BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1927, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS

[llY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] LONDON. March 17. A room adjoining the historic Westminster Hall was converted into a cinema for flic first time in the history of the House of Parliament for the purpose of exhibiting a film of the presentation of the Speaker's chair at Canberra, members of the Cabinet, Lords and Commons comprising the audience. FRENC tf-A.F RICAN TTJOTTBLE. PARIS, March 17. “Lo Matin” states a battery of artillery and three battalions of inf.intry have been sent from Rabat to Wczr.an region, where rebel tribesmen entered French territory from the Spanish zone and killed two French officers and a number of native soldiers. Tho rebels treacherously killed the French Commandant while he wfts conversing with them.

INQUEST VERDICT. (Received this day at 11.25 a.mA LONDON. March 17. At the inquest on Inspector Addison, who jumped from n window and was killed, Hulks, a solicitor’s clerk, said Addison had been worried concerning the action of Rerun's in bringing a false imprisonment charge. Benin's solicitor requested the Coroner not to proceed further in that aspect of the ease. It must not he assumed that Addison was in any way guilty A verdict of suicide was returned.

HELP GIVEN. LONDON, March 17. While the liner Andes was speeding from Pernambuco to Lisbon, S.O.Ssignals, strong and insistent, rang out. Then came a message from St. Vincent, Little West Indian island: “Influenza raging here, medical supplies finished; can help he sent immediately, please.” Saint Vincent is L7O miles off the Andes route, but she immediately sent, out: “We are coming to your aid.” Meanwhile a launch packed with medical supplies and nourishing food was prepared. 'When the Andes was a mile off she dropped the launch overboard. There were cheers when boats were seen to leave the stricken island to pick up the necessities. BRITISH PROPERTY IN RUSSIA. LONDON, March 17, In the Commons, Mr Lnclter-Lanip-son told a questioner that tho value of industrial manufacturing property in Russia, of which Britishers were deprived without compensation, was estimated at 180 millions sterling. Negotiations with the Soviet regarding this property had never reached a satisfactory result. In negotiations in 1924, the Soviet laid down conditions which Britain could not possibly accept.” We are waiting for the Soviet to make constructive proposals, but none have so far been forthcoming. Colonel Hall : “Then tho Soviet Government can he classed as common robbers.”

NEW CRUISER LAUNCHED. (Received this day at II 0 a.rn.J LONDON, March 17. Lady Cook to-day launched »the new cruiser “Australia’’ at Clydcsbank. THE NEW “AUSTRALIA." LONDON. .March 18. Glasgow discarded its proverbial weather perverseness and provided an almost Austi'.ilian spring dav for the launching of the cruiser “Australia” which with the Canberra will provide the Commonwealth with two of tho most modern instruments of naval warfare in southern waters. The new “Australia” is a. waspish rakish vessel six hundred feet long scorning all forecastle and quarter deck each, whereof is mounted four eight-inch ■guns in twin turrets. Every line connotes speed and it will not be surprising if she exceeds thirty-three knots. Dame Cook at the stroke of twelve dashed a bottle of Australian burgundy (against the side as a christening and pressed a button operating electric rams. The cruiser quivered and shot off down ways accompanied by shrill cheers of hundreds of sclr-ol children. Altogether it was one of the most perfect launchings seen on the Clyde. Dame Cook saiil—"l name you “Australia.” God bless all who helped to build you. those who sail in you, if lose interested in you anywise. I pray your future may be prosperous.” At iihe lunch in honour of the launch, Lord Abereonway presided and proposed the success ot the "Australia”

Sir J. Cook said though, when in obedience to the Washington decree, our first “Australia” v.Us sunk, and he felt a twinge of regret, here we are again with another Australia. When as Defence Minister in 1909 lie moved the adoption of a scheme producing the Australian Navy, he stated they must recognise Imperial responsibility and relieve Britain of some ot the burden of their defence, it was alleged the Dominions wdVe not contributing sufficiently to the naval defence. Australia- was spending £5.300.COO in 1927 which was 18s per let id compared with Britain's 24s showing the Commonwealth was rapidly catching up. Lord Chat field in acknowledging the toast of the Navy in an outspoken speech said Australia's navy effort was remarkable and bad the Admiralty s whole hearted support. An interchange of ships was vital to the Imperial Navy , unity, enduring common training tactics and strategy. Scattered units could not protect the trade routes unless supported by the main fleet and assured bases. Other factors were mobility which was the reason for the development of Singapore.