BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1923, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTUALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ELECTORAL REFORMS. ROME, May 20. Premier Mussolini has proposed that the electoral reforms consist of converting Italy into one large electorate instead of the present divisions. Mussolini hopes to eliminate local questions, hut critics consider that few would vote for a huge list of candidates mostly Unknown to them, and which would ultimately result in the Government nominating a majority and other parties nominating minorities. LEGION OF EX-SERVICEMEN. LONDON, May 20. The Prince of Wales attended the opening of the Conference of the British Legion to which the Overseas Dominions and foreign countries sent fraternal delegates. The Prince of Wales said the Legion had well over two thousand branches which might now be suitably consolidated as its position in this way had become really big and was the means of helping ex-service men to safeguard the interests of the widows and orphans. Referring to his recent visit to the battlefields, the Prince said those terrible, hut magnificent cemeteries, which stand in the landscape on every side, inspire one with a fine and tremendous feeling which brings homo to each one of us what was and what should he hallowed in his spirit of comradeship. Earl Haig said that although there were still many injustices and appalling distress, he lielieved that not one of the exservicemen were hotter off than had been the case if the Legion had not been formed. Later, members of the Conference, with the Prince of Wales attended a special choral service at the Cenotaph. THE VERONSKY MURDER. BERNE, May 20. The Swiss Government received a Note from the Soviet Government charging it with the responsibility for the murder of Voronsky. The Federal Council replied, declining all responsibility for the assassination and refusing the demands contained in the Russian Note, declaring that the Russian delegation at Lausanne not being of an official character, it was not entitled to the privileges accorded official delegations to the Conference. PAINTER’S LOSS. LONDON, May 21. The Imperial War Museum has declined to complete the purchase of Orpen’s academy picture “Unknown Soldier in France.” The painter thus two thousand through completing the painting of generals and politicians.