TO-DAY’S NEWS IN BRIEF

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22804, 1 September 1939, Page 10

TO-DAY’S NEWS IN BRIEF

OVERSEAS CLIMAX AX HAND A sudden deterioration in the European situation is reported. The French newspapers are pessimistic and Polish Government circles take a grave view of the position. The Polish Navy has been ordered to take up battle positions and the newly mobilised troops are moving up to the frontiers. „ . Europe again looks to‘ Herr Hitler for the decision on peace or war. His reply to the latest British communication is now being awaited. HITLER’S REPLY TO BRITAIN It is reported that according to apparently authentic information received in diplomatic circles, Herr Hitler, in replying to Britain, made four points:—(l) He was prepared to negotiate with Poland; iZ) he desired the Polish negotiator with the Reich to visit Berlin yesterday: before undertaking any territorial guarantees, he would have to consult Russia; (4) before signing any agreement with Poland, he would have to consult Britain. As a prerequisite. he demanded Immediate possession of the Corridor and Danzig. POLISH PRECAUTIONS The extension of the Polish military measures is regarded in Berlin with the utmost gravity, states the Copenhagen correspondent of “The Times.” The German newspapers declare that the Polish decision to mobilise in the midst of negotiations is a very serious step which will require a fresh and rapid decision. 1 BREMEN DEPARTS The Bremen has been given a clearance and has left New York, after being held lor 40 hours by the United States Government. There are unconfirmed reports that two British destroyers are standing off Sandy Hook to convoy the Aquitania, which is carrying the former British Ambassador (Sir Ronald Lindsay), or to seize the Bremen in the event of war. BRITAIN’S OUTPUT OF AIRCRAFT A British official wireless message says that according to a well-informed writer in close touch with aircraft production interests. Britain’s output of military aircraft in recent months reached levels that challenge comparison with, and perhaps surpass, the achievements of any other - nation. • BLOCKADE AT HONG KONG It is estimated that 12.000 Japanese trcops are lining the frontier between Bias Bay and Nantao. The expectation that the Japanese are ending the blockade Is unfounded. NEW ZEALAND THE EXHIBITION The centennial exhibition will open cm the date originally fixed, November 8, whether the next few weeks bring peace or war. This decision was announced yesterday by the Mayor of Wellington •(Mr T, C. A. Hlslop), who is chairman of the exhibition company. Mr Hlslop \ announced that the Government approved the company’s (decision. COAL INDUSTRY The Minister for Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb) met representatives of the. miners and mine owners yesterday and appealed for co-operation in the production of enough coal to make importation unnecessary. He said that-unless that co-opera-tion was forthcoming he would rfevlse the Jiollcy followed in the control of mining eases, which would mean , short: time em- [ ployment. It would also make it almost impossible for any company to earn a profit. The conference was called to discuss the present stoppage in the Waikato district. i TRANSPORT BILL When' the 'Transport Law Amendment f 'Sill was under discussion in the House of Representatives yesterday the Minister for Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) said its fundamental object was to secure a greater degree of efficiency and safety on the roads. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates objected to some provisions of the bill not concerned with safety. He said it gave - protection to the: railways, and an advan- . tage to the 'Minister for Railways that he f ‘ had never enjoyed before. -He; doubted ( the wisdom of giving traffic inspectors the Power of arrest. ... r HOUSING IN WELLINGTON The Government’s intention was to build . 1000 bouses a year at Talta while land . >. •: was available, Mr H. E. Combs said yesterday. The urgency of the housing 9 problem in Wellington • was Increasing ( rather than diminishing, and he understood that when a large number of tradesmen came off the exhibition work shortly I ' the "department would accept the services r> of every one. ! WOMEN’S HOCKEY " -■ "“By beating Ashburton by 5 goals to 2 the Canterbury women’s hockey team won f section Aat the annual Dominion tourney r, and wm now mtet Eastern, the. whiner of : ' sections. In the final to-morrow. Ashbur--1 ton will play Felldlng to" decide the; right, to meet. Wellington for the Holden Cup,; lor third place. CUSTOMS RECEIPTS, Ky \ 1 ■A' fall of almost £IO.OOO in customs .duty r : was recorded at Christchurch in August. All other dues, except for light and misr . cellaneous.’’ were higher, the figures for , ..the month being. £3272.be10w the collocation for’August last year. •••. • • v i - For the five months of the financial year, i . the revenue at . more | ' corresponding period of the previous year. 1 RESERVE BANK RETURN , - An increase in sterling exchange of £237.312 Is shown in the Reserve Bank return this week. Sterling now stands at £9,000,208 in New Zealand currency.