AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTItALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. U.S.A. TRANSPORT. WASHINGTON, March 20. Officials expect no serious controversies will result from the inter-Statc Commerce Commission ruling providing for preferential rail and water rates on goods ex]H)rted or imported in American ships. The Government view is, seemingly, that Treaty obligations arc not aifected. It is expected the decrease will be borne by the railways, leaving the steamship rates to be considered by themselves at their present levels.

THE OBJECT TO AID SHIPPING. WASHINGTON, Alarch 19. The U.S.A. Shipping Board officials are not surprised at unfavourable foreign comment regarding the new rates. They declare the objections made by Japanese shipping interests are undoubtedly intended to protect preferential contracts now existing between two large American railways and two Japanese steamship companies. Commissioner Thompson declared this contractual relation made the railways' solicitors of freight for the Japanese ships against American vessels.

THE ORDUNA’S CASK. NEW YORK, Alarch 19. Urging the liner Ordinal's men fo constitute themselves missionaries to spread word throughout the British morchant marine that it is a serious matter to living liquor into American ports. Federal Judge Carvin sentenced seven members of a packet's crew (arrested on March 1-1) to pay fines and serve short prison terms. The maximum fine was 109 dollars, and tiie sentence seven days.

Counsel pleaded ignorance for the men’s defence. The Judge, therefore, was especially lenient. He declared “This is the last time I will listen to such a plea, and if the word goes forth that the easy sentences in this ease reflect a complaisant attitude on the part of the Court, it will be a sorry thing for those brought before me in future.” Tho Judge further launched into a warning to the crews of all foreign vessels, declaring:—“The smuggling ot narcotics was a dastardly crime, which merits a punishment greater than the law permits, for these are the sourge of modern society, destroying many lives.”

DRY I.AAY DEFIED

WASHINGTON, Alarch 19.

A telegram front Pittsburg states : - The clean up movement in American cities (started in January), lias extended to this municipality. Abninted Street troopers rode through the streets and closed six hundred saloons, that wen ostensibly selling non-alcoholic beverages upon the orders of Governor Pirn-hot, who has issued a statement condemning l’ittsburg conditions. He says lawlessness nourishes in the saloons, openly and boldly delving the constitution of the United States. Illegal beer, whisky and other liquors are being sold boldly. In many instances poisonously raw beverages are dispensed. Many drunken men are to be found all over the city. The Federal prohibition enforcement and the local police raids seem to have had little impression. Governor Pinchot threatens to keep the troopers in the city until these evils are eradicated. THE AIOVI.K SCANDAL. NEW YORK. March 19. According to a Los Angels message Horace Greer, former chautleur to Afabet Normand, lias been held t answer a. charge of attempted murder after the preliminary hearing of tla charges in connection with tho shooting of Cortland Dines. JAPS FOR CANADA. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) OTTAAYA. Alarch 20. The Premier. Air .Mackenzie. announced in ilie Commons that under the terms of the new agreement with Japan for the control of immigration, the Japanese Government anticipated the number of domestic servants and agricultural labourers coming to Canada would not exceed 150 aunualh . HONDURAS REVOLUTION. •‘Received tliis flay at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, Alarch 20. A message from Mobile. Alabama, states the steamer Ellis has brought the first details of the revolution at Honduras after a sensational escape from the. rebels. Afore than two hundred persons had been slain, while all ports and important cities are in the hands of. the rebels.

Tegnciagalpa. the capital, was partially destroyed by fire as the result of the lighting. Refugees, including Federal officers, are fleeing to Barries, Guatemala.

Tho Ellis is under Honduras registry, but ships under foreign (lags are so far immune.

LARGE BIDS FOR OIL LAND. NEAV YORK, March 20

A message from Pnwhuskn. Oklahoma. states that oil operators have bid a total of 14.230,000d01. for Osage Indian land. At this years auction five bids were over a million each, the largest being 109,000 for 160 acres, but the Osage tribe will not meet to consider the bids.