BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1924, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

IUBTBALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. EMIGRATION I’OLICY. LONDON, Alav 23. Hon J. R. Clines, in a letter to the “Daily Telegraph,” apropos of Empire Day, commends Empire settlement. He declares the spirit and resource which took across the seas, the pioneers of the Empire, still exists, and they should attract those who possess it to lands where, under just conditions, their future is assured. ABSCONDER REV AN. LONDON, May 22. The Chancery Court dismissed misfeasance summonses against the City Equitable Company’s Directors originating on March (i, excepting Bevan, against whom it entered a judgment for .{.‘217,0110 sterling in respect of losscs-siistained by the company. CIVIL WAR LIKELY IN ALBANIA. VIENNA. May 22 Civil war i.s threatening in Albania, the northern area of which has declared its independence under the title of the North Albania State.

THE FLEET AT FIJI, SUVA, May 23. The cruiser Adelaide joined the fleet this morning. Entertainments continue in perfect weather. The fleet leaves on Tuesday morning. By arrangement it passes close to Ovalail to allow the l.evukailes to see the fleet. C.S.A. NAVAL REPORT. WASHINGTON. .May 23. Mr Wilbur, Secretary of the Navy, in a report to the House of Representatives, urged the modernisation ol thirteen battleships, additional torpedo and mine protection, transformation of all Vessels to burn oil instead of coal, increased elevation of the gunfire angle, and | envision of funds to i(instruct eight fast cruisers. The report shows the relative building programmes of Britain, France and ,la|au to lie much greater than the C.S.

Mr Wilbur slated that it had been impossible to commission the number of ships of required types because the personnel allowed was inadequate. Replying to a question "bother the United States was maintaining the ratio fixed by the Washington Conference, 3-3-3. Mr Wilbur said the’ratio apparently was Britain live, the United States lour, and Japan three.

AlKSll'll’ SCHEME. Received this dav at 9 to a.m.l LONDON. .May 23. The Snpprciiiontary Estimates are _.i.30f),0()0 sterling. In connection with Government's airship scheme they have issued 130 thousand for airships, two hundred thousand as an initial provisiot for the programme of airship development extending over three years. 'I lie total expenditure for three years is provisionally estimated not to exceed £1.300.0!):) gross and £1.290.099 nett.