LATE MESSAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 January 1939, Page 7

LATE MESSAGES

ROYAL COURTS.

LONDON, January 19.

It, is announced from Buckingham Palace that the first three of the five Courts will be held on March 9. 15 and 16, replacing the Courts normally held in May and June. Two will be held on July 12 and 13.

BRITAIN’S MEAT IMPORTS

LONDON, January 19

Beyond acknowledging Britain’s right to reconstitute the Empire Beef Council into an Empire Meat Council, Australia has not replied to inquiries The council adjourned and is again approaching Australia. There is a. possibility of a most delicate position arising, if the absence of a reply can be interpreted as meaning Australia does not recognise Britain ,s right to ask the Dominion’s voluntarily to accept restriction. Britain is hard pressed to meet the demands of the home farmers. The decision to instruct the Council to institute, control of mutton and lamb imports was made under strong pressure from the farming constituencies in which the- Government is endeavouring to revive its hold.

GERMAN CRUISER.

BERLIN, January 19.

The ten thousand tons cruiser Seydlitz was launched at Bremen. This is one of two light, cruisers of the 1936 programme, which were being armed with six-inch guns, but it is now revealed they are being equipped with eight-inch guns, mounted in four twin turrets to bring them into the heavy cruiser class. It is officially stated' that the alteration follows talks with Britain in December.

ITALIAN TRADE

ROME, January 19

Italy’s unfavourable trade balance lias been reduced by thirty-one millions sterling to £32,760,000. The chief factors are the reduction in imports from 151 to 121 millions sterling, and the increased exports, mainIv manufactures, from £ 5T,256,000 to £88,434,000.