GENERAL CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1920, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Lisbon reports that the Premier, M Baptiata, died suddenly during a Cabinet meeting. * Sydney reports the weather is bitterly cold as a result of a fall of snow in the highlands. Saturday was the coldest June day since 1882. The cold is causing losses among the emaciated' stock in the drought areas. For all practical purposes, the United States State Department recognised Mexico yesterday, when the Mexican Rmbassy was handed over to Torrjo Diaz, who will act as Charge d'Afl'aires. Certain changes were made in the Embassy staff, and business is progressing smoothly between the United States ami Mexico. At the Housing Congress in London, Mr. Seager, of New Zealand, moved a. motion in favor of a properly equipped children's playground within a quarter of a mile of every homo and properly organised shopping centres within easy distance of all residential places. This was defeated by 78 votes to 70.

Since the rain in New South Wales, the long-delayed ploughing in the wheat area is being feverishly pushed ahead. It is now assured that the area sown will largely require re-sowing, but large areas which appeared doomed have been given a new start.

The Paris Matin states that the conference will be held at Spa on July 5, meanwhile- Mr. Lloyd George and M. Millerand will meet midway between London and Paris.

The Ukrainians have abolished th» remains of the Bolshevik system of nationalisation. Poland and the Ukraine are unable alone to bear the burden of rehabilitation, and' would welcome outside help. All Europe is interested in the re-opening of the southern door of Russia's granary.

The official rationing of household coal ceases in Britain on June 7. While pithead prices will be controlled as hitherto, tiie control of wholesale and retail prices ceases, but measures will be taken to prevent profiteering by dealers, awl householders are asked to secure reserve stocks during the summer. Control for export and bunkering continues.

Replying to a question, Mr, Lloyd George said it had not been decided to transfer the Dominions Department of the Colonial Office to the Lord President of the Council. In regard to a question whether it was proposed to transfer to the Colonial Office the responsibilities of the Foreign Office in regard to Palestine, Egypt and the Sudan, and the responsibilities of the India Office in regard to Mesopotamia, Central Arabia and Aden, tho Premier said no decision had been taken in regard to the administration of the mandatory territories under the Turkish Treaty.