BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1926, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] SUVA, April 23. Sir Henry I,mm is a passenger by the Niagara for Sydney. AIIOIAN ARRIVES. (Tveccived this day at 8 a.m.) SIJANGLIA, April 23. Batein has arrived. WAR DEBTS. PARIS, April 22. Official confirmation is now given to the report that M. Berenger and Mr Mellon have virtually agreed on the principle for a Eraiico-Aniericaii debt settlement. The formula agreed on will now he submitted to the War Debt Commission. It is one providing that the payment of the debt shall he spread over a period of sixtv-two years. The annual payments by Franco for the first three years are to he small, after which they gradually will increase. It is provided that, in the event ol a drop oil the German reparations payments the French capacity to pay shall he re-estimated. TROUBLE IN .SOMALILAND. LONDON. April 22. Tho “Morning Post’s” Nairobi correspondent says that reports Irom La mu state that certain chiefs in Italian Somaliland objected to complete administration by Italians, and lighting ensued, in which the- State forces sustained losses, but the Somalis retreated. Some went towards British Somaliland, and others towards Abyssinia. CHEAP WORSTEDS. LONDON, April 22. The Safegaurding of Industries Committee that was appointed on October 14th last lias reported that the applicants have failed to substantiate theii ease for a duty on imported worsted cloth, as tho unemployment in Yorkshire has not been seriously affected by the abnormal imports of cloth from France. The latter undoubtedly was produced below tho Rritisli costs hut that was owing to the depreciated franc, which depreciation' acted as a bounty in favour of tile I'reneli manufacturer.

Tho Committee recommends that if tho abnormal imports continue, owing to the depreciated exchanges, then a duty of 12 j per cent should be imposed. This recommendation is based on a French exchange rate of 130 francs to £l, a Belgian rate of 107 francs to £T and an Italian rate of 121 lire to £l. Mr Bovin, who is a member of the Committee, lias a reservation stating that a duty should not be imposed until a more comprehensive enquiry is held, covering the whole worsted and doth trades. CHEMICAL SECRETS LOST. LONDON, April 23. Professor Balfour Browne, the successor of Professor Lefrov (whose tragic death was cabled on November loth last) states that his investigations show that Professor Lefroy’s unique collection oF mixed chemicals was not helpful. He trusted nothing to written records. Therefore his secrets died with him, including that of the secret poison whereof Professor Lefrov died.