GENERAL CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1921, Page 6

GENERAL CABLES.

HOSPITALS FOR. NEW POOR.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

London, May 6. The British Medical Association has made representations to the Ministry of Health that som% wards in the Workhouses should be set aside for paying patients from the classes of new poor with the privilege of attendance by their own doctors. Sir A. Mond promised to consider the request. HIGH COMMISSIONERS’ DINNER. London, May 6. The Prince of Wales has invited the High Commissioners of Canada, South [ Africa, and New Zealand to a private dinner on May 11.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REDUCTION OF WAGES. London, May 6. The Cotton Spinners’ Federation has decided!to reduce wages by 30 per cent. Following on the refusal of the cooks and stewards to accept a reduction, the shipowners state that from to-day they are only prepared to engage them at the reduced rates accepted by other ranks. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. INTEREST ON ALLIES’ DEBTS. Washington, May 6. Senator Norrie has introduced an amendment to the Soldiers’ Bonus Bill, proposing the immediate collection from the Allies of all accumulated interest on their war debts to the United States. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DUTCH PROTECTION. Washington, May 5. The Netherlands Embassy has issued a statement that the Dutch mineral resources are liberally applied in filling the world’s needs, and no more concessions will be extended for the exploitation of oilfields in the Dutch East Indies, but the Government of the Colony will either develop the oil fields or else do so by contracting with the companies previously authorised. The rpanaging and directing boards of these companies must be Dutch subjects. THE PEARL CONTROVERSY. London, May th The question of Japanese cultured pearls continues to cause mhch interest amongst jewel dealers. A statement has been issued on behalf of the trade that it is possible for experts to detect the difference between cultured and uncultured pearls. Two prominent dealers paid £20,000 each for a parcel of the cultured article. There have been remarkable scenes in the West End, where jewellers’ shops have been besieged from early morning by fashionably attired women anxious to learn whether their pearls are genuine.—Times Service. MR. MASSEY INTERVIEWED. Vancouver, May 6. Mr. Massey, in the course of an interview, said the British Dominions bordering on the Pacific Ocean must strengthen their naval defences. Commenting on the Anglo-Japanese agreement, he said there could be no objection to its renewal provided the Dominions were given the right to choose their own citizens. Any attempt to relieve New Zealand of. jts mandates over Pacific Islands or to change its Samoan policy* would be intolerable. —Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn. BANKERS AND ARMAMENTS. New York, May 5. A special commission of American Bankers’ Associations adopted a resolution urging a reduction in the naval and military estimates and expressing the wish that the influence of the United States will be exerted in promoting an amicable arrangement among all the nations for definitely limiting naval and military expenditure in the future.