BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1926, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

utr TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT.

EMPEROR COOK'S BOAST,

LONDON, January 23. The Secretary of the British Minors’ Federation, Mr Cook, speaking at St. Albans, said: “If Mr Baldwin and Mr Churchill support the coal owners’ policy of the reduction of wages and longer hours then a conflict is inevitable.” He added that Labour would bo compelled to take the responsibility of controlling the coal industry in the interests of the whole community. BR IT ISH R AILWAYMEN. LONDON, January 22. It is understood that the National Union of Raihvaymen’s delegates adhere to their decision to reject tho award of the Wages Board, but they have given the executive a wide mandate to negotiate again with the companies. Agreements have been made for tho Railwa.vmen’s representatives to meet the railway companies on January 25th and to reopen the negotiations which will hinge upon the Wages Board’s decision, depriving the newly-engaged men from receiving the bonus payable to the old-time employees of the same grade. • The men are pressing for the removal of the clause covering the point. J Meanwhile, tlie Railwavmen’s Conference has adjourned till Monday.

GERMAN ROYALISTS. BERLIN, January 22. The Communists here are arranging an immense demonstration, in favour of the expropriation of the former rulers property on the ex-Kaiser’s birthday next Wednesday. AN UNFAIR TAX. LONDON, Jan. 22. The House of Lords has dismissed an appeal interesting to .-Australians and uNcw Zealanders employed in Britain. Mr Harry Tlartlaiid, an employee of the New Zealand Shipping Coy., appealed against his income tax assessment. His counsel explained that Mar bland's salary was £SOO, upon which the company paid £BO income tax. The authorities, declaring that, the £BO constituted an addition to his salary ,assessed Hartlaud oil £SBO. EMPIRE’S FUTURE.

LONDON, Jan. 23. The post-war development of . minion influence on the shaping of Empire policy was traced by Air Amery (Colonial Secretary) in. a speech at Edinburgh. He said that all tho available information now being suppi ietT daily to the Dominions was from tho Foreign Office. Last year two hundred telegrams and six hundred reports were sent- out and, as regards the Locarno Treaties alone seventy telegrams and 150 memoranda were despatched. Referring to the difficulties in the way of convoking Imperial Conferences, Mr Amery suggested that they might follow tho League of Nations’ example, and ffx definite intervals. Less important business might be done at meetings of deputies, but ultimate aim should be to secure a permanent Empire policy, without which the unity of the Empire would be endangered. NEW YORK, Jail. 22. “World Peace” and “The Homogeneity of the British Empire” were the themes of the speakers at a Canadian Society dinner to-night. The British Ambassador to U.S.A., Sir Esme Howard, declared that there was little chance of a realisation of the “prophecies of the croakers” about the early dissolution of the component parts of the British Empire. Sir Esme Howard said that the appointment of a Canadian Minister in Washington would he a step further in the direc-k tion of Canada settling For own affairs and he did not think it would in any way disintegrate the British Commonwealth of Nations.

GERMAN AVAR-TIME MUTINY BERLIN. Jan. 23.

A blow to the Monarchists’ contention that the mutiny on the German ships in Kiel Harbour in 1917, during the war, was due to political disaffection, was given at yesterday’s sitting of the Parlimentary Committee that is enquiring into the causes of Germany’s war collapse. Herr Dittman, an Independent Socialist, gave evidence that lie discovered from official documents, that the seamen mutinied, not for political reasons, but because, while they were eating turnips (1917 is known throughout Germany as “turnip year”), the naval officers lived in luxury. Moreover, the officers appropriated the eggs, butter, and fats sent for the men. The stfikers, particularly, complained that they were unable to do their "heavy work without a ration of fat,. In recalling five death sentences passed by the oourtmartial, Herr Dittm.nnn alleged that their trial was not conducted fairly. J

CARDINAL MERCJER DEAD. BRUSSELS, Jan. 22. Obituary:—Cardinal Mercier, the leader of the Catholic Church in Bel.gium, who came into great prominence during the war on account of the courageous stand taken by him during the German invasion of Belgium in upholding the rights of his country and in denouncing th e military excesses. He was also the foremost theologian in Belgium and one of the leading educational figures in Europe, being latterly prominent in the negotiations for church union with, the leaders of the High Church of England, led by Lord Halifax. The cable states that Cardinal Mercier realising that his end was approaching, summoned his servants, and he joined with them in reciting the prayers for the dying. The “Observer” says Cardinal Mercier’s name will live in history as the undaunted champion of Belgian rights against the oppression and outrage of the German invasion. CORONER WHO SAW THINGS. (Received this day at 8 a.rn.) LONDON, Jan. 25. When the body of Florence Parish, who died as the result of taking poison, was being viewed at an inquest at Peterborough., the Coroner thought he detected a flicker of. the eyelids delayed the inquiry until the arrival of a doctor, who assured the Court that death had occurred twelve hours previously, and a verdict was returned of suicide whilst of unsound mind. THE SUPREME SACRIFICE. [Received this day at 8 a.m.i LONDON, Jan. 25. The home of Sarah Grand, the famous novelist, near Bath, was burned down and her cook. Florence Allen, aged 62, lost her life in saving the other servants. LONDON. Jan. 24. Sarah Grand’s mansion, Crowe Hall, at- Bath, was destroyed hv fire at midnight along with many art treasures. Grand and others escaped in their night attire. Servants crawled to the parapet, whence they were rescued, cepting the cook, who was afraid to venture. ITALY’S AVAR DEBTS. LONDON. Jan. 24. The “ Sunday Express ” diplomatic correspondent says Mr Churchill lias given Senor A'olpi until Monday to accent the British offer of sixty-two annuities of £4.500,000. Mr Churchill warned A’olpi that this was the final offer. The “ Express ” is of the opinion that it is amazing that Yolpi showed hesitation in clinching,