MISCELLANEOUS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1927, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS.

Australia A N.Z. Cable Assoontiou. AEROPLANE CONS I'R UCTION. LONDON. February 22. The amazing figures of Britain’s intensive aerial preparations in the last year of the war were given by Sir R. Home in n written reply in the Commons. He disclosed that between November, 1917. and November, 1918, contracts were placed hy Britain for the construction of 32.130 aeroplanes, and 1,097 seaplanes, at a total cost of one hundred and fifty millions sterling.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY. LONDON, February 23. The English-speaking Union eeieiirated George Washington’s birthday by opening the new headquarters of Dartmouth House. Mr Baldwin, in an inaugural speech, emphasising the improved Anglo-American relations said the Irish question, formerly so dangerous. could never lie so again. Imperial relations with American wore now of the best. American literary work was now done in the. realm of historical criticism. Speaking individually lie would he glad if further progress towards peace were possible on the linos of the Washington Conference. N.Z. BROADCAST. LONDON. February 22. Belfast to-night broadcasted a special New Zealand programme drawn up bv the publicity officer. Mr Drew, coincidental with the arrival of the Royalties The seenn included the landing of Scottish and Irish migrants and their breezy dialects. A'message iron, Mr Contes was broadcasted welcoming the opportunity for closer contact with the Royal Family, the excellent influence "and strengthening the ties of sympathy and affection. Sir J. Rarr also sent a message.

AFRICAN POLITICS'. Capetown, Feb. 22

The Minister of Labour, introducing the Iron and Steel Industry Bill in the Assembly, said German experts had reported favourably on the prospects of the industry in South Africa. Under the Bill the Government proposed to acquire Pretoria Company and authorise a share capital of about four millions. to which Government would subscribe half a million, and gaurnntee 51 per cent, or a million and a half, and raise the next million by 7 per cent, preference shares. Government is to have a majority on the Board of Directors. He denied it was a Bolshevistic scheme. The sole intention was to develno the resources of the country.

AIRMAN ARRIVES. Capetown. Feb. 22

Lieut. Mittlhotzer, the Swiss aviator, lias arrived after a flight from Zurich, the first seaplane to make the voyage.