IN GERMANY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1930, Page 6

IN GERMANY

SUICIDES AND POVERTY

(United Press Association.—By Eleetri Telegraph.—Copyright.)

LONDON, Jan. 6

The Manchester Guardian’s Berlin correspondent states there lias been an abnormally large number of suicides there since the New Year. Between January Ist. and 3rd. there nave been thirty-one attempts at suicide, twenty-two of which were fatal. Many women gassed themselves. Others drowned, hanged or shot themselves. Two septuagenarians jumped from balconies. The dead include a well-known author, and a theatre manager, who was in financial straits. Many of the victims were workmen and business people, who had been reduced to desperation of unemployment and had trade.

Seasonal unemployment is now approaching the peak. At present there are sixteen hundred thousand throughout Germany who receive a dole. Many thousands have exceeded the dole period.

The total workless number 2,200,090 and they are expected to increase. Despite there being mild weather the distress is acute.

IN AUSTRALASIA

THE HAGUE, Jan. 0

The Australia and Now Zealand delegations have l>egun negotiations with the German delegates regarding the German property which Australia and New Zealand had confiscated in war time. If they are not concluded here, these negotiations will be continued in Berlin.