MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1922, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION DISARATAMENT POLICY. COPENHAGEN, Dec. 5. The “Berlingske Tidende’s” Helsiug fors correspondent says:—“AT. Litvinoff, speaking at the Eastern Disarmament Conference, said that Russia is willing to reduce her army by 75 per cent in the next two years, involving a reduction to 200,000. Th - neighbouring states must do likewise. All irregular military organisations must he dissolved, and all frontier districts demilitarised. As the Russian Navy has been reduced already by 75 |ier cent since 1917, the Soviet did not propose a further reduction. Finland and Estlionia replied that the negotiations must include the Soviet Navy with this reservation, all the delegates declaring their willingness to work for disarmament.

WAGE-CUT ON WHEAT LUMPERS. SYDNEY, December 6. A conference of the 'Australia Workers’ Union and the wheat shipping firms to adjust lumping rates for the season has proved abortive. The men firmly demand the same rates as for the last two years. The firms are desirous of making a reduction in the wages of 20s. The .Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union stated that it was practically certain the wheat would he declared black, if the threat to reduce wages £T a week is carried out. This j-ould have farreaching effects, ultimately involving the watersiders and seamen.

REDUCED TTOATE PASSAGES. WELLINGTON. Dec f>. The New Zealand Shipping and the Shaw. Savill and Albion Companies announce reductions in homeward passenger money in all classes. Fares will ho reduced by the following amounts: Single. Tst class £ls; 2nd CIO; 3rd £3; return Ist class £43; 2nd £26; 3rd £6. These reductions take effect as from December Ist and apply to bookings already made. PADDOCK’S YTSTT UNCERTAIN. WELLINGTON. Dec 6. The Athletic Asojciiation has received a cable stating that Paddock’s visit is now uncertain, as he must liehack by February sth. Kirksey or Sudden is offered as a substitute. This is the second time that Paddock has disappointed the Association. Tt was decided to cable accepting the substitute) unless Paddock can stay till February 20th. PLENTY “FREE” LABOUR. SYDNEY. Dec 6. The hack of the seamen’s strike* has been broken here, as the Union Company has secured full volunteer crews for the Aloornki and Waikawa. It is stated that, if trouble is experienced with the stewards their places will ho filled by volunteers. The Company intends to continue enrolling “free” labour. Efforts will he made to despatch other vessels. Volunteers are enrolling at Newcastle to man the Korotniko and the Kauri.

CARPENTIER SPEAKS. PARIS. December 6. Carpentier, interviewed, .said : —“Siki must have been drunk when ho made the allegation that T was out to beat him. T believe lie was out to heat me. The idea of any kind of frame up is ridiculous. SIKI INTERVIEWED. i Received this day at 9.30 a.oi ) "PATHS. Dec 5. Siki, the Singalese boxer, in an interview published by “Eclair” alleged that it was arranged before the contest in September that Carpentier should defeat him. lie entered the ring with the intention of dropping in the fourth round as instructed, hut became so ashamed when on his knees before thousands of spectators that lietherefore got up and hit Carpentier.