , essential good gained in the ' lotninm , era being dissipated. V e mu~l lin\e , political as well as business and nidustrial co-operation. , | Most of tlu* messages stress the value of Empire settlement. All Agents General also contnhuted messages. i FREIGHT CHARGES. J WASHINGTON, May 24. j Tl-.o Interstate Commerce Commission ordered a reduction of freight all over the country to come into effect on .Inly • Ist It was declared that hereafter the ‘ rates shall he based on a yield of live ( arid three-quarters per cent on the ag- ( grebate value of railroad property com- : ■ pared with six per cent hor-tolore. j -

GENOA DEBATE. . LONDON. May 2-1. | ( The Labour Party and Independent ; Liberals have been informed that Mr ; Chamberlain will decline to speak m i the debate on tbe Genoa Conference on , Thursday, until Mr Lloyd George has . _ made bis report. | REPAR \TfONS AGREEMENT. j (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) i PARIS. May 23. j It is believed toe Reparations Commission, after discussion with the ( *■"- j man Finance Minister. succeeded <" reaching an agreement upon reparation.- i on the basis of Germany stoppmg lb" printing of paper money, ba aiming t budget, and permitting certain sup. vision of her finances. ! POLAND’S FEARS. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) j ' COPENHAGEN. May 23 According to messages from Roland, large forces of Russian cava ry are advancing in Poljessee district and tin railway to Pinsk is busily engag'.’d in transporting infantry. The 1 oltsb G< vernment states it lias raised the 1 olisb t \ rniv from 250.000 to 350,000. I insk is being fortified. Russians Imve also despatched three divisions to tin- Roll- < nmnian frontier. j ENGINEERING I’MIOT. (Received this day at 9.>9 a.m.) ! lONDON M\t the conclusion of five hours’ <<>"- ference, the executives ul iorty-seven unions involvel in the engineering dispute announeed they liad detide submit the employers proposals to a ba - ■ lot. The papers will go not during G week end and are returnable on -m , June. Members will lie recommended to give tbe matter their very serious | consideration. i bottom, lea s ri? i al. (Received this day at 9.00 a.m.) ( LONDON, May. 23. Evidence for the proseeution closed earlier than was expected. FottoinU.t I came into court wearing a white Hat ( end said htitnorouslv— “1 am gomg to t! e Derhv after all.” . . ... , j In opening the defence, he stud d tin. | el,a roes are true they stamp me as a , rootle, and hypocrite of the deepest dye. ] The question is had f the intention to , ste'i 1 front the poor devils who sn j- J scribed, ex-soldiers and their depend- . ents God forbid. Bottomloy then ask- j ed whether he eould call one hundred J Ibotisatid witnesses to rebut the eti- i tic nee for the prosecution, that sub- ; scribes bad not bad their money back. The Judge sai«l lie would listen to a"> ; evidence and also any objection bv t.«e j prosecution. „ , , _ j ' Bottomley said lie migld have been . . little reckless and uiu-oiiventiomd ut be bad done nothing criminal. Bottonilev eoneluded with a dramatic .nation, bursting into tears. Bottomley promts- . iug to go into the box. WANGANUI'S .LOAN. (Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 24. ! The Borough of Wanganui’s issue of €122 509 live and a half per cent, debentures at ninety-eight was privately , subscribed. 5 THE EGYPT WRECK. LONDON, May 24. Mr Baldwin in the Commons, reply- ■ ’ ing to a question in regard to a panic* - among the Egypt’s Lascar crew prevent 3 ing women getting into the life-boats, said V had ordered an investigation.