BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1924, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. GABLE ASSOCIATION. INTERNATIONAL LABOI'H CONFERENCE. (Received this day at 11.25 a. tit.; GENEVA, July 1. An important secret meeting of the Government group hotly discussed ihc question of the right of free speech arising from the persistent, violent criticisms by some workers delegates of their Governments. Tile last plenary meeting of Belgian workers submitted a test set of questions, asking should workers delegates be iieriiiitted to speak without the submission of their speech, or permission of the Government delegate. The Conference has not yet decided the question The Government group voted in a small majority for non-restriction of free speech.

A mild sensation was caused by the presentation of the Anthrax Committee's minority report signed by Ben Tillet, attacking the opponents of Britain’s onmpulsmy disinfection resolution. The report accused India of a personal canvass and misleading statements but no sordid suggestions, to raise a cloud of prejudice against the resolution. The Conference considers the report later in the week.

THE SOI’DAN POSITION. (Received this day at 11.-In a.m.) LONDON. July 1. Regret at the attitude of the Egyptian Government and Parliament, over tlio question of Soudan was expressed by Mr MacDonald in the Commons. He said tlio statement in tile Egyptian Parliament and action taken would create trouble in Sudan and were only explainable as an attempt to force Mr MacDonald's hand and deprive Znghlul of the liberty of negotiations. In view of what had happened it was necessary for Mr MacDonald to make dear to all concerned. that he did not believe the Commons would accept any arrangements which would break our pledges to Sudan or jeopardise the present ndmiuistraftou and its development. He still trusted those responsible for the Government in Lotli countries would refuse. to countenance the impossible demands which would destroy the prospect of a- settlement.

AMERICAN AVIATORS. DELHI, July 1. The American aviators have arrived at Allahabad.

IMMIGRATION PROPOSALS APPROVED. (Received this day at 11..25 a.in.) LONDON. July 1.

It is learned that tlio Treasury has finally approved of tlio principles of the new immigration proposals submitted by Air Wilson. It i.s understood the proposals will mean a cash contribution by the British Government at four and a quarter millions in excess of what would he received under the existing arrangements. DotaiJiA are not forthcoming, hut it is understood the Stales' obligations are much lighter.

STEER-ROPERS HERO HE CO CRT. (“Sydney Sun” Cables). (Received this day at 9.25 a.in.) LONDON. July 1. ■ Women chased the cowhoys foe their autographs before the Rodeo summonses were heard at the llelidoll Police Court. Inspector Porter gave evidence that lie saw a steer in a private contest dragged between live and six yards with its horns ploughing the ground. Cowboy Edkins tlirire roped and threw the steer alter which the animal was scarcely able to move and fell on its luiecs after the fourth throw, and lay Mill. Later Inspector Porter saw a steer dead in the stadium with its neck broken. It had been shot and also had its throat cut. lie saw another with a loose horn.

BITING A KNIGHTHOOD. COLONEL TAKEN DOWN. (Received this day at O.l’i a.m.) LONDON. July I. Lieut-Onloncl George Parkm-on, a director of a linn of building contractors at Blackpool unfolded a remarkable story before* Air Justice Lush, lie gave* evidence that he was introduced in 1021 to Ernest Harrison, managing secretary of the College of Ambulance, hy which In* instructs tin* public in ambulance work, Harrison said the college, through its President, the late Princess Christian, had a call on certain Roval honours, aDo political honour.-. lie was then arranging for a peerage ot one hundred thousand and a baronetcy for £2*>.l)lfb lie said In* could get any honours provided the price was paid. lie alien'd to procure Parkinson a knighthood tor £*;0.()00. and suggested tell thousand down and the balance' in instalments extending over live years. Parkinson, after consulting his solicitor, paid three thousand and agreed to build the college a new lecture hull, also to give llie college a further live thousand.

Parkinson received a letter . I mill Princess Christian expressing sincere gratitude for the splendid gift. Harrison, after failing to take tip the matter, called ill the aid of Airs Uole liins. who gave* Parkinson a lettei of introduction to an otlieial <»I tin* trntral Conservative Olliers. I lie official asked Parkinson wlmt could he do for him anil Parkinson said: “The truth is I have come here to get a knighthood.” After hearing the full story the official said: “1 am afraid you have been fooled.” Parkinson gave evidence that his brother has since become Mir Lindsay Parkinson.

Cross examining Council: A our standard of honour permits you to liny an Honour. Parkinson: Yes. like thousands of others. It is lining done every day. Parkinson is suing the college, ami ylso Harrison lor Cf-ODJ damages, alleging fraudulent, representation. Ihe case was adjourned.

WOOL SALES. LONDON. July 1. The wool sales opened quietlt with prices par to 7) per cent decline.

IN EA NT AY K LEAK K C( >X FK P> EXC E.

LONDON, July 1

Seven hundred delegates trout thirty different countries are attending the English-speaking conference on Infant AAT’lfare. Alinister AA’heatlev thought the Conference's first consideration should he the care of mothers. He said the insignificant reduction in maternity mortality during the 'ast forty years, was engaging the closest attention of his department at present. It was gratifying to find that infantile mortality had fallen fifty per cent in the past generation.

CHAAIBEKS OF COAIAI ERC.E. (Received this (lav at 12.J0 p.nt.) LONDON, July The Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire opened at Guildhall. Lord Derby presiding. Air Thomas welcomed two hundred delegates. He denounced class hatred and urged the operations of capital anil labour in a spirit of self sacrifice to solve the. Empire’s problems. The Congress unanimously passed a resolution urging the re-establishment of penny postage .throughout the Empire." 'Hie New Zealand delegate said the result of the restoration of penny postage in N°"' Zealand "ns Tn°st satisfactory,