BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

GREECE A REPUBLIC

[“Tun Times” Service.]

(Received this dav at 0.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 20

The “Times” Athens correspondent says Greece is now virtually a Republic, unless the forthcoming plebiscite springs a surprise, and the familiar title of King of the Hellenes is delegated to history. The following is the text ot resolutions adopted by the Chamber —Firstly, the Assembly proclaims definitely the. dethronement of the Gluekshurgs, deprives members of all succession rights, and forbids their sojourn in Greece.

Secondly, proclaims a Greek Republic on condition that such decision is confirmed by the people’s plebiscite; thirdly, authorises the forcible expropriation of properties of the deposed dynasty; fourthly, Condouriotis to continue as Regent till the Republican constitution is framed.

Cheers given for the Republic from the crowded galleries, in which Deputies frequently joined, punctuated the reading of the resolution. Deafening applause greeted the result which was the signal for the release of six doves, one whereof flew straight to Pnpasatasiou, the new Premier, and was interpreted as a good omen for the future international peace ot Greece. Ihe original plan to make Condouriotis Provisional Governor was abandoned at the last. minute as it was realised it would result in the interruption of relations with diplomatists, who accredited him in that capacity recently. The celebrations are continuing for three days

N.S.W. LOAN. LONDON, ‘March 26. The underwriters take twenty per cent of the New South Wales Loan. ELECTRICIANS STREK E. LONDON, March 26Five hundred electricians at Wembley, whose strike on Monday was apparently settled, met and decided to remain out until uoii-Cuionist electricians employed at the Exhibition, were dismissed. STEAMERS COLLIDE. (Received this day at 10.25 a.m.; LONDON, March 2S. The Japanese steamer Tokofuku Muru bound from Bremen to Japan, sunk in collision with the German steamer Meiiidul, during a fog off Dungenness. Twenty-three ot Tokoluku Mani's crew are missing. Fifteen landed at Dover. CHINESE A FLATUS. (.Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) I’EKIN, March 26. Replying to Waicliiaopu's note of the 22nd. .March Kara Khan refused to discuss the powers of the Chinese Delegate which lie considers a matter for Chinese concern. He disputes the Chinese assertion that there lias been no foreign interference, quoting the French Ministers note regarding the Chinese Eastern Railway as an example of this. Finally lie maintains that the Chinese should either approve of the settlement as drafted or return, to his original proposal 'for ulncomfitional. recognition. and subsequent negotiations.

JAPANESE DUTIES. TOKTO, March *2o._ / Import duties are being reimposed or first April on those commodities temporarily exempted after the earthquake, the sole exceptions being beef, rice and eggs. RUSSELL DIVORCE CASE. QUESTION OF CHILD AND TITLE. (Received this dav at, 10.10 a.m.) LONDON. March 26.

At the hearing of Mrs Russell’s appeal before the House ot Lords, Sir Frederick Hogg in dealing with the quc'd.ion of admissibility of certain evidence given Ly Russell regarding his relations with his wife, contended that he was a competent witness.. His evidence was relevant to the issue and was (lie he‘-t evidence, being the direct testimony of one who knew what hail taken piacc. After quoting authorities. Hogg discussed the question of the child’s legitimacy, mentioning the old English law under which a child could choose its parents. I bus, il the widow remarried quickly and the infant was horn the child could elect to have either husband as its lather. Lord Dunedin asked: “Is there anything in this ease that can he used against the child in proceedings to establish his right of succession.” Sir F Ifogg: “Certainly not. The finding of the jury had nothing to do with the child. The only question the Judge left to the Jury was whether there had been misconduct with unknown men. Supposing the child brought proceedings for legitimacy or claimed hereafter to he Lord Amothill. these proceedings would not evi-

dence.” tail'll Dunedin: “It seems to he you would have an extraordinary result in that it would he possible in those proceedings to prove his legitimacy. Sir f Hogg: “Me can take proceedings under the Legitimacy Declaration Act or later petition the House o Lords to he summoned a> a peer. I will he assumed he is the legitimate son of his father unless contrary P ’Lin'd Einlav: “The result is a little grotesque. In the divorce proceedings a verdict was given on the grounds that the father of the child was not the husband, but in legitimacy proceedings the child succeeds to the title and property on the ground that he was bom of the husband.” . Lord Dunedin: “It comes to u " s ' The child is legitimate in this House, but illegitimate at Eton or Oxlord. OVERSEAS RANKERS’ DINNER. (Received this day at 10.45 n.m.) LONDON. March 20.

The annual dinner of the British Banks’ Assn, was attended by the High Commissioners of Australia, : e« Zealand.. India, and other distinguished personages. The Chairman. Arthur A\ dhs. ol tic. National Bank of New Zealand, said the British overseas hanks lmd >ei mm part pud parcel of our Empire development. STATE OF SHIPBUILDING IN DFSTRY. LONDON. March 26. The Commell and Laird Company, ship-builders, have lint declared an ordinate dividend for the first time■ ... their'history. Mr Hitches*, presiding at. a meeting of shareholders, said that if trade was to recover Labour must recognise hours of work and wages, and that they had to face foreign competition. Labour's policy would kill foreign trade. The depression in the shipbuilding industry would lie renio'eil if the price of new ships eouli w kept down, but this depended.upon the attitude of Labour. A VTSCOUNT’S ESTATE. LONDON. March 26. Viscount Allendale left an unsettled personal estate of 2) millions. Duties will total eight hundred thousand. He left five thousand in separate bequests to various charities.