BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1927, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[.Australian & N.Z. Cablo Association.]

MR BRUCE AT SUVA

SUVA, Jan. 28. -Mr Bruce w,:\s the guest of Governor Hutson this morning, mud subsequently ot Mayor Marks at a civic reception. Speaking at the latter, Air Bruce reviewed the position of the Empire as the result of the Imperial Conference. He said the status of the .sell governing Dominions was now clearly defined. The principle of full partnership and joint responsibility has been definitely established. This was not without its significance to what he termed the dependent colonies of the Empire. The path of their national evolution was clearly blazed. Australia and other Dominions hail been where Fiji and other colonies now

were. What the former had become was possible to all. The process in lib opinion, would not. he'as slow us one was apt to think, particularly as far as the Pacific. Islands were enccriicd. '1 lie rapid growth of larger pacific countries and expanding trade would increase the international importance of this great ocean, and would accelerate development to an enormous extent. They would advance together and the time would undoubtedly come, when Fiji would be the centre of an important Pacific Island Empire, stretching across the ocean and handed together by common interests, enjoying the fullest rights of independent self government and partnership in the larger British Empire. It was a great thing to have faith in one's own country and to know that her progress was definitely assured. Jt was an even greater thing to belong to the Empire which would ensure that development in pence and safety, granting new freedom and gru.iter status with every progressive step.

CABLE CHARGES. LONDON, January 27. Thu simultaneous announcement of a reduction in the cable rates on both Fa'strn and Pacific routes came in the nature of a most pleasant surprise. Originally the Pacific Hoard intended introducing on Ist January, the complete new tariff cabled on December 12th, but this was delayed owing to the British Posi, Office requiring further consideration of its proportion of the cut. The whole thing was hung up until 24tli January, when the Post Office intimated its acquiescence and informed the Commonwealth accordingly. Australian approval was received only this afternoon, and the reduction was instantly announced. It is understood the Pacific Board and Eastern Coy recently conferred on the date from which the reduction should be operative. March Ist was first suggested but the Pacific in view of the previous delay preferred Ist I* ebruary. It is understood the reduction in rates from the United States to Australia will shortly he arranged and then the whole tariff (cabled on December 13th) will he in force on the AH Red route.

AN APPEAL ALLOWED. LONDON. Jan. 27. The Privy Council allowed with costs, the New Zealand appeal Crown Milling Company and others versus the King. FRENCH APPROVAL. PARIS, Jan. 27. “Le Matin” states the inter-Allied Committee provisionally approved of portion of the Berlin agreement regarding 'Germany’s outstanding disarmament obligations. Only the endorsement of the Ambassadors Conference is needed to make it effective. 31. Pertcrax says a compromise Ims already been reached regarding the fortresses in eastern Germany. Tie Ambassadors Conference lengthily discussed it.

CABLE RATES. LONDON. Jan. 27. The Pacific cable rates from England and Canada to Australia are lieing reduced to the same as the Eastern from February Ist. It is gathered that the Eastern Company learned from Australia of the Pacific’s intention to operate reductions, which enabled the Eastern to anticipate the Pacific’s public announcement by a few hours. A new Bill outlining; the re-organi-sation decided upon at the Imperial Conference is now being dratted It is hoped it will he released by the British Parliament before 31st. March, the end of the Board’s financial year. The Board has no information of any action vet taken by the Commonwealth Government to appoint a successor to Mr

Oogliwan. LITTLE FRENCH WARS. CONST A TIN OP T /K. Jan. 27. It is reported that'fighting has broken out again between the French and the Druses, and that it is in progress all over Syria.

The insurgents claim that they have brought down three French aeroplanes. French troops, after a forced march through snow, and after suffering terrible hardships, surrounded a notorious chief named llammnu, and his hand of followers, :upou the snolw-oovered heights of the Beni-Ourain mountains, where they determined to sell their lives dearly. Mammon and his chief supporters fell fighting. The remainder were captured.

THE PRINCIPALS CONTRASTED LONDON. January 28.

In tl:o Wright v. Viscount Gladstone case, Wright, the plaintiff, is a man of medium, height, with his hair turning grey.. He has the deepest of tired eves, with a monocle, with which fie never ceased to fidget while in the witness box. Viscount Gladstone was sitting a few feet below. He fixed Wright steadily through his horn-rimmed spectacles. with a mild, pentrating gaze, which hardly wavered. There were at least fifty bewigged counsel in the Court, apart from tTose engaged in the case, while the throng of the public that were seeking admittance showed that the general belief among the public was that the principle involved in the case was the reputation of “The Grand Old Man,’ who was buried twenty-nine years ago. The crowded court was hushed as Wright reeled off famous names, such as those of Mrs Lily Langtry. Mrs O'Shea, and Olga Novikoff. NIGHT CLUB RAID. LONDON. .January 27. The ease against the Kitcat Club, the well-known night club, was heard to-day. It was raided by the police as previously cabled, when many distinguished persons were present. The Club's register is suspended for three months. I lie Maymarket Proprietary was fined £560 with £l5O costs, and Colonel Jones £350 and £2lO costs.

PRINCE CAROL. VIENNA. January 27. Prince Carol and Princess Helen are to meet at Rapollo very shortly. The ostensible purpose of the meeting is Prince Carol’s wish to see his son Michael. A LITTLE ON ACCOUNT. BERLIN, January 27. Tt is understood that the Rritish Government has paid Germany two hundred thousand sterling, being the first instalment of compensation due to German prisoners, for the work done by them while in captivity in Britain MAIL ROBBERY. DELIQUENTS PUNISHED. LONDON, January 27. Walker was sentenced to three years’

penal servitude, Boswortli two years’ hard labour; Henley nine months’ hard labour and Barnett five months’ imprisonment in connection with the seashore mail robbery cabled on November Oth.