BRITISH AFFAIRS.

Mataura Ensign, 12 January 1920, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS.

EXPANSION OF TRADE. A BIG YEAR EXPECTED. (By Telegraph—Tress Assn. —Copyright.) (Reuter’s Telegrams.) LONDON, January 9. In the House of Commons Sir Auckland Geildc.s made u statement, reviewing trade prospects. He said that the position was undoubtedly encouraging. lie pointed out that the position needed only the natmal increase in exports and the earnings of British vessels to secure a net favourable balance this year. In that case the year of 1920 would y ba a year of solvency in which the country would begin clearing off its debt abroad ami would resume investments in foreign countries and particularly the development of the Empire. With freedom from Labour disputes 1920 should give a bumper output from the British shipbuilding yards. He poimed out that the cotton and woollen industries were flooded with orders and likewise the engineering trades. The latter were only awaiting the settlement of the disastrous moulders’ dispute. THE IRONMOULDERS’ STRIKE. SETTLEMENT REJECTED. LONDON, January 8. The ironmouiders rejected the settlement by 10,718 votes to IM’iJU THE COAL ISSUE. PROFITS ON EXPORT TRADE. MINERS DEMAND A CHANGE. LONDON. January S. Tho executive of the Miners' Federation discussed tho soaring prices of export coal, which were tins a Inn in December compared with 49s in July. Whereas Sir Auckland Geddes estimated the year’s revenue from export bunker coal would be Hi 1,000,000 it has been 1:09,000,000 for six months. The Miners’ Federation decided to send a deputation to Mr Lloyd George to demand a higher wage as a decrease in living expenses. The miners accuse the owners of cutting down the supplies of domestic coal in order to secure large profits from export. The miners say that they will not continue to produce more coal without a higher wage, unless (he community benefits.

LABOUR AND GOVERNMENT. AS CAPABLE AS OTHER PARTIES. ]J)NDON, January 8, Mr Arthur Henderson, speaking at, Whines said that LaPour was not content to rest upon the results achieved nor satisfied with u precarious alliance Willi old parties.. Such an alliance meant compromise and Labour’s prim-iplttH admitted of no compromise. H was not suggested that the Labourites were all fully equipped to discharge the functions of Government. The same could be said of tho other parties. Nevertheless, Labour possessed men trained in public affairs who wore the intellectual equals 0 f the representatives of the other parties. The miners’ representatives have resolved to take stops to increase the number of miners’ candidates at the next election.

THE FIRE EPIDEMIC. BIG GERMAN LINER CLOSELY GUARDED. LONDON, January 8. Received January' 11, 5.5 pan. Owing lo (he, recent fire epidemic the Impendm was strictly guarded at the Liverpool dry dock.