MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1926, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association,3 BRITAIN AND CHINA. SIR. A. CHAMBERLAIN’S STATEMENT. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, February IL. In the House of Commons in a lengthy statement regarding ttic Chinese boycott of British trade in Hong Kong Sir Austen Chamberlain (Foreign Secretary) said the Canton Government at present was subject to such antiBritish influences that a reasonable settlement was hopeless. The position was quite dilFernt in the rest of China, where our policy of patience and conciliation was hearing fruit. There was evidence that Communist influences were disgusting all sections of the Chinese. This resentment would undoubtedly spread, and, if intervention bv a foreign power strengthens the extremists it would unite China against aggression. .Sir Austen thought no good purpose would he achieved hv sending a special commissioner to negotiate with Canton. He also said he was watching the Franco-Soviet conference and hoped it might facilitate a revival of Anglo, Soviet conversations.

ANOTHER NEW FABRIC. BERLIN, Feb. 11

A correspondent of “Fairchild’s Textile Bulletin” states the appearance of Italian artificial wool has stimulated the German rayon manufacturers to evolve it superior fibre “Glanzstoffabrikeii,” which is reported to have produced what they call “V.Ta” yarn, upon which the Daiileni textile hilsiratory reported favourably for warmth, tensile strength and elasticity. It is specially suited for light woven underwear. FIRST EXTRAORDINARY MEETING LONDON, Feb. 11. Sir Eric Drummond states the fact that the March meeting of the League Assembly is the first extraordinary session in the League’s history, furnishes evidence of the importance the League attaches to Germany’s entrance. Hitherto applicants had been compelled to wait until the annual September sessions.

Sir Joseph Cook will probably he alone representing Australia and Sir James Allen, New Zealand, in accordance with the Council’s decision that there will he one representative from each country.

CREDITS FOR FARMERS. LONDON, Feb. 10

The utilisation of joint stock banks for short term credits and the establishment of a Central Land Bank for long term credits constitutes one of two principal proposals contained in the Government’s report on agricultural credit, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The report points out that one of the chief aims of a national credit system should bo tt) free the farmers from credit entanglements which the system of borrowing from tradespeople often involves.

IHRTH CONTROL. ROUNDLY DENOUNCED BY MINISTER. LONDON. Feb. 11. lu the House of Commons Mr Tliurtlo’s motion for leave to introduce a bill empowering local authorities to impart birth control knowledge to poor women on the grounds that it should not ho limited to the well-to-do section, was rejected by 107 to 81. The Lair.iurite, the Reverend Barr, warmly condemned Mr Thurtic’s hid as a national policy for birth control propaganda, lie declared: “A liberal and bountiful Creator has provided ample resources for everyone, so long as there is wise production and a just distribution. Moral instincts, or religious prejudices, if you prefer the term, are most potent influences in uplifting mankind. They are as sure to guide as science itself. U they defied it, it will be at the peril of the State.” The Reverend Barr cited the Liverpool Conference’.' refusal to make onto control a- political issue. PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE MANILLA, Feb. 10. The Legislative Coalition has selected February 22nd.. which is George Washington’s birthday, for a nationwide day of prayer for Philippine Independence. All Filipinos have been requested to ask the church for divine aid in obtaining separation from America.