BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1926, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[Australia <fc N.Z. Cable Association.Ji FEDERAL LOAN. LONDON, June 21. The Commonwealth loan of six millions at 5 per cent at £99} has been underwritten. CHINAMAN ASSAULTS AMERICAN GIRL. PEKIN, June 21. The British Consul at Chengtu reported that Miss Manly, an American, was dragged by a- Chinese from a liekshnw in an attempt to strangle her. Slip was rescued by tlie bystanders and the assailant was arrested. As a result of the Consul’s , representations, the authorities have issued a proclamation that any Chinese molesting, foreigners would lie arrested and shot. ' AFRICAN FLAG. CAPETOWN, June 20. Since the Hon. Colonel Creswell (Labour T.cadet* and Cabinet- Ministei) issued bis manifesto explaining bis support of the Government’s proposal to introduce a South African national Hag, excluding the Union Jack, the whole country has been eagerly anticipating whether the Labour Part would support its leader, or not. It was generally recognised that the attitude of the National Council of the Labour Party would spell a continuance or otherwise of the Pact between the Nationalist and tlie Labour Parti' Consequently there was the greatest interest in a- scrip meeting of the Council, which the Labour Cubin'* Ministers attended. After a lengthy discussion, the Council carried a resolution expressing its belief: “That South Africa could best work out its destiny as a member of the British Commonwealth of Natons *, that the status of South Africa requires that the Union should possess its own Hag; and that the Council feels that such flag should be of a design which will not remind the peoples of South Africa of thjr , past differences between two races in this country.*' The Council, therefore, recommends to the Government that a national flag be cliosen which does not include any reference to the past history of tho Dutch and English South Africans. While, approving of tte principle that tlie imperial symbol of the Union Jack and the national symbol presenting the national status should be entirely distinct, and nvust receive equal official official recognition. Tlie Labour Council expresses the opinion that all steps should he taken to secure by agreement, a national flag which will satisfy the great mass of South Africans. The Council’s resolution thus endorses Colonel Creswell’s attitude.

' A PROWLING SAILOR. LONDON, June 20. The “Daily Express” discloses the fact that at two o’clock on Saturday morning, a policeman patrolling the grounds at Buckingham Palace saw a prowler in the path leading to the King’s apartments. He did not answer the policeman’s challenge. He was captured, and proved to lie a sailor. Ho could not explain how he entered the grounds, or why. Their Alaiesties. however, are at present at Windsor Castle, whither an urgent report has been sent- to the King, who will decide if there is to he a prosecution. BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. LONDON PAPER’S APPROVAL. LONDON. June 21. Tbe “Financial News” commenting on tbe movement of shares of the Bank of New Zealand on .stock exchange, approves oi the decision to increase the capital. It says the proposal to establish a separate department is also good, as the Bank is unable to undertake long term mortgage business without sacrificing liquidity, while the experience of the Bank of New Zealand will enable the new Department to press forward the business more swiftly and advantageously than would an independent concern. As the British Government is contemplating an institution to assist agriculturists with credit facilities, tbe development of tbe New Zealand plan will bo followed with close attention in Britain.

POOR LAW RELIEF. LONDON, June 21. Following the West Ham Board of Poor Law Guardian’s refusal to abate their scale of relief for the unemployeds, amounting to 55s per week for a man, his wife, and a family of six children, Sir Neville Chamberlain states the “Daily Mail” has issued an ultimatum to the Guardians, refusing any further loans, and threatening to superside the Guardians when the existing funds are exhausted. Tt is pointed put (says the “Daily Mail”) that the Guardians are bankrupt, and that they owe the Ministry of Health £1,970.000, besides having a hank overdraft of £390,000. ARCTIC EXPEDITION. WASHINGTON. June 20. A message from Seattle states that another attempt will he made by the Detroit Arctic Expedition to find land in the Arctic. The members of the party have arrived from Alaska for parts to repair the aeroplane. Captain Wilkins remains at Fairbanks. BRITISH PROTECTION POLICY LONDON. June 20. The “Financial News” expresses the opinion, that- on the expiration of the Spanish and Portuguese treaties shortly. the British Government will reduce the heavy duties on home-made spirits, and increase the duty on port and other highly spirituous wines, thus increasing th? consumption of whisky. The minimum age of whisky will also he increased from three to five years,