GENERAL ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1916, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

NOTES FROM THE TIMES. AN ABSURD STQItt. i Tinips and Sydney Sun Services: j Received Jan. 22, ."i.5 p.m. London, Jan. 21. In the Mouse of Commons Mr. McNeill asked if Sir K. Grey was aware that the French Government in August, JOl4, prevented a French Admiral from pursuing- the Goeben and 13reslau and sinking them at Constantinople, because England objected to annoy Turkey. Sir 10. Grey: No. Mr. McNeill: The story is circulated amongst neutrals. .Sir E. Grey said lie had not heard of> the story before, and in reply to another question said he would inquire of the Admiralty.

DECREASE OF THE MARK. Germany is concerned at the fall of tlie mark in Holland and Scandinavia, fliid is sending a 'committee of German bankers to Holland to' endeavour to brace up the value. Meanwhile ' the mark continues to steadily decline. GENERAL JOFFRE ON •UNITY; • The French National Union of Railwaymen visited General Jollrc, and had a close interview. General Joft'TO 'said:'.' —''Let the. civilians stand fast. It is essential for tho French people, to bo steadfast if victory is to lie ours. I cannot say whether it will be immediately or in the near future. 1 am doing my duty; let everyone do his according to his capacity and position. We must stick together until victory is won. , A DECEIVED RULER. I.e Matin thinks tfiflt possibly Ills entourage deceived King Nicholas of the possibility of an... honourable peace, and that he is subsequently perceiving his humiliation in Austria prematurely announcing a total surrender in order to provoke rejoicings. CAPTAIN BEAN. '' A VISIT TO THE WEST FRONT. Received Jan. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, .Tan. 22. Captain Bean has visited the Westi front, and is shortly returning to Egypt. His visit, was designed to afford a comparison of the methods in France with those at the Dardanelles. Captain p.ean studied the construction of the trenches and earthworks, which are accepted as a standard, and the knowledge will lie use: fill to him in compiling Ms histor- of the war at Gallipoli. t

A PIECE OF BLUFF. WOOD PULP FROM SWEDEN. PROHIBITION OF EXPORT NOT ' ABSOLUTE. London, Jan. 22. Sweden's prohibition of wood pulp lias occasioned excitement in newspaper offices. There have been many private meetings, and also conferences of the Board of Trade, but some consider that the action is a piece of bluff. There is very little exporting done till May, and, moreover, a prolonged prohibition will have a ruinous effect in Sweden. Advices from the Swedish Board of Trade indicate that the prohibition only affects chemical, not mechanical, pulp. The prohibition is not absolute, as exportation licenses will be granted.'