BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18973, 21 June 1923, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

BORING FOR OIL OPERATION IN LOTHIAN TO CEASE (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, June 20. Major Lane Fox, replying to a question in the Commons, said the Government did not propose to spend more money on oil bores in Lothian.' Each borehole had cost £50,000 and the total production was worth only £3O. NO HOPE OF RECOVERY. SIR HENRY PRIMROSE’S LETTER. LONDON. June 18. At the inquest on Sir Henry Primrose a verdict of suicide while of unsound mind was returned. His son gave evidence that deceased suffered from insomnia following a nervous breakdown. Deceased in a farewell letter to witness said: “I know that what I am about to do will seem unpardonable, but I have lost all hope of recovery from my nerve breakdown, which is worse than formerly. I have no fight left, and think no treatment would be of any use. I feel that my mind is going, and soon I will be unable to do any real work, and become a miserable wreck, a misery to myself and to all who care for me. It is far better to end it at once, shameful and horrible though the process will be. Time will dull your pain. Signed, Your Distracted Father.” EMPIRE FOOD SUPPLIES. QUESTION IN HOUSE OF LORDS. LONDON, June 19. (Received June 20, 5.5 p.m.) Lord Stanhope, in the House of Lords, asked if the Government would publish figures showing the minimum percentage of different varieties of foodstuffs which, it is considered necessary for strategic reasons, should be grown in Britain and the domin ions. Lord Clarendon, replying, said it would be impossible to give even approximate figures. The solution of the problem would necessarily vary with changing conditions of defence and sea transport. The problem would be further complicated by the great distances between Britain and the dominions. It was inadvisable to give publicity to the deliberations on this question which were closely connected with the defence of the Empire. The Duke of Devonshire stated that the subject was actually engaging the attention of those making preparations in connection with the Imperial Conference.