MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1923, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.'Z. OAIILE ASSOCIATION PREFERENCE IN CONTRACTS. LONDON, October 10. The Economic; Conference is discussing tho question of preference in public contracts throughout the- Empire; also the- position and future of the Imperial Institute. ATKMORIAL TO LORD FORREST. LONDON, October 10. A distinguished gathering was present in the Chapel of St. George and St. AJichaol in St. Paul’s Cathedral when a memorial to the lato Lord Forrest was handed over to the Dean and Chapter. The ceremony was most impressive.

Mr Bruce paid a tribute to Lord Forrest. whom ho described as one of Australia’s greatest sons, and who played a great part in opening up the vast unpeopled areas.

DTVE RBU NS UCCESSFU L. LONDON, October 10. Five naval divers made a fresh but fruitless attempt to penetrate the Redding mine workings. They were brought up exhausted after narrow escapes from falling debris. Subsequently five other divers spent several hours below and they also encountered insuperable obstructions. Ifcitl’eforth efforts will be limited to pumping out the water. I'OLLT[CAL ARRESTS. TEHERAN, October 9. Th 0 Alinister of War has initiated strong measures against political opponents by arresting Qunnis, ex-Premcir, and other prominent leaders on charges of intriguing to secure his downfall. The arrests caused much excitement. AN ASSASSINATION. KABUL, October 9. It is reported that Abdullah Khan, formerly Afghan Consul-General, in Tashkent lias been assassinated. U.S.A. NAVY CUT. WASHINGTON, October 10. The Navy Department has received a number of inquiries from abroad regarding the sale of the warships that are being scrapped under the terms of the Washington Armament Treaty, but it is announced that any bids from foreign nations or governments will not he considered. The terms of sale specifically provide for the dismantling of vessols, and that it must he done in America, and also that th c purchaser can transfer them only to Americans. This stop carries out tho intent of AYasliington Conference that the amount of naval armament actually existing should be reduced and not transferred. WHEAT PRICE. LONDON, October 10. Prices of wheat cargoes here aro depressed by an American decline, and by th<‘ absence of a British or Continental demand. The quotations are slightly lower. Parcels are in quiet demand, but- arc Gd to 9jd lower. LOCUST INVASION. (Received inis dav at 9.25 a.nt.) CAPETOWN, Oct. 11. There are indications from all parts of thc country that there v. ill lie a locust invasion on ail unprecedemeo scale next nunnvier. Ihe vast swarm-; which are sometimes a square mile in extent, are hatching out and these arc expected to lie enormously increased when the rain comes. The Govornnient and farmers are waging a vigorous war of destruction, hut the oulloo.t for the farmers is regarded as very grave. ■