LATE MESSAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 May 1942, Page 4

LATE MESSAGES

IMPORTS EMBARGO

WELLINGTON, May 25

Commenting on the British agreement to pay 15 per cent, extra for wool, the United Kingdom Manufacturers’ and New Zealand Representatives' Association states: This generous action raises the question whether the present time is not most opportune to reciprocate by abolishing the import embargo. This system was adopted in peace-time to restore New Zealand's oversea finance, but is now superfluous, because imports are controlled by the shipping available, and by Britain’s system of export control. The Association suggests that New Zealand can make one real contribution to reciprocal trade between the United Kingdom and New Zealand by abolishing the irksome and unnecessary import restrictions on United Kingdom goods. EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTION. WELLINGTON, May 25. Since the order was issued recently, restricting the engagement of workers in certain industries, there has been some speculation concerning the mariner in which offences against the new regulations will be brought to the notice of the authorities. The position was clarified to-day by the Minister of National Service, who announced that arrangements had been made for Labour Department Inspectors of Factories, in the normal course of their periodical visits to factories and shops, to verify that all the employees engaged since May 14, in shops covered by the Employment Restriction Order, have been employed with the approval of the local District Manpower Officer. Employers are, therefore, advised to retain the forms containing this officer’s authority, for inspection. Any offences against the order will be reported to the Director of National Service, so that appropriate action can be taken. JAPS. BOMB SHIP

SYDNEY, May 25. Attacked by waves of Japanese bombers, several hundred miles off the Australian coast, an Allied vessel had to be abandoned. After one plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, it dived like a blazing comet and crashed on the deck. Survivors, many of them injured, were picked up by an Allied warship, and landed at an Australian port. Out of the ship's crew of more than 200, fewer than 100 are believed to have been saved. Practically all the men on deck at the time of the attack were killed or wounded by bombs, while many of those below were baddy burnt by flame or scalded by escaping steam. “The Japs, got us with about 10 bombs, apart from the plane crashing on the deck, but I reckon we got about nine of them,”'said one of the crew, who suffered a fractured pelvis, and scalds. “The pilot of the plane which crashed on the deck came straight at us in a perfect dive. There was an explosion when he struck, and I believe everybody was killed. There was just one sheet of flame across the deck. The ship was well ablaze when the survivors abandoned her.”

After drifting on rafts and in a lifeboat for several days, the crew and survivors were spotted by an Allied plane, and latex - a destroyer rescued them. The ship was beyond salvage, and was sunk by gunfire.

GERMAN DISSENSIONS. LONDON. May 24. Goering’s establishment of a Council of Service Chiefs and Industrialists, is the second important German home front development at the weekend, says the “Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent, the othei’ being the dismissal of Darre. A remarkable feature of Goering’s move is that the Council does not include active members of the Nazi Party, apart from Goering himself. Practically all personally support Goering. The Council has decreed the introduction of more foreign workers, restricted holidays and longer hours. The Council includes Colonel Milch, General Fromm who is an old collaborator of Goering, also Paul Kleiger, of the Hermann Goering works and other military, naval and industrial personalities. Darre’s downfall was due to the breakdown of the German food policy, wherewith he was associated since Hitler came to power, hence he was chosen as a scapegoat. Darre’s successor is Herbert Backe, State Secretary under Darre, consequently no real policy change may be expected.

The foreign editor of “Reynolds’ News” is. of opinion that Hitler is planning a new purge of Nazi Party leaders. “Though it will be less drastic than the night of the long knife in 1934, it will involve many of the best known party chiefs. One of the first heads to roll into the basket is likely to be that of von Papen. Led by Goebbels and Ribbentrop, “The Papen-Must-Go” clique is stressing his failure to bring Turkey into the Axis orbit.”