CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25088, 21 January 1947, Page 7

CABLE NEWS IN BRIEF

South Pacific Air Conference.— Mr Glen A. Gilbert, consultant to the administrators of the Civil Aeronautfcs Administration, will head the United States delegation to the South Pacific regional air navigation meeting of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organisation in Melbourne on February 4. The meeting will be the fifth of a series called oy P.1.QA.0. to determine international requirements for the safety of aerial flights and related matters.—Washington, January 19. British Honduras Controversy/—A move to submit the controversy over the proposed British colonisation of the Belize territory (now British Honduras) to the International Court of Justice ended in a deadlock when Britain rejected Guatemala’s proposal that the political, geographical, and economic aspects of the dispute as well as the juridical ones be submitted to the Court. Britain contended that only the juridical aspects should be submitted.—Guatemala City, January 19.

Malayan Constitution Opposed.— Three hundred delegates, lepresenting 86 associations and unionS in Singapore and Jqhore at a meeting of the Malayan Democratic Union, decided to condemn the constitutional proposals. —Singapore, January 19. Australian Ship Reaches Port.—The motor-ship Empire Conifer, which called for assistance in the Great Australian - Bight on Thursday, has reached Port Adelaide under her own power. When the vessel, which was allotted to Australia as part of German reparations, reported engine trouble, a powerful tug was sent to her assistance. A later message, however, reported. she could maintain six knots and was no longer in danger.— Adelaide, January 20.

Thousands Visit Pamir.— Thousands of people inspected the New Zealand four-masted barque Pamir at Circular quay during the week-end, when the sailing ship was open for public inspection at 2s a head. Wooden gangplanks were erected above the decks, and people had to be barred from climbing the rigging. The proceeds went to the Flying Angel Merchant Service Club and the merchant navy war memorial appeal, which will benefit by at least £looo.—Sydney, January 20.

Cargo’s Long Trip to Brisbane.— Cargo from the steamer Sarpedon, which was declared black at Australian ports and forced to leave without discharging, has reached Brisbane at last in the freighter Glenartney. The cargo had travelled in the Sarpedon from Singapore to Sydney, back to Singapore, and then by the other freighter to Brisbane, covering 13,030 miles, of which 8530 were wasted. The goods are a British consignment of household items, cotton, silks, and piece goods.—Brisbane, January 20.

Australian Beach Disappears.—McKenzie’s Beach, which makes an annual appearance between Bondi and Tamara, Sydney, and which usually stays for three months, has vanished again a little before schedule. Between Christmas and New Year thousands surfed on a firm sandy beach more than 80 feet long. To-day only jagged rocks are visible. The only explanation for the appearances and disappearances of the beach is the seasonal set of currents along the coast. Heavy seas which drive the sand in in December are also responsible for removing it later.—Sydney. January 20. British Adjutant-General in Australia.—The Adjutant-General of the British Army (Sir Richard O’Connor) has arrived on a five-day vteit to Australia and will attend a meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Melbourne on January 21. Afterwards he will go to Japan.—Darwin, Jan. 20.

R.A.F. Changes.—Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Barratt, Inspector-General of the Royal Air Force since October. 1945, has relinquished his post pending his retirement. Air Marshal Sir Norman Bottomley. Air Officer Command-ing-in-Chief, Bomber Command, will succeed him. Air Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders, formerly Chief of Staff, R.N.Z.A.F., will become Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command.—London, Jan. 20.