TO-DAY’S NEWS IN BRIEF

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22768, 21 July 1939, Page 10

TO-DAY’S NEWS IN BRIEF

OVERSEAS ANTI-BRITISH MOVE IN CHINA The Peiping correspondent oi “The Times" says the latest Japanese-sponsored move in the anti-British campaign is the publication of half-page newspaper advertisements asking all Chinese to leave British employment Immediately and Chinese landlords to cancel house leases With Britons Those not complying will be treated as disturbers of the effort to establish a new order in Asia and suitably punished. WAR PLANS IN DANZIG German sappers are speeding up the anti-tank defences in Danzig, where the situation is described as more tense. Military lorries without registration plates brought in 20 anti-tank guns and ammunition. It is reported that the British Government has noted approvingly the Polish warning against a putsch in Danzig. 17.3. NEUTRALITY The "New York Times" in a leading article which labels the postponement of the neutrality legislation as “an invitation to war," declares that the goodwill and moral support, and in the long run. the physical power of the United States, will be found on the side of those nations defending the way of life which Americans believe to be the only one . worth living It expresses the opinion that the Senate's action will bring satisfaction in Berlin and Rome, where it will be read as evidence that American foreign policy Is still uncertain and confused and still working at cross purposes. AID FOB SHIPPING The President of the Beard of Trade (Mr Oliver Starley). in the House of Commons, moved the second reading of the Shipping Assistance *tlU, which proposes to grant assistance to British merchant shipping up to a limit of £10,000.000 spread over two years. He said the Government was constituting a committee to consider applications for assistance to liners on their merits. It would be recessary to show that because of foreign subsidised competition a line was endangered. CHURCH APPLIES BAN The virtual excommunication from the Catholic Church of jnembers of the Irish Republican Army has been applied by the prison chaplain at Dartmoor refusing the Sacraments to nine young men serving long terms for the recent bomb outrages. Relatives are -contemplating an appeal to Rome. BRITAIN AND THE SOVIET The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times" says fresh instructions are being sent to the British Ambassador in Moscow (Sir William Seeds). The Russians declare that the British are apt to read too much into their formulae, while the British declare the Russians read too little In theirs. TRADE OF HONG KONG It is reported from Hong Kong that the trade of the colony with China dropped by £6£00,000 during the first six months of 1939. The total trade with all countries increased by £3.400,000 compared with the first six months of 1938. NEW ZEALAND RESERVE BANK RETURN The Reserve Bank return this week shows a very -small, increase in the sterling bolding; The note issue is still running at a high level, and total deposits have increased. There has also.been an expansion in advances. NEW POLITICAL PARTY The formation of»a new political party with the stated objective of giving expression to the views of small farmers end others has been begun in Hawke’S Bay. Hie' party- will have' no connexion with the Labour 'Party, the chief organiser statedTHE PORT BOWEN Late last night th“ steamer Fort Bowen v/as .stilt aground;,off Wanganui. Three tigs.- the Terawhlti,,the • Tola, and - the Kahenui .are, on the scene, and a combined effort was .to. he made early this morning to refloat" the stranded vessel. At high tide yfesterday only the Terawhiti was able to 'work.-as the Kahanul had a hawser foul of one propeller, and was temporarily unable to assist. The Tola arrived from Wellington last evening. The Lyttelton n will be sent to the scene if the owners of the Port Bowen require ber presence. IMPORT OF MUTTON After outlining the difficulties lacing New Zealand because of the restriction Imposed by the British Government on mutton importations, Mr H. D. Acland said yesterday at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ and Farmers’ Federation that it might be necessary to Impose a weight restriction on sheep carcases.. DISMISSAL OF MEN . About 390 of the 500 men employed by the State Housing Department In Auckland on clearing and development work aye to be dismissed. They will be oifered other work under the Public Works Department. The action is described officially as an -economy and reorganisation measure. EXCHANGE BATE *1 am more than ever convinced that the only way out of our present difficulties Is by raising the exchange rate.” said Mr H. D. Acland yesterday in his presidential address to the New Zealand Sheepowners*. and Farmers’ Federation.