BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1925, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULS ASSOCIATION EMPIRE WIRELESS. LONDON, April 8. Mr Baldwin’s reply to Mr Hurd, as cabled on Monday, is the subject of an editorial in the “ Daily Telegraph.” The paper says:—‘‘While the Premier is sincere in his assurances anyone familiar with the most recent. dovfolopmeuts must realise that his information is wholly inaccurate, whatever its source. Moreover, when a Department is arraigned, as the Post Office has been, it is contrary to public policy that those concerned should lie cited as the final court of appeal.” The editorial urges the Premier as a business man, to give the matter his personal attention, and adds:—‘‘.Empire wireless is more than a departmental matter.”

EMPIRE FOOD SUPPLIES. (Received this day at 10.55 a.m.) LONDON', April S. 'l'he Imperial Economic Committee reports that they have devoted the last three meetings under the Chairmanship of Sir T. Mac Kinder to a general survey of filter-imperial trade from three aspects, firstly relative to the importance of various items of foodstuffs in inter-imperial trade, particularly meat and fruit; secondly, the extent whereto Home production, in Britain and Northern Ireland already contributes- file total quantity of foodstuffs consumed here, and the division of the balance between tlie supplies from foreign countries and the Overseas empire respectively; thirdly, a very general examination of the present methods of the marketing of Umpire foodstuffs here, with more detailed reference to meat and lruil. The committee has not yet taken formal evidence, hut has obtained advice and assistance from prominent Imperial Govern meat officials.

FRENCH FINANCE BILL. PARIS’, April 8.

I'he preamble- to M. Demon/.ies’ Finance Bill admits the legal limit of the note issue was excelled this year. The practice was rendered possible by the manipulation of various items in the weekly balance of the Banque do France, which must ho terminated. The Banque demands that the position he tween itself and tlie Treasury should he legally regularised, but the Government considers that the increase in th< mote issue was limited and indispensable to tlie integrity of the Sample's credit, and tlie healthy administration of the country’s finances.

SOUTH AFRICAN BUDGET

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CAPETOWN. April S. < In liis budget spoofb Mr Havenga sniil the Goverimiont intended to revise tbo custom’s tarill to protect, Union industries, ‘find admit free of dttiy. or at llie lowest possible rate, raw materials of industry, to adjust the preferontial tariff rates given uncomlir ! tionallv in favour of goods grown, proi ducetl or manufactured in the United Kingdom or the British possessions to the "naximtnn and minimum rates for certain commodities in order to enable the Government to negotiate with countries outside the British Commonwealth for most favoured nation terms W for South African produce and mnnufaeturers; also the system of suspended duties adjustment of the British Dominions. Tlie tariff would bring in a net increased revenue of £400,001). The deficit at present was £457,000. He estimated that the deficit would be reduced under the new financial arrangements to £187,000.

N.Z. R EP R ESF. NTATIVE. LONDON. April 8.

Mr Wray, the New Zealand representative on the Rugby Onion was given a reception at tlie N.Z. Ofine and W as presented wit,h a silver replica of an All Black’s cap. Mrs Wray was presented with a silver coffee service. Sir James Allen. Hon Pember Reeves and Art- McKenzie paid a tribute to Mr Wrav’s war-time service to the New Zealanders, and also his services to football. Air AVray replied that the English IJnion was gratified at the financial results of the tour.