MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1926, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] AX<>T 11 Elt WJ R EI. ESS IX V ENT TON. LONDON, March 7. Mr Shannon, a wireless experimenter in Warwickshire, has .succeeded in exchanging tlie Morse both ways i\ ith New Zealand and Mexico without tho aid of either an earth or .an aerial, which is his own patent. He expects shortly to exchange wireless telephony with both countries. THE FRANC. LONDON, March 7. The franc mi tile exchange reached I:>-j ami closed at 131.5. FRENCH CRISIS. LONDON, March 3. The unexpected resignations of the French Government has confused the international situation. In responsible quarters in London it is believed Ihat Germany’s admission to the League will not he jeopardised by the I' reneh crisis. According to a Berlin enrrespondenl. Premier Briand’s defeat intensely surprised both the (loverniiient and diplomatic circles. Certain apprehension is expressed lest the meeting fixed at Geneva to-morrow will not be hold. According to a Paris correspondent the French capital is in a strange position, lacking both a President and a Premier 10-nighl. as M. Doulnorgiie parted to open the Lymes fair according to programme, and M. firiand. who saw him off. is

going to Genova. It is semi officially slated lie is only doing so ill response to the repeated requests of M. Duiimergue with Lho object of expressing Ill's views on I fie consequences of admission of Germany to membership ol the League. After accomplishing Ibis duty he will return, leaving to M. Boncour and M. Locheur the task ol representing France in the official deliberations of the League. M. Douniergite will not begin consultations with, the party leaders till he returns from Lyons on Monday. EFFECT ON LEAGUE COUNCIL. GENEVA. March 8. The 'French crisis on the eve of Ihe most important event in the League's history is the all engrossing topic in League circles. There is much speculation on its effect on question of an enlarged council, concerning which M. Briand, Sir Austen Chamberlain, M. Yandcrverlde (Belgian Premier) and Dr Stresemanii (Germany) confer privately to-day. EFFECT ON THE FRANC. LONDON. March 8. The franc dropped four points on the receipt of the news ot the Trench Government's resignation, closing at 13-1.31. M. BRIAN!) WANTS A REST'. PA in.'s, March S. Asked by a pressman whether lie would consent again to lurm a Cabinet M. Briand is reported to have said:. “There is no question ol it. L am entitled to claim rest.*' M. ITerriot, and M. Caillaux arc mentioned as possible successors. It is significant that the former is now in Lyons where he will confer with M. I louniergue. The resolution for the dissolution of tlie Chamber was proposed by Deputy Ailtinger, his purpose being to seek a fresh mandate from the country, in order to surmount the crisis, and a., an alternative to revolutionary nicth-

OLD \ NTT-Cl I URI 11 LAWS. LONDON. March 8. Thai a Roman Catholic priest is liable In be lined twenty shillings if

he officiates in a church containing a steeple anil a hell is revealed in a hill which Mr. Herbert, an Anglican ( oiuiuonc-r is introducing on the lOlh. Its aim is the abolition ot the Archaic laws directed against the Roman Catholics, most ol which originated in the reign ot Quecnt Elizabeth, and ate never nowadays enlorced, Ihe laws include various fines and penalties it a priest is seen wearing clerical garb in the streets or participates at funerals. except in private houses. I he, Roman Catholie Cathedrals Bills also places Roman Catholic charities on an equal footing with others, regarding the exemption from income tax and it also removes the present legal difficulties regarding the bequests to Roman Catholic religious bodies. Mr Herbert points nut that, it i> best not, to interfere with succession to the Crown and similar Acts nor. the disputed question whether a llulimn Catholic can become Lord Chancellor of England. LITTLE WILLIE’S DEN 01. ION. PARIS. March 8.

The ex-Crowi! Prince of Germany is visiting Lucernes, hoping to induce the League of Nations to secure the l'.xKasier’s release from Doom, on the grounds of health. The Ex-Kaiser wishes to spend a holiday in hpain.