WILD SCENES IN BERLIN.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2776, 18 October 1923, Page 5

WILD SCENES IN BERLIN.

DEMAND FOR BREAD & COAL.

MENACING SITUATION . TURNED IN TIME. NEW BANKING SCHEME. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Wednesday, 10.10 p.m.) BERLIN. Oct. 16.

The situation in tho centrp of tlio capital at noon was menacing. Excited crowds, numbering thousands, including women, packed the streets surrounding the Town Hall, plundered two bakeries, held up motor cars,- and threatened to throw them info the Spree.' They refused to disperse, and the police were forced to use their bayonet’s and swords and fired their revolvers. Finally a deputation waited on the Burgomaster and demanded immediate relief In the form of ten milliard marks and tWa loaves apiece, also coal-and meals.' They left upon the Burgomaster promising to give their demands favourable considera. tion. The Rcnten Bank has a subscribed capital qf three milliard Rentcn marks, subscribed in equal parts by agriculture on tho one hand and industry, trade, and commerce on tho other, RHINELAND STATE.

AUTONOMY WITHIN THE REICH LONDON, Oct, IC.' The “Daily Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent states that in order to forestall the complete separation of the Rhineland from Germany, President Ebert is being strongly urged to proclaim the Rhineland an autonomous state within the Reich, giving it freedom from Prussia. The Rhenish bourgeoisie support* complete separation from the Reich, because they believe the country can thus rid itself of Its reparations obligations. NEW CURRENCY SYSTEM. NOTES WITH FULL BACKING. BERLIN, Oct. IG. Under the dictatorial powers conferred by the Emergency Law, the Gocernment has decided t'o launch a now currency scheme, largely on the lines of the “Bodcnmark” scheme. The new unit af currency will, however, bo called the “Rontcnmark.” It will bo issued by a new privately owned bank, called the Retenbank, and will bo backed by gold and securities. The Rentenbank will place 1200 million Rcteumarks’ at the disposal of the Government. Paper marks will also be legal tender.