GENERAL ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1915, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

NOTES FROM THE TIMES. GERMAN, INTRIGUERS UN JAPAN. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Dec. -28. The Times' Tokio correspondent says that the anti-British tone of a section of the Japanese press has provoked a protest by English newspapers and aroused resentment among British residents. The most disparaging language is used, and British characteristics are offensively compared with German. Count Isliii, discussing the situation, said the criticism was unworthy of serious attention, and it did not reflect the sentiments of the masses, still less those of tlie leaders responsible for Japan's foreign -policy. He believes AngloJapanese relations are too firmly established to be affected by the statements of a solitary ill-advised and irresponsible newspaper.

In spite of the disclaimer it is observable that the criticisms have not brought defensive utterances from responsible politicians. More official activity and greater publicity given to the value of the Anglo-Japanese relations would have a good effect in helping to defeat the German campaign of lies, which is damaging Britain in the Far East. TOO LATE. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received Dec. 29, 5.5 p.m. ' London, Dec. 28. Mr. Bourchier, reporting from Bucharest (in n. delayed message dated Dec. 12), says: The Turco-Germans are most actively preparing an immense' offensive at Gallipoli. Munitions have arrived, and there is the utmost confidence. There will be enormous effects in the Moslem world, and German officers are elaborating the details. Six forty-two centimetres and two batteries of Austrian 3-50 milliometres. will be used. The German submarines in the Mediterranean are estimated to number fifteen. The Germans are making an effort to improve Turkish relations. The Goeben's band discourses twice daily in the new Turco-German gardens at Constantinople. MORE QUARRELS. A serious quarrel broke out owing to the German officers' indiscreet partiality for Turkish ladies, and a violent scene took place between Enver Pasha and General von Liman Sanders, and he sternly admonished tho naval men who were confined to their ships after dark. Had the Allies attacked General von der Goltz's army in Thrace recently, prior to the arrival of munitions, the story of Gallipoli would have been changed. It is believed in Bucharest that the Entente are preparing for an eitensive offensive in the Balkans, and are only awaiting tho concentration of great forces. They are risking the detaching of Roumania, which has been impressed by German frightfulness, by disembarking insufficient forces. CHEAP POOD WANTED. Serious food riots took place at Deminitz in the Christ Day procession. Women went to the town hall crying, "Cheap food." They broke the windows and defied the soldiery. The cavalry drove them back, injuring eleven. ANZAC CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE. Captain Bean edited a Christmas magazine at Anzac. Verse, prose, and drawings poured in voluminously, and the magazine is being published in London shortly. DISCONTENT IN RUSSIA. Russian censors have prohibited external telegrams for several weeks, but messages now coming in report that there is considerable dissatisfaction at tho failure of the Government to summon the Duma, the discontents not regarding as convincing that the official reason for the postponement is that the Budget is not ready. The malcontents are in an infinitesimal minority, and an influential press majority states that the nation is determined to prosecute the war to the utmost, declaring that this is no time for domestic controversy. SERBIA YET UNBEATEN.

A Paris journalist interviewed King Peter at Valona. He said: "I am no longc-r King. The Crown Prince commands the army and is the General at the top. lam a plain soldier, ready to obey. My soldiers withdrew owing to hunger and fatigue, but when revictualled and rested they will fight again. My people must triumph, because their cause is just." BULGAR-GERMAN BRAWLS.

Bucharest reports that Bulgar-German officers' brawls are frequent. The Bulgarians are most uneasy regarding Germany's domination, and it is feared that the treasury will be despoiled, German troops have displaced the Bulgar garrison. PIGS FOR GERMANY. Sofia says that ' the Serbian live stock is to be removed to Germany, and that are to be held in Berlin markets at voluptuous prices. A CROCODILE'S PLAINT. Professor Zorn, sanctioned by Herr von Bethmann Hollweg, states that Germany does not think of world supremacy, but only wants to live in peace in her own country. When it is understood that Germany is only warring to save her existence peace will come.