MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1924, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH PER TRESS ASSOCIATION

EMPIRE PRODUCERS. LONDON, April 28

In response to a request by Mr Snowden, the British Empire Producers organisation submitted to him a memorandum on the bearing of the Empire preferences, on supplies of foodstuffs and raw materials, especially in reference to the Economic Conference resolutions to be submitted to Parliament. The memorandum recognises the Conference decisions and suggestions arc the subject to approval by the Empire Parliaments and emphasises the fact that the overseas Empire regards the Conference decisions as vital to l: future. It declares the present disorganisation of essential supplies within the Empire calls for an immediate remedy, and recommends preference in. Empire firms using Empire labour am" materials in all Government and public body contracts, and establishment of a Produce Board without reference to the question of advisability of an import tariff upon esesntial foodstuffs. It concludes by endorsing the recommendations of the Imperial Conference.

ALLIED DEBTS

PARIS, April 28

M. Theuuis and 51. Hymans arrived and conferred with 51. Poincare at Quai D’Orsay. They emphasise that the conversations do not constitute a formal Conference, but merely an exchange nf views, prior to their visits to Loudon. They state Belgium lias marked her. solidarity with France, though she cannot be expected to neglect her own interests. They denied the object of the Paris visit is to mediate between France and Britain.

JAP EXCLUSION

WASHINGTON, April 28. A move for a compromise between the Executive and the Legislative branches of the Government, on the question of Japanese exclusion, was continued at the conference between President Coolidge and Chairman Johnson, of the House Immigration Committee. An impression prevails that Afr Coolidge advanced a proposal that is believed to satisfy the Exclusiouists .and" to avoid an affront to Japan. It is understood it involves the postponement of the effective date of the exclusion, with an assurance that the Government will negotiate with Japan with a fair promise of success, to achieve through diplomacy the ends sought in the Immigration Bill. INDIAN INDUSTRY. DELHI. April 28. The Tariff Board appointed to consider the means of helping Indian Industries has recommended that a protective duty of twenty-five per cent, be imposed on imported fabricated steel. This lias given satisfaction to the Indians, but tlie Europeans (loir,and tbc maintenance of a free tradepolicy. FORD MOTOR CARS. NEW YORK, April 28. According to a ielegra.ni from Boston. tlie Ford .Motor Company has filed a financial statement for 1923, indicating that it probably is the third strongest industrial organisation in the United States, befng exceeded only by tlie United States Steel Corporation and the Standard Oil Company. Fords’ earnings last year totalled 82,263,000 dollars, its total being 686,009.00!!. Its goodwill is 20,01< ,990 dollars. and its real estate worth 93.000,OOl): its machinery and equipment 87.080.001), and its nicrcbaudise 9-1,328-00;) dollars.

It is estimated that its assets proliable increased 3,030.00!) dollars over 1022.

EVEREST EXPEDITION. DELHI:, April R 9. The Everest Expedition is enjoying better weather conditions than any previous effort. It i*s now led by Colonel Norton. yill MACDONALD'S VIEW. LONDON, April 28. ‘•Let there lie no doubt about it.” said sfr MacDonald in bis speech, “the Proposed settlement, il not taken advantage of by European statesmen, would be one of the most God-sent opportunities over neglected.” He declared that the last thing lie wanted was for Eva nee to he isolated. Ho wanted 5L Poincare to know that, so far as her security was concerned, France had no better iiienil than Biitaiii. He was profoundly convinced the experts reports joined with four Years’ experience, would make both France and ourselves see that by common friendship working with Unly. Belgium, and the small nationalities were offering Germany a real chance to make a pledge and keep it. Only that open ami friendly Allied way could we open „ new door to peace, happiness and international co-operation.