A STEP FORWARD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16836, 27 December 1928, Page 7

A STEP FORWARD

REPARATIONS DISCUSSION AMERICA TO PARTICIPATE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.' (Australian Press Assn.- United Service.) NF.W YORK, December 24. The New Times’ Washington correspondent says the Stale Department issued the following statement today: “The Secretary informed Sir Esme Howard that if the Governments desire American experts to serve upon the experts committee on reparations the L'tilted States had no objection. lL is understood that a choice of these experts will be made, and they will be appointed bv those Governments. Tims, unofficial American participation in the German reparations question is assured. It is expected that the United States will be asked whether the Allied Powers’ choice is acceptable to it. It is believed here that the settlement of the reparations problem \yiil pave the way for French ratification of the war ’debt agreement with the United States. Among the names of American experts suggested are those who served on the original Reparations Committee, and Mr. Dwight Morrow, of the J. P. Morgan Co. It is also understood that 21.4 per cent, of the German reparations payments allocated to the United Stales cannot be changed in the new adjustment. APPRECIATION IN FRANCE WILL DAWES BE SELECTED ? (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.! PARIS, December 25. Washington’s consent to the participation of two American citizens in the experts’ committee for a final settlement of reparations, and the manner in which the consent was given, lias considerably- cheered those looking forward to these negotiations. There is apparent hope that General Dawes, or, pt least, a man of his character, will be selected to steer the committee clear of entanglements. The whole press, with the exception of one word of opposition, voiced in the Echo de Paris, is favorable, to the American unofficial presence.

sage of joy and thankfulness to God for the King’s hopeful condition, touch me profoundly on this Christmas morning. My children and I thank you from our hearts. I look forward to the day when the King will 'be cheered and strengthened by this testimony that the heart of Canada is with him in weal or woe.” A RE-UNITED FAMILY GATHERING AT THE PALACE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) LONDON, Dec. 2A The Duke of Gloucester reached Southampton at 6 o’clock yesterday morning and left immediately by car for London, driving himself and 1 travelling fast despite the drizzle, as he was anxious to reach the Palace. Passengers report that the duke held aloof early in the voyage, but was more cheerful when the bulletins improved, and he joined in the ship’s social life. The duke .is evidently a capable driver. He travelled the crowded and dreadfully greasy roads towards London, a distance of 70 miles, in 140 minutes, thereby not only- completing the family party at the Palace, but completing 17,800 miles jointly bythe three princes during their homeward rush. The Prince of Wales from Dodama came 6200 miles, the Duke of Gloucester from Sakania 8000 miles, and Prince George from Bermuda 3600 miles. 'The Prince of Wales to-day had his first outing with the hounds for the season. He stayed overnight at Nottingham, limited with the Quoin, and returned to London in the evening. The train was held up to enable him to catch it. He met the Duke.of Gloucester for the first time since they- parted in the African wilds.

The Royal Family, united by the King’s ilness, is spending Christmas at Buckingham Palace for the first time for 10 years. The usual scale of festivities has naturally been abolished. Nevertheless, there was a simple family party on Christmas Day. It is a long time since there was such a comprehensive family gathering in London. The luncheon party included the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Mary, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince George and little Prijioess Elizabeth and Princess Mary’s sons. The Queen had ordered a Christmas tree from Sandringham, specially for the pleasure of her young grandchildren. There was an assembly of presents the members of the family bought for each other, and including those which will ultimately be given to the King. The evening at. the Palace was devoted to a family dinner party at which the Queen, Prince of Wales, Duke and Duchess of York, Duke of Gloucester, Prince George and Princess Mary were present. Sir Frederick Hewett was the only outside guest. Lord Lascelles was absent, fulfilling engagements in Yorkshire. Princess Elizabeth did not, visit the Palace, but played joyously in a nursery full of toys. Elaborate provision was made at the Palace for the entertainment of the staff, the Queen being desirous .that the King’s illness should nor interfere with the festivities.

Dr. Fleming, preaching at St. Colum'ba’s, said: “Each day of the illness we have learnt to honor the King more and count him more precious. We more earnestly than over pray, ‘God Save the King.’” The Royal Family visited the King throughout the day. It was a happy Christmas reunion at the Palace. After service at the Palace chapel, the Royal Family, except the Prince of Wales, remained to luncheon. The Queen walked in the Palace grounds in the afternoon. Continuing the policy of presenting herself with the object most desired at Christmas, Queen Mary selected a seven-linked bracelet, with platinum encircled cut diamonds, in three divisions of which were beautiful miniatures -of her grandchildren— Princess Elizabeth and the llonorablcs George and Gerald Lascelles. It is understood the four remaining divisions will later contain likenesses of the Queen ’s four sons.