COMMONWEALTH NEWS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 11 August 1914, Page 8

COMMONWEALTH NEWS.

(Received Aug. 11, 12.30 p.m.) SYDNEW Aug. 11. Mr Stuart, manaj.*:- of the Royal Packet Steam Navigation Company has received a cable from the head office at Amsterdam, dated Saturday, stating that Dutch neutrality is fully maintained and respected. No Dutch troops are joining Belgium's. The Consul-General for the Netherlands at Melbourne also wires to emphatically deny that Dutch troops have joined the Belgians. His view is that : Holland's strict neutrality has been rigorously maintained. The Master Retailers* Association endorsed the action of the Chamber of Commerce in recommending the trade not to increase'prices of commodities until compelled to pay more, and also agreed to pay volunteer employees the difference between their wages and the Government pay. The Pacific and Oriental Company indicates that it intends to maintain mail sailings as usual. Squatters are offering horses for the expeditionary force. A number of ministers have volunteered to accompany the force, and probably the Dean of Sydney will be senior chaplain. i Lady Patey has formed a branch of the Royal Naval Friendly Union for sailors' wives. MELBOURNE; Aug. 11. The Hampden and Cl. u-urry copper mines have closed pendi.' - negotiations tor financing their output of blister copper. A thousand men are affected. Ihe tin mines at Emm;>vii!e are ceasing and the men are returning to the cities to enlist. The official transfer of the fleet and men to Imperial control has been gazetted.