MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1924, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

[Reuters 'I klkcu.vms.] SIR D. W.KRNHER ARRESTED. (Received this day at 10.23 a.m.) LONDON, June 18. Sir Derrick Wcrnher, son of Lady Ludlow, whose jewel collection was stolen (cabled on 12th).’ was arrested and charged with perjury which, it is alleged was committed during bankruptcy proceedings on 'the sixth of May, 1012. Wcrnher declares he knows nothing of the charge. The accused was declared bankruptin 1012. His father was a famous South African magnate who left him £120!) a year while between the ages o. twenty-live and thirty, and 22.4(10 a year thereafter. A sum ol £130,000 was placed in trust for his children. The accused’s younger brothers were bequeathed a million and £1,300,000 respectively. .1 ABANKSE Cl IR LSTIAXS. TOKIO. June 18. .More moderate counsels are prevailing, the Japanese Chi istians having dropped the proposal to break away from the Ameriran mission. THE DEATH PENALTY. [R r.uTKiis Tui.i-chams.'J (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) HON DON, June |B. Wardull cabled on May lltli. was hanged at Leeds, lie protested his innocence to the last, lie declared he was meeting death fearlessly. WEMBLEY CONTESTS. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON. .June 10. Private steer roping contests were continued at Wembley. A galloping steer, when rolled turned a somersault and broke its neck and died instantly. The police and representatives of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were present. A number of Commoners and others asked permission to watch the contests. In view of pending police court proceedings permission so far has been refused. The Duchess of Hamilton and .Marchioness Graham, noted sportswomen, were amongst- early morning spectators and were most impressed by tho .skill of the cowboys, hut they refused to discuss the incidents which nro causing so much comment.

EX-AUSTRALI \X’S VIEWS. < Received this day at D. lo a.m.) LONDON. Juno IS. Mr Pilkingtoii. sneaking as one who had lived in Australia for 27 years, denied that the iuerea.se of British exports to Australia was duo to preference The vital objection to preference was that the consumer in Britain would he taxed in order to provide a cash subsidy fur the Dominion's producers. The Australian market did not dominate the price of any artb-lc manufactured in Ri-ilain : consequently, the British manufacturer did not. got a better price heaettse of Australian preference. As a beginning tariffs might be applied to a few industries. but thev inevitably would be extended until they Mere a burden over great for Lite consumers lo hear and tlie end would lie disastrous lor all pints of the Empire. Industries whielt grew up tinder tlie tariffs would become derelict when the tariffs were discarded. INDIAN MERCHANTS’ BANKRUPTCY. SUVA. June IS. V. M. Dilla.v and Brothers. Indian merchants, in a statement of their alfairs in bankruptcy, discloses defieieilev of £2I.SID. liel.ilit ie- £.'.7.‘i7g. including unsecured deposit'. i"" I ''- pall.v of Indian settlers £2U. Ib3. Ihe assets include stock, plant, etc. '-Id.8110 and hook debt' 211.83-1. RUSSIA AND JAPAN COMPROMISE. TOKIO. June IS. ft is understood through a compromise lietween the parties that a satisfactory basis lias been reached for a formal agreement on questions at issue between Russia and Japan, including the withdrawal of Japanese troops and the recognition of responsibility for Nikolaiev.sk massacre. The settlement requires the Cabinet’s approval. BALLOON RACE. LONDON. June 18. De Mnvtcr (Belgium) landed at A bid Head (Berwickshire), and won the Gordon Bennett balloon dtp covering -Id* miles in 13', hours Laporte was second.