TO-DAY'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Evening Star, Issue 26153, 15 July 1947, Page 1

TO-DAY'S NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

IN THE DOMINION Army Gratuities. —As a result of protests men who enlisted in the New Zealand forces while living in Britain are .now to receive their gratuity at overseas rates, instead of, as formerly, at home rates. ■ . 1 . ■Rates of Wages. —Cross-examined on behalf of the Federation of Labour on his evidence in the Arbitration Court yesterday, Professor A. H. Tocker. said to-day that the demand for labour would look after wage rates, and no general was necessary. No Wharf Work at Lyttelton.— Ship owners have expressed concern at the Lyttelton waterside workers stopping work yesterday as a protest against police methods in' detecting theft of cargo. - They declare that pillaging has increased enormously. Centennial Music Festival. —The New Zei land Broadcasting Service has engaged Isobel Baillie, noted English soprano, as soloist for ‘ Elijah ’ in the Music Festival next year, and will engage two British soloists for. 1 Carmen.’ Saturday Closing. —Poll taken of Wellington housewives reveals opposition to Saturday closing of food shops, and the suggestion is made that Wednesday bo the closing day. OVERSEAS , China.— : A leader of the North China Democratic League claims that the Government policy of suppressing Opposdion criticism by force is driving Chinese Liberals to Communism.

Greece. —A Greek Government communique claims that rebels and Albanians, who entered.,Greek territory near Konitsa, have been defeated and are retreating. Ruhr _ Coal. —The British Government will send a team of experts to Washington to‘discuss the production and distribution of Germany’s Ruhr coal. India. —When the new Indian Independence Bill was being considered in the House of Commons it was stated that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands would pass to the new India. _ Grey Days in Britain.— Opinion in Britain is that a crisis, economic and political, can be expected early next year. ANNIVERSARIES 1606.—Dutch painter, Rembrandt, born.. 1685.—Monmouth beheaded. 1819.—First steamer voyage (Savannah) between New York and Liverpool : 2G days. 1858.—City <>f Venezuela - (South America) destroyed by earthquake; 800 lives lost. 1870. —War declared between Prussia and France. 1387.—Dunedin Sailors’ Rest opened. 1918.—Third German offensive; second Battle of the Marne begins., 1933.—F0ur-Power Pact signed. 1943. —Russians launch big offensive against Germans. 1944. Eighth Army captured Arezzo.