BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION E " FRAXCO-ROUMANIAX TREATY POINCARE URGED TO GO EASY. LONDON, April 13. The “Times” Paris correspondent says it is now regarded as certain that a Fram e-Roumanian defensive treaty will be the outcome of the negotiations ;:' : J at present proceeding at Paris between M. Poincare and Ruca, the Roumaulan Fi-ieign Minister. It 's believed that the compact will follow the lines . of the recent Franco-Czeeho Treaty, ■— Ipit 'lie details arc to be closely guarded until the signatures have been attached. The conclusion of such a ’r " treaty is generally welcomed as mg to strengthen the position of the Little Entente. But, M. Poincare is urged to go warily, particularly in view of the present Russo-Roumanian conflict over Bessarabia. A nev. spnpci quoting for instance, says that whilo it approved of the Czecho-blovakian Treaty, it must make reservations regarding the Treaty with Roumania. The paper emphasises that Czecho-Slo-vakia is a profoundly peaceful democracy while Roumania remains governed bv cliques succeeding one anotherwithout the slightest change in the programme. The paper asks what would the position of France be in tin the event of open war between Moscow and Bvi-avest.

FOLLY OF CLUB SWINGING

BURROW’S RECORD UNBEATEN

LONDON, April 13. Covington failed at 9S hours, being nine short of Tom Burrow’s record. The newspapers protest against tho club swinging folly. They point out that Covington was semi-conscious and rambling (luring the final hours. His wrists were swollen and he was unsteady ou his feet, while his face showed an expression of extreme agony. He . repeatedly faltered: “I know the V whole Navy backed me to win.” He refused to go to bed when the clubs slipped fiom his hands. CHINESE STEAMER ATTACKED. PEKIN, April 12. While, the steamer Tai Lee was on the voyage front Kongnioua to Hongkong, a number of pirates disguised, as passengers rushed the engine room. Simultaneously confederates on the river bank fired rifles at tho Tai Lee. The steamer whistled and sent up rock- Jr cts and Verov lights. The steamer" 'W' Slittnnain answering calls went to the Tai Leo’s assistance. A European police sergeant, four special, and six Indian guards returned the pirates’ fire. Several passengers were wounded. - The pirates jumped overboard, and swam ashore losing three kilkled. A Chinese woman pasenger on the Shunnam was killed by a stray bullet.

BRITISH MINERS

LONDON, April 13. The “Daily Telegraph” understands Lord Buckmaster will he Chairman of tho Court of Inquiry into tho miners’ wages and the other members will be ~ Sir F. Brunner (Chairman of Brunner Mends), and Mr Cameron, (Secretary of the National Union of Woodworkers). **

ANTI-SOVIET PROPAGANDA. TOKIO, April 12. The rumours in connection with tho Jal" a nose—Roumanian and Japanese— . French Alliances are categorically denied. TARIFF BARRIERS. LONDON, April 13. The “Daily Chronicle’s” political correspondent says he learns on excellent authority, that tho Government have definitely decided to abolish the McKenna thirty-three and a third per cent import duties on ligiTt motor cars, clocks, watches, pianos and cinematograph films before the end of this year. REPARATION REPORT. M. POINCARE’S ATTITUDE. LONDON", April. 13. - The “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent says: “It is an excellent. sign when M. Poincare answering M. Be.l thou’:; inquiry for instructions on the experts’ reports replied that the Reparations Commission is an independent body, with the functions of an international tribunal. It is thus hoped the French Premier may accept tho expert’s decision, changing the methods of payment, but- maintaining the German obligation to pay.

REPORT PRAISED. LONDON, April 11. London papers anticipate the fixing of the total Germany is to pay will he the first snag, also getting the French to leave the Ruhr. The reports, as a business proposal, are highly praised. It is remarked £125,000,0C0 paid yearly would strain any nation. The concensus of opinion plumps for adopting the report. Berlin is grateful for the assertion of the necessity of German fiscal unity.

American hopes are raised by the experts’ inanimity. Officials believe the Experts’ integrity and sense will disarm partisan criticism and consolidate public opinion. Bankers anil business men praise the re| cu t as construetive. j DOG’S WARNING OF FIRE. j LONDON, April 13. | A barking dog in n Putney boarding I school awakened a maid, who found tho I ground floor ablaze. All the children, I aged eight to thirteen were marched downstairs in their nightgowns, all getting away unscathed. BRITISH MINERS’ DISPUTELONDON, April IT. The Miners' Federation Ballot rejecteil the coal ov.mcis’ wage proposals by 338.000 to 322,000. Mr A. J. Cook of Rhondda Valley, the new Secretary j for the Miners’ Federation, was foruieil.v a Baptist pieaeher. and is a disciple of Karl Marx, having boon twice in gaol for his activities in the industrial movement. He says that unless a living wage is conceded ii will be hard to avert a stoppage on the coalfields. He believed his election meant the miners wanted a militant policy, and he believed in one big union, also a miners' international. ' ANGUS MURRAY HANGED CR OWD DEMONSTRATE. MELBOURNE, April 14. Angus Murray was executed for the murder of Berriman in the Melbourne Gaol. Murray declared liis innocence —-- from the scaffold, anil he concluded by " asking the hangman to “pull tho rope tight.” A crowd of several thousand gathered outside, the gaol, sang hymns, and otherwise demonstrated against the execution. An hour before the hanging took place a large number of excited women attempted to mob the prison gates. The police dispersed them.