CABLE SUMMARY.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 20 February 1920, Page 3

CABLE SUMMARY.

1 NEWS IN BBIF.r. ' Sydney, February 18. t The engineers are issuing a writ I against the State Savings Bank, in order to test the validity of the bank I withholding their funds. [A few days ago. Mr llughes took the drastic step of forbidding the payment, of any moneys to engineers on strike, so that the men have been unable even to withdraw money from their private banking accounts.] Speaking at an election meeting, Mr W. A. Holman (Premier of New South Wales) quoted official figures showing that the loss of wages in Australia in past years through strikes amounted to four millions.

The Necessary Commodities Commission, inquiring into the price of boots, has decided to lift the proclamation fixing the prices prevailing on Sth January, owing to the increasing cost of hides. Manufacturers state that the factory price exceeds the retail. New York, February 18.

S Mr Hoover in a speech saiu: "Most I of the world's problems are predominantly economic, and if America is to contribute to the cause of civilisation she must first solve her own problems. America's own productivity is decreasing." London, February 16.The Supplementary Estimates provide £20,000 for the Prince of Wales' tour. Melbourne, February 18. Cabinet has decided in view of the injury to the Prince of Wales' hand while in America through excessive hand-shaking, to ask people to merely bow when they meet His Royal Highness Washington, February 17. The International Red Cross at Geneva has addressed an appeal to President Wilson declaring that if the Allied Powers do not give quick and full aid to the Armenians the latter will not only bow to Turkish domination, but be completely destroyed.

A resolution has been introduced into the iSenate asking President Wilson whether any agreement has been mode with Britain regarding the disposition of German ships offered for sale by tho Shipping Board.