BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1924, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION STEAMER ON FIRE. LONDON, March 20. At a lire on the steamer Dorset in Glasgow Harbour early this morning, there were exciting scenes. Several firemen were overcome by the smoke. They had to descend into the hold of the Dorset with' life belts round their waists. Huge columns of water were poured into the burning ship which took a heavy list to starboard. The ship’s pumps had to he used. The cargo of merchandise and sewing machines was destroyed. The Dorset was to have called at Liverpool for emigrants to New Zealand, but she will be delayed at Glasgow in tlie meantime.

PLUS TAX AFFAIRS. TEHERAN, March 2(1. A pro-Rcpublican demonstration was scantily attended. The people were indifferent despite fiery speeches. The bazaars then opened, whereupon the auti-Royalists tried a forcible closing. A scuffle ensued and the police intervened. The Mcjliss met in the evening when Tad yon, Progressive Party lender, endea voured to rush the question of members’ credentials in order to come to the important, question of a Republic. Moderates strongly opposed every motion. Tail von. not ha ving a inn- I jority, owing to a split in tlie party, the motions were defeated and the Mcjliss adjourned without arriving at a decision. It is reported the Grown Prince has been warned to leave. The Royal ladies have already loft. EXHIBITION CONTROL. LONDON. -'March 20. It is understood the Australian Exhibiton Advisory Council intends to request the Control Council for direct separate representation thereon. Sir J. Allen at present represents all the Dominions.

DAMAGED SHIPS. LONDON, March 20. The Dorset’s owners state that they believe the ship which had a mishap, is not damaged structurally, and are hopeful she will he able to leave Liverpool at scheduled date, March 2,oth. The Australic, which had a mishap on March Kith, has reached Sassnitz unassisted, despite her damaged machinery and water i;i her engine room. LONDON TRAM STRIKE. LONDON, -March 21. London’s millions will have to get to work on Saturday morning without trains, or buses, mde.ss an, eleventh-hour settlement is arranged, which appears unlikely. The underground railways me capable of carrying thousands above their usual complement. Nevertheless, the greatest inconvenience is inevitable. Moreover, there is talk of the underground workers following the busmen’s example and supporting the trainwaymen strikers. On Saturday the strikers will number -10,000.

The transport officials state they have been negotiating with the Hramway employers for six months, and yet the first offer of any sort was made only yesterday, and then il was only five shillings b,v one group of employers and two shillings by another, as against the eight shillings demanded. The employers alleged that the men have not given three months' notice to terminate the agreement and they refused arbitration. The traimvameii state the employers previously refused arbitration repeatedly.

TRAM THEN STRIKE. fß«eeived this day at 8 a.in.) LONDON, March 20. The wage negotiations broke down. Tbo Transport I'nion announces the strike of London bus tram men begins in midnight 10-murrnw. Ihe .Ministry of Labour lias decided to establish "a Court enquiry. Employers requested the Union to postpone the strike meantime, but the l iiion lel'tised.

FRENCH J’CLITICS. PARIS, Alarcli 20. The Chamber voted the Auny Bill it bled on 18th.

OX THE SEA BOTTOM. tßeceived this day at 8 a.in.) TOKIO, Alarcli 20. The latest report is that there i little hope of rescuing the entombed submarines. Diver’s report indicates they are still alive. I THE FRENCH ELECTIONS. l’OiNCAi;tvs prospects. (“Sydney Sun” Cables). (Received this day at 0.25 n.m.) LONDON, -March 21. The "Times” Paris correspondent states that the elections have boon fixed for the lltli. of May. Supporters of the Government and opponents alike ai'e basing their appeal on the patriotism to the country. The Bloc National headed by Al. Poincare claims to he the guardian of principles and institutions. The Blue lies Gaudies, consisting of the Radicals and Socialists, resents this assumption of exclusive devotion to the republic. The bloc declares itself more republican than the republicans. It is becoming dear, however, that Af. Poincare's prospects have greatly improved, as public opinion already‘seems disposed to forget the neglect of Home affairs with which he w lls so often reproached, and rali\ round the Premier, who brought the country safely through the grave financial crisis. If thie tendency develops the ground will he cut from cutler the tect of his opponents who are still reluctant to attack .he Government's foreign policy based on the hopes of a victory and being able to place domestic affairs in the forefront of the electoral struggle. COST OF UNEMPLOYMENT. (Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) LONDON, March 21 It is officially stated that the nn employment in Britain since the armistice has cost 0392,000.000. of wind the cost to the Exchequer has beei £170,000,000.