BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1926, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] .MARCONI OPERATED ON. LONDON, March 11. Signor Marconi wn-, cqicratd 011 at tin* London nursing home tor an internal complaint, which was at first thought to he appendicitis. INCOME TAX QUESTION. (Received this clay at 11.0 a.in.) LONDON, March 11. Tho Xorthnnts Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution for presentation to Mr Baldwin protesting against the svstein whereby certain Dominions charge income tax upon absentee principals. A member stated tbat the New Zealand authorities, through this agent, were demanding a tax on the estimated profits on his sales there. The Chamber recommended resistance and urged the Government to bring op the matter at tbe Imperial Conference. WOMEN TO CONTROL EMPIRE. LONDON, March 11. Sir W. .loyiisini-H ieks (.Secretary to Home Affairs), -peaking at Croydon, predicted the possibility of the extensions of the women's franchise before the next election. He said there are more women than men ; therefore,'"the women will then control the Empire. CARE OF WAR. GRAVES. A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON. March 11. Tile progress in caring for, and beautifying the war cemeteries. Morally and architect.utally, in Europe, Asia and Africa, is depicted in a photographic- supplement to the annual report to the War Graves Commission, whose labours, statistically illustrated, were as follows: 1 lie Commission cared for 2880 cemeteries, comprising 515.198 graves; concluded seven nurseries and supplied nearly seven million plants, trees and shrubs: purchased 8(50.000 bulbs, planted I'orlynino miles ol hedges and lorty-one acres of grass and chemically treated ninctv-seven thousand headstones.

Tho report disclosed that isolated ritisli remains continue to be found, lie number last year being -1.10.1 inost-

v discovered by organised gangs digting the ground searching for shells mil war materials. The Prince' of Wales scut a message 0 the Commissioners, expressing gratiLcation that the Governments of Ilriain, Canada and Australia have agreed o endow the Commission.

T he Prince also observed with satisictioii, that other Governments arc’ aiisidering a similar course.

COMMENT ON MINE'S REPORT. LONDON, March 11. ’fhe Miners’ Executive considered the Did report, but declined to make a tatemeiit pending to-morrow's doloates meeting. It is expected they will [iiiccnlrnte their opposition on the ago revision and (lie stoppage ol the Libs illy.

The South Wales owners and miners e dismayed at the coal report. I hey ■dare that only stagnation and im-

poverishment are ahead. Sir William Johnson expresses the opinion that there is no hope for the Welsh industry until longer hours are worked. Sir David Llewelyn said the removal of tlie subsidy means an increase in

Mr Harris, the miners' treasurer, said the report won't settle the dispute. The reduction ot the bonus, which now nuunilits to thirty-three per cent upon the standard wage, is not acceptable. Mr Justice Saukey. who was chairman of the 1919 coal commission which recom me 11 iled 11a t ion a lisa t ion hr ieH> commented on the present report as follows:—“I think it is an eflort to postpone tho inevitable.

BRITISH ESTIMATES. LONDON. March 11. The British Civil Service Estimate's total £800.041,000 compared with £812.951,090 last year. The estimates include £50,780.000 for education. £29.810,009 for old age pensions. The army estimates total £12.999.090. a reduction cl £2.000,000. the establishment. absorbs £159. 109.009. exclusive of India, a rocliiftion ol £1,299,099. The War Minister emphasises that more new light tanks arc being ptovided, and four more medium batteries are being equipped with Dragon tractors. Attention is drawn to the new designs of guns and ammunition, also to defence against a gas war. Ihe Minister’s memorandum pays tribute to the high quality of the recruits, only thirty per cent; ot those ollet'ing being accepted owing to the high standard of the character, education physique demanded. The Army is less deponent, on the unemployeds lor recruits than formerly. Forty per cent of tire London recruits gave up employment. The issue of war medals to nearly six millions of people approaches completion, hut the addresses ot two hundred thousand cannot bo traced. _____