MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1923, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. POWERS’ CLAIMS. PARRIED BY CHINA. PEKIN, Sept. 24. China’s reply to the representations of the foreign Powers in connection with the kidnapping incident at Linchang, states that alter careful consideration of the facts of the case, Chinn had reached the conclusion that the Chinese authorities are not liable for damages.,. The Government, however, desires voluntarily to do in the fullest measure what is equitable in reparation to the foreign victims, and lias adapted measures to secure reform in its railway protection. It will reorganise special railway police, under foreign officers, but does not feel free to commit itself to any scheme which the Powers may present. It is not the intention of the Government to refrain from the punishment of those responsible for the outrages, hut it feels the matter of punishment of Chinese officials and citizens should he in accordance with Chinese law.

The reply adds that the safety ol foreigners has always been the subject of the deepest solicitude in the past. The Government ascribes the incident to circumstances which it could not anticipate. The reply is considered highly unsatisfactory. since it- denies liability for damages and refuses compensation. The reply further adds: The Government finds difficulty to concur with the Powers in tho matter of a guarantee for the future, because the Liucluuig incident is not analogous with tho Boxer trouble, for which it is not appropriate to invoke the Protocol of IfiLO, because it might give offence to the sensibilities of tho Chinese.

BANDITS CAPTURE MISSIONARIES

PEKING, Sept. 25.

It is reported from Chowkiakov that bandits have captured Sihiva, and have abducted two China inland missionaries, Misses Barroeh and Sharp.

GENERAL STRIKE AT AMOY

PEKING, Sept. 25

Amoy City, held by Dr Sun J at Sen and besieged by North China’s forces is on the verge of a general strike, as a protest against the landing of Japanese sailors and marines. Such a strike would cause a complete suspension of business. The .Japanese landed last Sunday to protect Formosans, when lighting broke out between the latter and the Chinese residents of the city, whereupon tho long-shoremen and stevedores declared a strike, thus preventing the loading and unloading of ships since the lauding of the Japanese. Fighting between the Formosans and Cliineso has virtually ceased, but the Japanese refuse to evacuate tho city, despite tho contfucd threat ol a general strike.

BRITISH SHIPBUILDING

LONDON, September 25.

The Chairman of the Northumhcr land Shipping Company, in a statement dealing with the auditors’ report (cabled yesterday) said he did not think there would be any liquidation but a scheme of reconstruction. They hoped soon to bo in a position to keep tlie works in operation. Dealing with the causes of the slump, lie said the excess profits tax was responsible for the loss of £1,500,000, which the company was obliged to pay to the Baldwin firm in connection with an uncompleted contract for the supply of steel. The company was hard hit by tho Government's decision to accept German Hups in part payment of the indemnity. Shipbuilding had been paralysed also by Labour troubles, which were prolonged by the Government unemployed doles. All the company needed was time to tied over a period of depression. At their Fairfield shipyards there was .sufficient business on hand to continue operations tor two years without any loss. TOKIO’S HOMELESS. TOKIO, Sept. 25. An Imperial ordinance has announced the immediate appropriation erf 50,000.000 dollars to relieve the pressing necessities of thousands of the homeless earthquake sufferers, and to assist in the purchase of material with which to construct temporary slielteis. Tlic Privy Domicil lias also decided to spend 150,000 dollars in foreign countries tor supplies.

Official figures show there are 1,700(100 earthquake sufferers living in Tokio alone, besides 500.000 "ho have already left for the interior.

HUGE FINANCIAL LOSS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25

Japan's financial loss in the recent earthquake averages approximately 13 dollars per capita. It is estimated by the Commerce Department that the damage to industry is considered even more proportionately. I lie mnteiial damage amounts to 1.000.000,000 dollars. "it is believed the silk industry will be little hampered. The producing area where the silk worms are cultivated is only slightly affected. TURKISH IIAREAIS. (Received this day at 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 20.

•j lie “Daily Express” Paris .correspondent- stales that an agitation exists in Italy for the restoration of the harems. Salih Hodja, the famous Aloliammedan teacher teacher, is heading a. movement in Favour of a return to polygamy, but Atustapha Kernel resolutely opposes it. THE DINOSAUR. SHANGHAI, Sept. 25. The American Aluseum of Natural History's expedition, under the leader ~hip of Drs. Ilenrv Fairfield, Osborn and Roy Cliapnian-Andrews, on returning from the .Mongolian Plains, reported the discovery of 25 fossilled eggs of the dinosaur. The eggs are estimated to he 10.000,000 years old. This is the first evidence that ttio.se giant prehistoric reptiles laid eggs. They are elliptical, five inches long and are buff coloured from their long entombment. Their disposition indicate-, that the dinosaur made a nest similar to the nests of domestic fowls to-day. The expedition also discovered '2 skulls, 12 dinosaurian skeletons, end the remains of numerous other animals. Altogether the scientists collected nine tons°of fossils, which will he shipped to America. Dr. Osborne declared the Afongolian fossil beds are the largest known to science. The- association s expedition had proved the .Mongolian Plateau had been the centre of the dispersion of the most ancient animals traced.