BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1925, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Reuters Telegrams.]

AFRICAN TARIFF. CAPETOWN, April 11. An expert financial authority regards the new tariff ns betraying a distinct tendency to encourage foreign, rather than British trade. Of 372 items listed, 275 are the same in both the maximum and minimum columns. Of the remaining ninety-seven items twenty-two are definitely allocated to Britain for a preferential rebate, seven to Canada, six to New Zealand and four to Australia. These apparently* will not he used for bargaining with foreign countries. The remaining items are explicitly designed for favoured nation negotiations with foreign countries. The preference to Britain and the Dominions is less stable than tlio concessions to foreign countries. An examination of the rebates show many to lie of doubtful value, whereas in the opposite column many items have been selected for quid pro quo bargaining.

The general opinion of commercial circles is that the tariff, will raise the cost of living and the increased duties will be passed: on to the consumer with something added.

EMPIRE, MIGRATION. LONDON, April 10

The Overseas Settlement Committee’s"' report suggests a review of migration, its successes and failures. The reasons therefore would at present be very appropriate.

The committee seeks the frankest exchange of views bn the subject. The greatest difficulty is the redistribution of the Empire’s population. There is an increase in the urban and a decrease in the rural populations of both Britain and the Dominions resulting in a now generation growing up estranged from country pursuits. This gives some support to the view that the Dominions might advantageously attract peasants from Central Europe in preference to British town dwellers, hut while such foreign migrants serve a useful purpose in the first instance, experience shows that their descendants do not make the best citizens in the Dominions. Britishers, though less adaptable in the first instance, are preferable in the long run.

Reviewing methods the committee expresses -the opinion that there is need for much ckser co-operation and direct contact between all governments and the authorities concerned in Empire settlement. All organisations for recruiting migrants in Britain and receiving. placing and supervising them overseas appear to require strengthening. There is need also for constant and continuous supervision by the governments concerned. The committee emphasises that all British political parties are agreed to treat Empire settlement as an Imperial problem and all post war governments should try to facilitate it.

COLLIERY CLOSED. LONDON, April 11. The miners at the Nestor Colliery, Cheshire, which lias been losing money, decided finally last night not to accept the owners’ proposal to work the colliery themselves on the basis-of a guarantee against loss shared hy r the owners, prominent residents and: miners, flic result is that practically the whole village. is going on the dole. On the other hand, at the Vauxhall Colliery' at Wrexham, where a similar scheme was adopted, loss lias been converted into a profit, the men receiving high wages, and the guarantee fund being untouched. AY EM BLEM EXHIBITION. LONDON, April 11. The King and Queen will open AVcmblcy on May 9th., which is the anniversary of the Proclamation of King George in 1010. PRINCE OF WALKS. KF.CCONDE'K, April 10. The Prince of Wales landed . from H.M.S. Repulse bv surf boat, after which he proceeded by train to Kumasi. where he had a great reception from dense crowds in the town, which was gaily beflagged. The Prince reviewed ex-servicemen and attended service at the Church of England. The Prime .of Wales's visit to Nigeria has been postponed till April 21st., owing to an outbreak of plague at Lagos. Tlie decision is duo not to anxiety for the Royal party-, hut to the possibility of the spread of the epidemic in view of the great crowds that would gather to greet the Prince of Males. He may till in the time by visiting the northern territories of the Gold Coast. ACCRA. April 13. In view of the intense disappointment caused in Nigeria by the abandonment of tlio Prince of Wales’s tour owing to the plague at Lagos, it has been decided to carry out the full programme. The Prince, will sail on Tuesday and will probably land at Port Hareonrt, instead of at Lagos. CHINESE BRIGANDS. PEKIN. April 12. Dunlnnd mission headquarters wired stating T. Tonikinson who has been held as hostage by brigands at Shenkin lias now been released.

A small squad of Japanese soldiers belonging to the South Manchurian railway guard were attacked by a score of bandits at Liao River. Rifle shots were exchanged and two Japanese killed.