NEWS BY MAIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1925, Page 3

NEWS BY MAIL.

LOST PRIDE OF RACE. BRUSSELS, Nov. 2. An inquiry into the British coal industry has been made by the Aloniteur ties Interets Alateriels. After examining the technical and commercial causes of the coal crisis in Great Britain, the writer states that the standard of life exacted by the Britisli trade unions for their members is far in advance of that enjoyed by the best workmen on the Continent, and continues: “A deep uneasiness is evident among the British working class, which lias lost the humility of Uriah Heep. It has lost its pride of race and acquired that of class. Communism is at work, whatever Mr .MacDonald mav think.

“Over a million big eaters and solid drinkers aro out of work, and the resulting under-alimentations is a factor of revolt or, at least, of political itistabiliy. Consequently, when the Labour leaders claim the nationalisation of the mines and the control of production, when they refuse to return to the eight-hours day and to permit a reduction in wages, they know that they have at their hack this formidable mass of out-of-works and inferior workmen. “Thus is Mr Cook, dyed in .Marxism and Leninism, the apostle of violence, able to gain ground on Air MacDonald, the ‘old-fashioned man.’ ” AfONEY LENDERS’ RUSE. LONDON. November 3.

In the hope of ensnaring more, victims. money-lenders arc now adopting a new ruse. They write to people with whom they have had no previous correspondence suggesting that negotiations for a loan have already been Initiated and to avoid further delay they will advance the money at once if the sum required is stated. Sometimes the plan succeeds, hut cocnsionnlly the money-lenders catch a tin tin .

A West Etui firm wrote to a business man in Cheshire, who, incensed that such u communication should come before his clerks, replied demanding an instant withdrawal of the offer with an apology, and one guinea for the local hospital, otherwise he suggested legal proceedings. Tic is now awaiting the money-lender’s reply.