MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1927, Page 2

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) CAPE FLAG. OAPETOAVN, Sept. 26. Air Hortszog (Prime Alinister) in a speech at Pretoria, shattered any hopes of a peaceful settlement of the flag question. The Prime Alinister displayed an extraordinary truculent arrogant spirit. Air Herfzog admitted that when he returned from the Imperial Conference, he had desired to postpone for some years the flag question, but this he had found to be impossible. “AYe dare not wait any longer for a people’s flag,’’ lie said, “for the people oT South Africa. AYe see the disunity and the bitterness caused already, and therefore it is necessary to put a period to that feeling.” Air Hertzog proceeded violently to attack General Smuts, describing him as tho head of an “Empire group.” “AA r e want peace,” he continued, “and therefore the sooner that we settle the flag, question, the better.” The Prime Alinister described the opposition to the flag to the old “Jingo’’ spirit, hating tlie South African National movement. If the Government lost at the referendum, it would by no means l>e the eml of the flag question, for no national spirit was ever kept down by a foreign “Jingo spirit.” “The Government will mt take a single step to make the smallest amendment,” declared the Prime Alinister in conclusion.

THE COPRA BUYERS. APIA, Sept. ,26. The first witness at the Commission was Air Brady, the Alanager in Samoa for Burns, Phillip Ltd. He .said that lie had taken no part in the political agitation, hut he objected to the Administration buying copra from natives. The price that the Administration paid was higher than the merchants could give. The merchants had worked out their prices on their London returns, and all paid the same rates. Tho establishment of a trading station and stock cost one thousand pounds or more. For the Administration to compete with the merchants, who were charged substantial license fees, was unfair. He submitted figures to show that the merchants paid fair prices.

Air Alercditli cross-examined Air Brady and sought to show from witness’s figures that the profits of the merchants were greater than witness had contended. The net cost f.o.b. in Apia Varied, but the purchase price was not varied.

AA'itness said the Administration’s advances were practical I v a purchase. It was improbable that there would he any surplus from the London sales. His firm paid taxes and license fees to tho Administration and was entitled to protection.

AHTSSOLINI’S FAAHLY. ROATE, Sept. 26,

Signor Alussolini’s wife has given birth to a boy, this being their fourth child.