GENERAL ITEMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16238, 23 November 1914, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. APPBECIATION OF JAPAN'S ACTION LONDON, November 20. The Daily Mail says that Japan's act will be thoroughly appreciated in Australia. It is characteristic of the solidarity prevailing between the Allies. The Daily News says it goes far to dissolve the fears and anxieties felt over Japan's entry into the war. GERMAN AEROPLANES. FACTORIES WORKING AT HIGH PRESSURE. LONDON, November 20. A Berlin telegram says that German aeroplane factories are working at high pressure. Ten thousand men have volunteered to learn flying. CONTROL OF THE PRESS. GREAT LACK OF JUDGMENT. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) LONDON, November 21. The Times, in a leading article, says that the Government has exercised the control of the press with singular incompetence and great lack of judgment. If wrong impressions are prevalent, critics ought to address their complaints to the Government and not the newspapers. WHEAT PRICES. BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POLICY. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) LONDON, 'November 21. In the House of Commons Mr Verney, in reply to a question, said he was glad of the opportunity of giving contradiction to the rumours that the Government was fixing the price of wheat solely in the interests of consumers.

EMBARGO ON RUBBER AND WOOL. REPRESENTATIONS FROM AMERICA. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) WASHINGTON, November 20. The United States State Department is endeavouring to persuade England to remove the embargo on the export to America of rubber and wool from any port of the British Empire. The United .States would be prepared to give England every possible guarantee against the reexportation of such raw material. AUSTRALIAN WOOL MARKETS. AMERICA STILL HOPEFUL. SUPPLY BADLY WANTED. WASHINGTON, November 21. (Received Nov. 22, at 3.30 p.m.) Britain has declined to agree to any modification of the embargo on Australian wool. American manufacturers still think that when the needs of the British army have been satisfied the United States may be allowed to enter the market, as a supply is badly required. REFUSE TO SURRENDER. GERMANS AT NEW IRELAND. SYDNEY, November 21. Recently a dozen Germans and a number of natives entrenched at Nurinatam Island, New Ireland, and refused to surrender. Troops have been sent to deal with the outlaws. THE RABAUL EXPEDITION. WOUNDED AND PRISONERS. SYDNEY, November 21. The Matunga brought 11 wounded members of the Rabaul expedition, also 13 German prisoners, who have been interned. THE BRITISH CONSUL. WHEREABOUTS ASCERTAINED. JOINS THE GARRISON. SYDNEY, November 21. The whereabouts of Mr Jolly, British Consul at Rabaul, have been ascertained. It appears that immediately war broke out the Germans took Mr Jolly to Kaewaeing, 170 miles from Rabaul. An expedition left on October 16 with a machine gun and a three-pounder. A few shots from the latter led the townspeople to show a white flag. The party landed and posted a proclamation. The Germans promised to return Mr Jolly. The following morning, leaving the garrison at 9 o'clock, the expedition sailed to Garden Island and captured three vessels containing quantities of dynamite, provisions, and rifles. Eight Germans and 60 natives were taken prisoners. Mr Jolly meanwhile had joined the garrison. He stated that he had received excellent treatment at the hands of the Germans.