VARIOUS CABLES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10567, 24 February 1912, Page 3

VARIOUS CABLES.

(United Trm Association—By Ek* trie Tckffraph—C'opyriyht.j BRITAIN AND GEE .MANY. TEEMS OF AGREEMENT. NO CAUSE FOR DIFFIDENCE. (Received February 23, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. The Daily Telegraph, from a wellinformed source, states that tho foundations of an understanding between Britain and Germany has been securely laid, but tho difficulty at present is that tho German Government, with its full knowledge of tho British, policy, has advanced beyond the. most influential Gorman public opinion. It only remains to convince the Germans .that thc.ro is no substantial cause for diil'orenes and also that an understanding wculd tend to"check the rivalry of naval armaments and pro-mote closer commercial relations.

BRITAIN'S AIMS. PRESS SYMPATHETIC. ALLIANCE SUGGESTED. (Received February 23, 8.15 a.m.) BERLIN, February 22. The Yossiche Zoitung, commenting on the coal crisis, declares that the domestic situation in England, tho imminence and terrible labour struggle about Homo Rule and tho reform of tho Lords explain the sudden desire for a,n arrangement with, Germany. A concensus of tho newspapers is _ sympathetic A German coal striko is unlikely. The KreuK Zeitung states that it is Britain's policy to hold firmly to her intimato relations with Franco and Russia, and lieni in Germany. The Post, representing the military party, urges the breaking off of negotiations with Lord Haklane and the establishment of a three-Empire alliance, giving Russia a free hand m Persia, Mongolia, and the Dardanelles. This plan would injuro Britain's and France's positions in tho Mediterranean, destroy the AngloBusshui friendship and gain reliable friends..

PERSIAN AFFAIRS. CHARGE REPORTED. PERSIAN INTERESTS. (Received February 23, 8.15 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. Mr A. A. YV. H. Ponsonby moved a,n amendment to tho Address-in-Rcply in tho House of Commons condemning the Government's failure to preserve tho integrity of Persia. Sir E. Grey refuted the charge that strategic interests were damaged. Some Russian, troops liad already been withdrawn and the Government had been assured that the rest would follow. Russia was also entitled to defend her stralegetic interests. The AngloRussian agreement limited the action of both powers. Russia's, influence in northern Persia was not affected, as it existed prior .to tho agreement. The amendment was withdrawn. RUGBY FOOTBALL.

INVITATION ACCEPTED. i (Received February 23, 8.15 a.m.) , CAPETOWN, February 22. The South African Rugby Union lias accepted tho English, invitation but has intimated its preference for i the 19.13 season-, if suitable. DESTINY OF AUSTRALASIA. MILLIONS OF POPULATION. I A WHITE MAN'S COUNTRY. I (Received February 23, 8.15 a.m.) j LONDON, February 22. ' A paper read before tho London School of Economics on the progress of Australia and New Zealand, stated that these countries were destined at no distant date to carry a population of scores of milions. They were essentially white men's countries. Tho writer detailed 'reasons anticipating tho rapid and giant strides to be made, and blamed the .Government for the inadequate passenger service. Mr W. Hall-Jones, High Commissioner for Now Zealand, presided. CHINESE FACTIONS. DISAGREEMENT AT ATHERTON. FREE FIGHT. (Received February 23, 1Q.40 a.m.) BRISBANE, February 23. Tho Chinese supporters of tho Re-

public- mid Manclnis had a pitched battle tit Athctiton. , Stones, bottles and other missiles were used, and several were injured on each side. The police interfered. Hcin.forccmcMi.ts for the Republicans Mfc Giirus for Atherton, some previously purchasing revolvers and ammunition. The police tire taking steps to preserve, peace. ENGLAND AND CANADA. NEGOTIATIONS OPENED. TOUR DAYS' SERVICE. (Received rVbruary 23, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. The Pall Mall Gazette states that ne.fotiation.s have been opened beween the Canadian Government and British capitalists with <a view to establishing a twenty-four knot service, thus bringing the Dominion within four davs of the the Motherland.