MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1926, Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

ARSENIC IN APPLES.

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 12

The National Federation Fruit Trade has circularised the dealers of Britain, pointing out that Bernard Dyer, the official agriculture analyst, recommends rubbing apples free of arsenic. The quantity would then be so small that an analysis could hardly detect it.

JEWELS FOR SALE. LONDON, February 13

The “ Morning Post ” states the Soviet is again offering for sale at Hatton Garden, the gems forfeited by the aristocracy druing tlie rush in the revolution. The brokers point out these arc at present outshone by an offer of an Indian Prince’s jewels valued at three millions. BRITISH POLITICS. LONDON, February 12. The Commons agreed to the supplementary estimates, providing for steel houses, without a division. FRENCH FINANCE. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.' PARIS. February 12. M. Briand announced he intends to split the Finance Bill into two parts, the first part providing funds needed immediately to balance the Budget, should be voted by the Chamber by loth February and passed by both Houses by Ist March, and the second part comprising measures for an amortisation of the debt and general financial reform to be taken afterwards. M. Briand declared: “They say abroad that we are in capable of a fiscal effort. Let us at once show our financial determination and capacity.” France is stronger 10-day owing to the publication of its weekly balance sheet, the Bank of France showing the Treasury had reimbursed the bank by of) millions francs, thus enabling a reduction of the issue of nearly four hundred millions francs.

CHINESE FIGHTING. HANKOW, February 12. AVupeilu is reported to have won all important victory, capturing Peugchiawnn Station, and cutting off liana nest in Sinyangehow from the main hotly and disarming them. EXCIIA NG E OF P E RSf )XA BUT KS. NEW YORK, Feb. 13. The exchange of personalities between Mr Poultney Bigelow, the American lec*t urer and author, and Mill. S. Wells, tlu* British author, has taken a new turn with the announcement by Air Bigelow that be is starting a suit in London for fifty thousand dollars damages on a charge of slander against bis adversary. In a recent book, "Seventy .Summers," .Mr Bigelow likened the British novelist to a ‘‘prosperous stockbroker.” Air Wells replied uiih a vigorous article in the London papers. Air Bigelow states: “He called mo a bore. How ain T going to make a living as an after-dinner speaker, if I am slandered by being called a bore? Mr Wells lost liis temper and lie lias got to apologise.” E.S.A. COAL STRIKE SETTLED. WASHINGTON. February 12. Mr Davis, Secretary of the Labour Department, lias confirmed the announcement made oil Friday by Governor Pinchot of Pennsylvania, that the anthraxite strike in that State was settled. Afr Davis said : “The contract is for five years, wages to continue at at the present level, with a provision for opening negotiations within the industry whenever either side desires.” CHINAAIEN ’ S AR R EST. lIA IN INO STREET COMEDY. WELLINGTON, Feb. 13. The police raided a bouse in Uaining Street and fourteen Chinese were arrested. One of them. Ah Wall, was charged with keeping a common gaming lioii.-c and three others willi assisting in the management thereof. Over one thousand pounds were seized, one player having over £450 in his possession when arresierf. It is undcstood that only Chinamen participated in the game at this particular house. 'Lo-day, being the Chinese New A car, the men will int appear at the Court, till Monday. •All Wall was not arrested till after the others had been surprised. He was just going back to the house with a rooster be had bought for to-day’s dinner and when the police asked him to accompany them to Lhe .station lie was loud in liis protestations of innocence, while the screeching of the fowl and the chattering and laughing of the street arabs made up a procession amusing to idlers who quickly gathered to see the fun. PRIME MINISTER AT AYAIROA. WA'IROA. February 13. The Prime Minister (Hon .1, G. Coates) and party arrived here last evening from Napier, after • spending some time en route inspecting construction works on the East Const railway. Mr Contes was tendered a civil reception at the Gaiety Theatre, where he was welcomed bv a large and enthusiastic crowd, including representatives of all local bodies.

In response to a welcome by the Ala vor and the County Chairman AFr Coates touched on many matters of interest and received several deputations. Afterwards he was entertained at a banquet. This morning the Premier is inspecting the harbour works at AA’aikokopu.