BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1925, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLB ASSOCIATION. CAPE DIAMONDS. CAPETOWN, March 12. The assembly carried the second reading of the Government’s Diamond Control Bill, which General Smuts described as the nationalization of the mines in the worst possible way. The Bill places the sale of the diamonds produced in South Africa in the hands of a Board, to he appointed by the Government. It was urged that this was simply an enabling measure, and might not be put into operation.

The representatives of the diamond interests opposed the measure on the ground that a delicate and complicated business was being taken out of the bands of the diamond syndicate and placed under the control of a hoard of amateurs. NAVAL ESTIMATES. LONDON, March 13. The Navy estimates of 1925-2(5 amount to £(50,500,000 sterling, an increase of £4,700,000 sterling compared with the current year. The figures do not include provision for new construction, which is now being considered. hut provided for the completion of the cruisers Effingham, Emerald and Enterprise and submarines L2b and 1.2/, while the construction of the battleships Rodney and Nelson, five cruisers of the Kent class, a minelayer, two destroyers and one submarine, will lie further advanced. The Admiralty is greatly interested in the development of airships in view of their . possible value for naval reconnaissance. The Admiralty in concert with the Air Ministry is studying the design of mooring masts in ships, which is an important development. If successful it will enhance the value of airships for naval purposes and reduce the base expenditure and render bases mobile. The nersonnel of the licet is 102,000, an increase of 2,175.

The estimates provide for the resumption of work and development ot the naval base at Singapore which is emphasised' as a vital link in tho chain of communication with British Dominions in the Pacific.

Mr Bridgoman’s statement explanatory to the estimates says the reason advanced by the late Government for suspending the Singapore scheme have been examined by His Majesty’s present advisers and found inconvincing. FRENCH FIIAXCIoE. LONDON, March 14, The “ Times ” Paris corespondent says France is about to take the first step towards introducing women’s suffrage in the Chanjbci'. The Committee on universal suffrage accepted a bill granting women the municipal vote oil the same terms as men. The bill will be discussed by the Chamber next week. It is believed it lias a lair chance of becoming law. NEW CLOTH TEXTURE. LONDON, March 13. The “ Daily Mail’s” Yorkshire correspondent says textile manufacturers secretly experimented with the production of cloth composed of wool and ten to fifty per cent, of artificial silk for men’s or women’s wear. The fibres were mixed before spinning. Silk gives the cloth a rich appearance, its durability is excellent and it can be dyed in two contrasting colours. .Experts have given it favourable consideration. Capital is available for its development.

LORD CURZON. LONDON, March 13. A bulletin has been issued stating Lord Ctinzon spent a fair night though his condition is causing anxiety. His general strength was maintained. He had a fair amount of sleep. EGYPTIAN ELECTIONS. CAIRO. March 13. It is ollicinllv announced that 101 Za.ghluli.sts and 101 candidates belonging other parties so far have been elected. New elections that have been ordered in nine constituencies are likely to result in the return of Zaghlulists. Seven other results of three frontiers provinces will he declared a month hence. ’lhe Government forecast of the final figures is:—Zaglilulists 103; others 111. JAP STEAMER FOUNDERS. TOKIO, March 14. News from Xagaski states the steamer Majima Maru encountered a storm off the Kubashima Islands, and it is believed she foundered, the purser and 15 passengers being saved. One hundred are missing. Five destroyers arc searching. SUMMED TIME BILL. LONDON, March 13. Despite the agriculturists’ opposition, the House of Commons read the second time by 288 votes to 03, Air Lambert AYard’s Rill for permanently fixing the summer time, instead of heaving a periodical re-enactment. Sir NY. Joynsou llieks (ITorpc Minister) declared that if oil a free, vote, the House. carried the second reading, flu* Government would take over the Bill, and would give facilities for its early passage. BRITISH SHIP BOMBARDED. GIBRALTAR. March 13. Moors bombarded the British cableship Amber, when she was repairing the Cenlta-Tangiers cables, despite the hoisting of the blue frnsigti and the sounding of a hooter. The firing continued harmlessly, until the Spanish gunboat IPniifaz, which was patrolling the i oast fired forty shots at the Moors.

AN ITALIAN STRIKE. ROME, March 13. A general strike has started among the iron and steel workers of Lombardy, one hundred thousand men being out. The strikers’ demand is for an increase in wages. The Fascist workers were the first to strike, hut then the Socialist trade unions, seeing an opportunity hutted in, and ordered a general strike. NORAYEGIAN aid for AMUNDSEN. • Received this day at 8 a.m.) OSLO. March 14. The State has printed 2,250,000 stamps showing a Polar hear looking upward stewards an aeroplane. Hie Government lias placed 180.000 kroner** worth at the disposal of the Air Shipping Union on behalf of Amundsen s fund for a flight to the Antarctic.