GENERAL CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1919, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES.

PACIFIC PROBLEMS. London, May 7. Mr. Guy ScholeCeld's book on "Pacific Problems" is a comprehensive work. It condemns the system of high commissioners which ha? been our fate for 31 years. It also foreshadows a customs union of the- Pacific Islands, and advocates the abolition of the condominium iu the New Hebrides, which at present is an ideal case foi- mandatory government, if France would accept the Rritish as tho mandatory Power.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn

THE TEA TAX. London, May 12. 'it the House of Commons, Mr. Tom Shaw moved for the removal of the Imperial on tea, of which 87 per cent, came from British colonies. Mr. Chamberlain said the amenJment was directed against preference in general. The Government two years ago accepted the principle on Imperial produce from all the Dominions and urged its acceptance. The amendment was negatived by 262 to 63. ■ Mr. Chamberlain resisted an amendment reducing the tea lax from lOd to 3d, and this was negatived by 285 to 03.'

CYCLONE AT SOLOMON ISLANDS. Received May 13, 9 p.m. Sydney, May 13. A Solomon Islands cyclone wrecked the native plantations and did other damage. The steamer Tambo obtained food supplies from Nauru, and returned to the Solomons to relieve the native distress. DOMINIONS ARMY UNIT. Received May 13, 5.5 p.m. London, May 12. Warm support is given to the proposal to form an Imperial Army unit, to keep alive .Dominion Maditiohs in ißritish military life by the creation of a regiment of Imperial Guards, to be commanded, officered, and manned by Dominionites.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.