BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1926, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[Reuter Telegrams.]

DISARMAMENT AND LOCARNO PACT.

LONDON, February 3. In the House of Commons, Air Lloyd George contended that the Locarno agreement was useless without disarmament. Otherwise it might prove a spring trap, which might snap with disastrous consequences. Mr Baldwin announced the postponement of the preliminary disarmament conference, to which Britain, he said, would go with a whoic-heatred endeavour to carry out the undertaking contained in tiio A r ersailles Covenant. HELP FOR FARMERS. LONDON, February 2. A AA'hite Paper has been issued outlining the Government’s agricultural policy. It rejects protection subsidies. The Government proposes, firstly, the preparation of a scheme on a sound commercial basis for short term credits for land improvements and land purchase. Secondly, it proposes the development of squall holdings; thirdly a continuance of afforestation ; fourthly the expenditure of one million sterling. spread over a term of five years, in aid of drainage schemes; fifthly, a continuance of agricultural research education; sixthly, the continued fostering of sugar beet growing. The Government proposes to ineiude Home produce within the scope of any assistance towards the marketing of Dominion and Colonial produce.

BRITISH EMIGRATION PLAN. LONDON, February 2. The Dominion Secretary, Air Amcry, announced that he has concluded an agreement with the trustees of the Dreadnought Fund, whereby grants will be made, under the Empire Settlement Act. to enable the trustees to extend their work to training hoys for farm life in Australia. It was hoped, he said, that thousands of hoys would anmtallv, for the next three years, he sent to Australia. The candidates must be between 15 and 19 years of age. ■ r HOAVICH HOUSE FIRE. LONDON, Feh. 2. The fire at Horwick House was helped by the fact that a fire brigade from 30 miles away lost its way in a fog. Lady Grey, who was indisposed, was carried to a neighbouring house. The police and farm workers saved most of the valuable furniture and goods in the lower rooms. Only the five feet thick stone walls remain of the central portion of the building. CHINESE FIGHTING. .X----PEKING, Feb. 3. A telegram from Shanghai states that seven? fighting is reported between AA r u Pei Fu at Honan, Tupau and Yuchweiehun, northward of Sinyancliow. LONDON AA r OOL SALES. LONDON, Fch.. 2. Gold is now priced at 84s lOVtl per ounce. At the wool sales in London, Aferinos (chiefly suitable for the Continent), and New Zealand greasy crossbreds were in good supply, and met an excellent demand, prices harden- > fng. CUP REPLAYS. LONDON, Feb. 3. Tn the Association Cup replays, Manchester United beat Hotspurs 2—o, Bolton heat Bournemouth 6—2.