GENERAL CABLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1927, Page 2

GENERAL CABLES.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

ITALIAN AFFAIRS. LONDON. July 10

The newspapers at present only exist for propaganda purposes, therelore it is only rarely that an unprejudiced opinion is heard, such as that of Senator Conti, a well known industrialist, who speaking in the Senate called attention to the deprecation of stocks which had decreased by 632,000 lire in six months. Senator Conti pointed out that ns a result of the falling price, many peasant land owners in the north were insolvent and bad abandoned holdings. Agriculturists were so distressed that the Government is establishing banks and opening extraordinary credits. It is possible that Count Volgi’s assurance of tho revaluation of the lire will he made even at the risk of mortgaging the country to America, as the best policy, hut sufferers resent their difli(ulties and regard the lack ct prosperity as a, fault of Fascism. They might he more willing to make sacrifices if given a fair hearing, hut the Government has not permitted public criticism or adopted thorough methods of carrying out ail economic policy. It mobilised a cumbrous bureaucracy to fight- high prices, finally closing down and even threatening imprisonment of shopkeepers who either refuse or are unable to bring down prices. Only inferior foodstuffs have declined in price, restaurants bavo lowered charges, but smaller portions are being served to patrons. The enforced reduction of rent caused a cessation of building resulting in unemployment, Mussolini's remedy for which 'is public works, and this initates the heavily taxed citizens who consider reckless expenditure of public money tantamount to squandel iug. Fascists increasing intimidation may prevent the hitter distress and discontent appearing on the surface, but these eon dit ions are now the most acute since the inauguration ot l'ascism. Tho Government is still maintaining their policy. Mussolini repeated! v uncompromisingly answered the hysterical appeals of industrialists and agriculturalists and Fascisms strangle hold on the methods of popular expression may prevent political repercussion but many changes are possible before Italy recovers her equilibrium.

LABOUR FEELING. T.ONDON, July 10

There is considerable bitterness in Labour circles as the result of the executive of the Seamen’s Union, by L 3 votes to I'2, subscribing £10.003 to assist in the formation of a new mine union pioneered alter the strike bv G. A. Spencer (Labour Commoner for Broxton, Nottinghamshire). It is significant that Mr Havelock Wilson has taken up the position of director of publicity for the new industrial peace union.

MOSLEM FRACAS. BAGHDAD, July 10

Lamentations connected with Muharram Moslem festival, culminated, in a riot in the Mosque. This apparently originated in an individual dispute between a soldier and a civilian. A mob inflamed by religious fervour, assaulted unarmed troops with sticks and knives. The troops replied with belts and it is estimated 2 soldiers were killed and 20 wounded, and 3 civilans killed and 23 wounded.

Cl .0 UD-B UR ST DIS AST ER. BERLIN, July 10

Details of the cloudburst in the Elbe Valley are most shocking. There are ' 109 dead reported in Berghessheuber alone, many being visitors spending a summer holiday at the quiet spa. A telephone message warned the Mayor of the danger and when he found the river rising rapidly lie sent messengers hurrying through the town. Within a quarter of an hour the messengers were forced to take refuge in the principal hotel, from which they watched house after house under-mined by the swelling flood, which rose fifteen feet in a.s many minutes. Some people had not even time to reach the upper floors of the houses, but wore trapped in bed looms. Others were killed through houses collapsing on them. Scenes of indescribable desolation are visible wherever the floods have subsided, leaving a wilderness of mud, intermingled with dead swine, sheep and cattle, over n.ilex of fertile land.

THE “TIGER” ILL. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) PARIS, July 11. M. Clemenceau is seriously ill and has not left his room for a fortnight. His memory is failing.