AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AMERICAN INTEREST. WASHINGTON, Oct. 1. Official circles here are awaiting the Imperial Conference discussions with great interest, especially in view of the British intimation that tho 12-mile limit question regarding the dry law will be considered therein. It is felt that Britain, while negativing (ho American proposal, left the possibility of its acceptance as an outcome of the Imperial Conference. A hope is expressed here that the Premiers will express their views on the question, these possibly leading to an arrangement whereby the United States can conclude an understanding with the individual dominions. Observers are also taking an interest in the various constitutional questions, and the problem of Imperial defence, listed in the agenda, since decisions thereon will have a direct hearing on American foreign policy, especially if it is decided that the dominions shall appoint their own ministerial representatives at Washington. It is felt that this would have an important effect on American relations. The Imperial Conference discussions have given Americans much food for thought. There is a distinct feeling that, while the dominions might consider preference exclusively a measure of intor-Tmperial support, it may have a disastrous effect on American exports, since an Imperial preference treaty would conceivably create a high tariff wall throughout the Empire, effectively barring a large part of American exportations.

AMERICAN LABOUR. XEAA* YORK. October 1. At I ’ortland, Oregon, the Executive Council’s report to the American Federation of Labour’s annual convention, revealed the inadequacy of the existing forms of workers’ institutions. “Henceforth,” it says, “the organisation ot tbe workers into trade unions must mean, not merely group solidarity to effect occasional advancement, but must envisage a functional, industrial demoaraev, whose purpose is tlie extension of freedom, the rescue of industry from the domination of incompetent political bodies, and profiteering hands. AA'e hope the farmers will continue organising, and that we may assist in a co-operative programme oil which depends tlie future of the national wellncing and safety.” DRY LA AY IN U.S.A. NEAY YORK. Oct. 1. At Boston, Lord Birkenhead, gave the following estimate of Prohibition m the United States, based on his extensive observation in the various parts c-f tho country ho has visited in the course of his speaking tour: — “it is well established that prohibition has improved the conditons of life of the agricultural and industrial labourer. Prohibition is succeeding, especially iu districts where it is assisted by- excellent home brewed beers, which tiie farmers provide for their own consumption. It is failing completely m the large towns. 1 greatly doubt, however, whether the Eighteenth Amendment- will he repealed. I lie difficulty is threel'olcl. There is the impracticability of alternating any constructive substitute, the opposition of prohibitionists, and also the determined support given to existing temperance conditions In a large army of surreptitious liquor vendors.

CONDITIONS IN CHINA

NEW YORK. Sept. 1

Owing to chaotic conditions in China, the United States lias opened conversations with London, Paris and Tokio, aiming a the postponement of the conference scheduled for November Ist. to negoitao a gradual removal of the extra territoriality rights in China, in accordance with the provisions concludei. at Washington armament conference. While House believes the step at the present time would he futile. COTTON SHORTAGE. NEW YORK, Oct, 2. The “Journal of Commerce,” America’s leading commercial newspaper, basing its estimates on the reports o* 1690 special correspondents in the American cotton growing districts', states the crop percentage this year will probably be only 49 per cent, being the lowest for the past 10 years. This percentage, on the basis of the official acreage figures, indicates 10,950,000 bales might be produced in tlie event of reasonably favourable weather conditions being encountered during tbe remainder iof tjlie season. Estimates more optimistic place the yield of 114,400.000 hales. The present season lias been lamentably unpropitious, the picking being delayed by persistent rains. 801 l weevil rot is considerable, due to the excessive moisture. The weevil activity continues unabated. The ton crop is almost a failure. Pickers are scarce. Good weather is urgently needed to save the remainder of the crop.

PAPYRUS’S RIVALS. •Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) NEAY YORK, Oct. 2. The controversy over the. horses Zey and My Own (cabled Sept. 30th) is assuming large proportions and is greatly agitating American sporting circles. Mr Samuel Hildreth, the owner of Zey,- declared that it is due to tho fact that the horse lost a piece of bis frog off the fore foot in a recent race and the consequent drop in his training, that lie is not fit to engage in n mile and half race, but is able to meet My Own over nine fulrongs.

Admiral Grayson, ex-President Wilson’s private physician, and owner of My Own declared that it would liejolly to have the horses meet for tho distance other than that at which the winner " ill meet Papyrus. He therefore insists on a mile and a half race. The Jockey Club takes sides with Mr Hildreth.

Meanwhile many ruinous arc being circulated, some to the effect that both horses have suffered collapses and are unfit to participate in any strenuous tests. Zey, however, to-day worked a quarter of a mile in 21 1-5 sees and appears to he in good shape. Mv Own’s trainer declares that the horse is in excellent condition. Papyrus continued his workouts, Jarvis permitting the horse to breeze six furlongs at a two minute gait, the cool weather being to the horse’s liking. NEW YORK SEN’S COMMENT. AUSTRALIA AND N.Z. LEAD WORLD. (Received this day at 9.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, October 2. The ‘'New York Sun" editorially comments on the Australian policy of socalled immigration for the select, declaring that the population increase is relatively rapid, despite the strict standards. The paper Applauds the Australasian, intention to check any possibility of developing into undemocratic States, based on slave or cheap labour.

hi the same connection the “Sun” is impressed by the excellent showing of the New Zealand and Australian vital statistics, (declaring that they ar© the we'rld’s index of civilisation in

this respect, and adds: “These British States of tho South Seas can teach the AA’orld much concerning the conservation of human life.”