CABLES IN BRIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1920, Page 7

CABLES IN BRIEF.

By Telegraph.—Press Aasn—Copyright. The British Board of Trade returns for February show the imports to be I70V& millions sterling and exports 80 millions, increases of 63 millions and 39 millions respectively compared with. February of last year. The Imperial ex-service men's immisrratjon scheme has been extended to the end "of 1921. Ex-service men preferred Australia or New Zealand, but were going to Canada as plenty of shipping was available.

The official estimates issued indicate that the British >mtional expenditure for the year 1920-21 is estimated at 1187 millions, of which the Civil Services absorb 557 millions, interest on the National Debt 400 millions, the army 125 millions, the navy of 64 millions, the Air Force 21 millions, compared with a total of 20S millions, submitted in the spring of 1914, of which the Civil Services absorbed 02 millions, National Debt services ?A\ millions, the army 29 millions, nie nary 51 millions. The revised naval estimates for 191920 show a gr'o9s expenditure of 97 millions. The amount assigned to new construction is four millions, but this is entirely for the completion of vessels laid down during the war time. Contributions from India and the Dominiom;, excluding New Zealand, which |is still discussing the matter, total .C21a.000.

Outlining the naval estimates if Canada wishes to play a part in Empire affairs and protect her own shores. Admiral .loHiroo. in his report, which has been published, recommends one battlecruiser, i two light cruisers, si\" destroyers, four submarine!), two fleet minesweepers for purely port protective purpases, and recommends three light cruisers, one flotilla leader, twelve torpedo craft, right submarines, and one parent ship. Four suggestions, rangin? from five million sterling, are outlined. At Paris a meeting of" the Council of the League of Nations adopted resolutions to provide for the aupointment of a commission consisting of two members chosen by the Council, each of whom arc to be assisted hy two advisers. Two of these members, one an employer of labor and (he other a workman, will be proposed by the International Lahoi Bureau. The resolution adds that, the International Bureau may, if thought desirable, send a commission to Knssia specially to investigate the Labor questlot