BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1922, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

TEA SALES. COLOMBO, May 30

At the tea sales the market was strong at opening, but eased later. Common broken and medium Pekoe l.'l.fd, fine 15}d, good common leaf lid to Is. CALCUTTA, May 30. At the opening of tile tea sale the demand was weak and irregular, prices being below anticipation. GERMANY’S REPLY. (Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) PARIS, May 30. Germany’s reply regarding reparations will probably be published tonight. The “Matin” says it conforms with the results arrived at between the Commission and Herr Hermes. Germany will only have to meet normal budget expenditure and reparations in kind, whereon th Commission made an important concession fixing the amount at YaO million gold marks for 1922, of which 350 have already been paid. The remainder is to he settled by an international loan. The “Petit Parisien’s” Berlin correspondent states the Note expresses Germany’s intention to avoid increasing the floating debt. This will only he possible by the help of an international loan. Germany wishes the amount of the floating debt at 31st March 1922 to be considered at its normal maximum. If it exceeds that in any month after June, measures are to bo taken to repay the following quarter. The paper says Germany has given way before the French Government’s energy and the I pressure exercised on Berlin by the British Government acting with perfect | loyalty tinder the influence of a conference of hankers. Germany with a little goodwill is certain to emerge from her j great financial difficulties. Tt only re- : mains for Germany to give evidence that she will not join the Bolsheviks in any sinister adventure against European order. REPLY TO COMPLAINTS. •

(Received this day at l. > :> ei > LONDON May 30,

Emigration officials replying to press cables from Australia- alleging recent batches of immigrants include physically unfit, also many unwilling to become country workers, state tho allegations are either exaggerated or relate to a small percentage (If cases, which the most rigorous regulations arc unable to entirely eliminate. The cables specially mention Western .Australia regarding which the officials point out the regulations' relating to that state are stricter than the other States. Western Australia excludes nil applicants classified as having suffered war disabilities, which the others accept. No applicant is accepted for Western Australia without reference to an official, specially representing West Australia, on the stall' of Australia house. He has power to veto any applicant. Nevertheless West Australia is the only state i which Tins complained since the Depart. : ment was established. Usually ninety per cent of the applications are rejected and the balance of ten' per cent further reduced under rigorous medical inspection, first by British doctors, secondly- by a Departmental medical officer. The medical standard is more severe than for the Army With ref ferenoc to unwilling country workers, the officials point out every immigrant signs a declaration that he is prepared to undert'ake country work and must furnish documentary proofs that he possesses land working experience. Mr Mitchell received a cable from tho New Settlers League at Perth, alleging the latest batches of immigrants were unsatisfactory and below the usual standard. He intends making enquir-