MISCELLNEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1928, Page 2

MISCELLNEOUS ITEMS

(Glided Press Association.—By Electric 'telegraph. —Copy right.) SOVIET AND CATHOLICS. LONDON, April 16. The ‘’Daily Mail’s” Berlin correspondent states: The Bolsheviks ordered the Roman Catholic clergy to sign an impossible declaration, pledging them to accept the Soviet’s anti-rc-lijgious legislation, including their prohibition of the teaching of religion to children under the ago of sixteen years, also pledging them to refuse obedience to their bishops, and to abstain from relations with the Pope, except through the Soviet. The priests, on failing to sign such declarations, will he transported to the dreaded Solo-vetz Island in the White

PIRATE OFTRACE. , HONGKONG. April 17. Another -outrage has been committed by the nnloriou-i Bias Bay pirates who hoarded the Chinese steamer

“H Lit wall” from Shanghai to- Hongkong. They staged the coup at sea, and gained control of the vessel, taking her to Bias Bay. Captain Jenson Chief Officer Lion.-, and others were taken ashore'' while a valuable cargo was unloaded. Later a Chinese gunboat appeared and the pirates made off. tal ving the booty with them. Five passengers were also taken as captives. Captain Jenson signalled the gunboat, and a pursuit party landed, hut was unable to overtake the pirates who gained the security of the hills. SNOBBERY IN ITALY. ROME. April 17.

Those boasting of "Mv Triend, tin Minister.” in order to impress thoii neighbours socially, may find them selves in the hands of the police, tin dor the latest Fascist ban. aiming a the suppressing of snobbery in Italy.

The Minister of the Interior has eir cularised the Prefects to the ofl'cc: that they are to take energetic men slices against all who. in order to ad v.-uice their own questionable end.' boast of their friendship, acquaintance or relationship with persons in positions of public importance or with members of tho Government or high Fascist authorities.