BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1923, Page 1

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

IMPERIAL WAR RELIEF FUND

•LONDON, September 23,

The Imperial War Belief Fund statements during the three years ended August 111, show the cash received was £407,00' : h and the gifts in kind made were valued at £305,000. During 1923, the expenses amounted to only four per cent of t'hc cash leceived, and gifts in Kind were distributed totalling over £-100,000. The Dominions’ subscriptions included Australia £10,987; New Zealand £13,045.

CONDEMNED MAN AS CROWN WITNESS.

LONDON, September 22.

For the first time in the history of British clime, a man sentenced to death was called as a witness by the Crown. The case arose at Liverpool on June 11. when two armed men raided a Dost Office. V man was shot, i’helau, a blacksmith, who was one of the raiders, was caught. He was sentenced to death, but, as there was no evidence as to who fired the fatal shot the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

Phelan was required to-day to give evidence for the prosecution of two men who arc. charged with providing firearms used in the raid. When Phelan came into the box, he refused to answer tlio Crown questions. The prosecution then asked to be allowed to treat the witness as hostile. The ease was remanded, at the prosecution’s request. Phelan returned to gaol. IMPERIAL TRADE. (“Sydney Sun” Cables).

LONDON, Sept. 21

With the intention of facilitating development of iutcr-Imperial trade, the Federation of British Industries, in conjunction with various Empire Governments, is compiling a comprehensive survey of commercial resources and possibilities of the Empire. It will actually be an encyclopaedia of Imperial trade. It is hoped the publication will synchronise with the opening of the Empire Exhibition. The intention is (o collect all available information, which is likely to be useful to the producer, manufacturer or financier. The survey will as far as possible, h-e arranged in a number of volumes each dealing with distinct branch commodities. Every volume will contain a summary of the totals of the Empire’s products, requirements and undeveloped resources, as well as sources ol the Empire’s imports. The 'Prince of Wales is contributing a foreword, recommending it to the attention of all those who have at heart the proper organisation of the Empire’s wealth.

BOOTLEGGERS’ PARADISE. LONDON. Sept. 21. The “Dailv News” in a special article, says-.-—Saint Pierre, a French Island oil’ Newfoundland has become the bootleggers’ northern headquarters. Like Nassau, it has become suddenly rich through >the illiciL trade. It was formerly a poverty stricken island where simple people toiled at fishing and fish curing. Owing to a lack ol harbour accommodation for big ships, much liquor consigned to Saint l’ierre was landed at Halifax and St Johns, under bund. All was ultimately destined for New .Jersey. Ihe Government of Saint Pierre is spending huge whisky revenues in dredging the harbiuu and extending the wharves. The correspondent learned that two judges and the police chief made so much money as directors of a rum running company that they soon retired.

BANDITS TO BE SHOT. MADRID. Sept. 21

General Dorivora Ims announced Unit three masked bandits. who were cnptureil after a hank robbery at Catalonia. will he shot. While the bandits’ motor cars were being pursued, shots were* exchange*l, aiul a \\ liito Guaiu was killed. Soon alter one of the bandits’ motor ears crashed into a tree, and three of its six occupants were arrest--0(1. ' The military directory issued a proclamatiun establishing martial law authorising sumary action against seditiouists, saboteurs, and other plotters against the welfare of the State. SOYJKT PROPAGANDA.

RIGA, Sept. 21

A message from Moscow states the Russian subscriptions to the Japanese Relief Fund have ceased, some of the subscribers demanding- the return o their money, following on an official statement ‘that the Russian steamer I.enin, carrying medical supplies to the sufferers from the earthquake, has been ordered to leave Japan, as it has been suspected of carrying out Communist propaganda, and the crew of another Soviet ship wore forbidden to land.

THE KENYA DISPUTE. DELHI, Sept. 21

The Indian Nationalist Congress has negatived the executive’s resolution rewarding the segregation of Indians tn Ken va (Africa). The Congress has adopted instead, a resolution urging redoubled Indian efforts to shake oil the Indian residents of Kenya Colony in a practical programme of resistance to the British decision'.

THE CROSS AND ORESCENT. CAIRO,- Sept. 21. Zaghlul Pasha, the Egyptian Nationalist leader, just returned I roin exile in a speech, insisted on the EgJP • Onion. He praised the Copts whom he described as equal to the Moslem declared that there were neither Copts nor Moslems in the Nationalist movement. All were Egyptians. 1 here mis a sacred union between the Cross and the Crescent. This had deprived then adversaries of a weapon which they might use in maintaining then claim to remain in l^gypt.

T.T.OYD TO MEET A SWISS LONDON. Sept. 22. The ‘ Daily Chronicle” savs that Albert Llovd lias signed articles to box Roth, of Switzerland, at Olympia on October 1. liotb won the lieavy-wcigiu wrestling championship at the a t Olvmpic Games, and has now clond. 1 t become a boxer. His age is 22, and he weighs, in condition, nearly 15 stone.

FLOODS IN BOMBAY. DELHI, Sep. 21

A Bombay message states that, although the monsoon ended three weeks ago. there was a terrific downpour yesterday. especially between two and seven in the afternoon. It lias resulted m the most serious floods that Bombay lias experienced for many years.. The tram task and motor traffic-in Bombay was suspended for several hours. Some of the streets were like rivers. The principal street, Maiden street, could bo crossed only by boats. Not only was the railway Hooded, but at one local station, the water even rose to the level of the platform, which was filled with stranded passengers, drenched to the skin.. The rain somewhat lessened after seven. It was followed by a violent gale. One tramcar was derailed and a Victoria turned turtle, while many trees were rooted up and blocked tho roads. Hitherto no loss of life has been reported, though many were injured.

REPORTS DENIED. LONDON ,Sep. 20. The reports of a revolution in Bulgaria are explained by Reuter’s Sofia correspondent. Ho says: Bands of Communists at Starazagora, Novazagora, and Thirpan, also in two other townships, attacked the police stations and barracks, with the object of liberating comrades who were arrested ten days ago. The troops were called out. The number of casualties in the fighting amounted to six Communists killed and six wounded, and one soldier and one civilian wounded at Starazagora.

The reports of a revolutionary rising in Bulgaria are denied by the Bulgarian representatives in London and Geneva

THE HONEYMOON SUICIDE

LONDON, Sep. 22

Suicide while temporarily insane was the verdict returned at the inquest, on Freeman, the suburban Mayor, who fell from a window of the Hotel Cecil and was killed in the courtyard, 50ft below, when on a visit to London on the day of his marriage. He disappeared from a parlour while his bride was momentarily absent. His wife gave evidence that the deceased bad a dream that lie was unfit for married life. He suffered from sleeplessness, and lie was very highly strung. When worried, his knees gave way. Witness had to hold him to prevent him from falling. A waiter at the Hotel Cecil gave evidence that he saw Freeman looking out of the window, and resting his whole body on the sill. Suddenly Lis body doubled up. The head and chest then went over, head first. The deceased’s brother gave evidence that his mother and two sisters suffered from mental trouble. The Coroner said that it was impossible for anyone to fall accidentally from the window. The Coroner also said that among Freeman’s worries was the idea that he was not physically lit for married life. He had been dwelling on this idea, with the result that his fears increased, and his nerves gave way. 11 is bride was a sympathetic, considerate lady, who comforted him, treating the matter with great wisdom and consideration. If the poor man had only survived a few days he would doubtless have lived a happy, useful life, but bis fixed idea produced such a depression and horror that lie could not be regarded as responsible.

JAPANESE NAVY. TO lx ID , Sep. 20. Xino battleships have been withdrawn from the Japanese Navy, in accordance with the Washington Treaty. THE HOP HARVEST. LONDON, Sep. *22. The “ Daily Express’s ” special correspondent says:—l lie, Kentish hop fields reveal a. strange eonsqeuenec to Government crop control. Under the law, the Hop Controller alone is permitted to purchase hops. He estimated his requirements from the home growers at 200,000 hundredweight, Unfortunately it was the shortest harvest recorded, and only 220,000 cwl was available. Yet. Die Hop Controller will only receive 180,000 ewt. 'lbis is due to the fact that the Hop Controller rationed each grower on the basis of an average yield per acre, but some growers have harvested more than expected, and others less. Ihe Controller, instead of making up the detieicii•ies from the surplus in other districts, is adhering rigidly lo (lie quota, so, on some farms, hops arc being allowed io rot.

EARTHQUAKE TN INDTA

DELHI, Sep. 21

A message from Meshed reports a severe earthquake occurred in Tlujliurcl oil September 17th. Details are lacking. A slight shock was felt at Meshed, but no damage was done. CONFERENCE 01*' MIDDLE CLASSES, BERNE, Sep. 21. The International 'Conference of Middle Classes, which has been arranged in preparation for next year’s fitternational Congress, was attended by representatives of IS countries. Mr .). M. Dowsett, Chairman of the National Citizens’ Union, of London, pointed out that the British middle classes, and those who desired to uphold stability, and to counteract evil influences, aiming at the destruction of individual freedom and enterprise, realised the necessity of standing together against the aggressive encroachments of extremists of various kinds. . Colonel NcwninnVa member of the House of Commons, said the British delegates were not opposed to the honest aims of Labour or the honest use of capital. THE COFFIN SHIP. LONDON, September 22. Further remarkable evidence was given at the Id Knhira inquiry. . Olivier, a partner in the company owning the vessel, when cross-examin-ed, admitted that lie.knew'that by law wireless should have becnc fitted oil the ship, but they wanted to dispatch Iter without wireless, unless the Board of Trade stopped her. She has been running for a year without it. It would have been better for the ship’s safety if she had had wireless. . Counsel : Despite this, you allowedtile El Kaliira to sail? Olivier did not reply.

Replying to further questions, he said that it was decided to sell’ the ship when it reached its destination, not necessarily to Greeks, but to anyone who would buy her. He could not say whether the Greeks, at this time, would buy almost any vessel, however bad her condition, but he agreed that the majority of the Greek ships were not insurable in London in 1922. Stoddard, Marine Superintendent of the Olivier Company, said he had appointed a Greek captain to get the ElKahira ready. The Greek was responsible. He took no steps to have life boats ready. Nothing was done until witness had heated words with the Greek.

Olivier had refused to dry-dock the vessel, saving that she would he docked at Piraeus. Witness had also impressed upon Olivier the importance of wireless. Olivier had shrugged his shoulders and said that there was plenty of time.

SHEPPARD DECLINES TO APPEAL

LONDON, September 22. Sheppard v.-as found guilty of the murder of the girl with whom he was alleged to have had a compact to die He lias, however, refused to appeal, declaring that he is satisfied with the decision, and desires to die.