AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1923, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. ’FILISCO MAIL. CONTRACT RESUMED. WASHINGTON, May 21. The Oceanic Mail Contract has been renewed by the U.S.A. Government with the Oceanic Company lor nm.llior year, beginning July Ist. THE MAIL CONTRACT. THE NEW SHIPS. (Received this day at 0.-I5 a.m.) NEW YORK, May 21. In connection with the renewal of the Oceanic Steamship Company's mail contract, Lhe Postmaster-General is now announcing a- renewal of the contract, lie said the Shipping Board and Post Office Department, meantime, were considering -Mr Samuel’s plan (cabled on Bth) which revealed the two now proposed vessels would he designed especially for naval and military use in time of war. Admiral Benson, of the Navy Department, pronounced the boat design "as excellent and was enthusiastic over the plan. He'said: “I can think ..1 nothing that will do more for the American merchant marine at this time than the building operations on those vessels. American business in Australasia and the South Seas needs to be maintained and built up. Ibis trade can be wonderfully improved with these ships in service. They would also he serviceable for national doiencc. 1 sincerely hope it will he possible to have the Oceanic Company construct ■ and operate these vessels. ’ VIRULENT STATEMENT. PRESIDENT MUCH DISTURBED. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.)

WASHINGTON, May 20. Something of a. sensation lms been caused bv the pronouncement that up0,- President. Harding’s and Mr Wilson’s request, the Republican Xalmmil Committee—the controlling body of the Republican Party—has been compel a d to withdraw the statement sent to the American newspapers, bitterly «Ha. inrr Britain and France over the «?■»> in" the settlement of the American \rmv costs in connection with aBhine occupation. The statement was full of virulence and unrestrained l.uiAfr Hughes cabled the powers an explanation from tlvo AVlute House. He stated that President Harding was tei> much disturbed over the incident which observers claim, indicates the serious r ift which is occurring wuhm the lupublican Parly.