GENERAL CABLES.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 May 1919, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES.

THE AFGHAN INCURSION. POSITION SATISFACTORY. Received May 23, 9A.10 a.m. LONDON, May 21. The Viceroy reports that the Afghans attacked on the Kith, but were driven off, au,d the night was quiet. Our casualties were about 130,. Our troops, with aeroplanes, attacked on the seventeenth, capturing a hill westward of Dakka, early in the afternoon. Our casualties have not yet been reported. The enemy’s strength was eight battalions. Over a hundred dead were counted, and were mostly regular troops. Four guns were also captured. The commander reported on the 18th that the situation was very satisfactory. Our 'pickets are holding the hills westward and northward of Dakka. Gift- successful ’action had an instantaneous and beneficial effect on tlie tribes.

ITALY SENDS TROOPS TO TURKEY

Received May 23, 10.10 a.m. LONDON, May 22. Britain, France, and the United States have asked for an explanation from Italy why Italian troops have been despatched to Turkey.

ITALIAN KING’S GENEROSITY,

(Delayed.) Received May 23, 9.30 a.m. ROME, Mav .14

The King has given six of the largest Royal palaces for di.sabj.cd soldiers, sailors, and orphans.

A CRICKET INNOVATION

(Delayed in Transit ) Received 9,35 a.m.

LONDON, May 14

The so-called “catch cradle,” consisting of a shallow trough, is being used at Lords, It returns the ball at fine angles, enabling fieldsmen ’ to practice slips • cathing.

FR ENCH ’ S NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE,

Received May 23. 10.10 a.m. LONDON, May 21

Answering Mr Donald McLean, in the House of Commons, Mr B'onar Law said he did not Think it desirable to grant, facilities for debate on French’s articles in the ordinary course, but was willing to find a time if Mr McLean moved a vote of centure.

BRITISH WOOL SALES

Received May 23, 10.10 a.m. LONDON, May 21

There is a. good attendance at the wool sales, and prices arc firm and unchanged. New Zealand prices include; Ta.rat.ihi, 41 and 37; Longbnrn, 43 and 42J.

SHIPPING TROUBLE. MORE SHIPS TYING UP.

SYDNEY, May 22

Matters in connection with the shipping t,rouble arc quiet. The chief development is that the .State Government, at the request of coastal steamship owners, has ordered a compulsory ballot of members of the Seamenj’s Union, under the powers conferred by the Arbitration Act, to ascertain if a majority favour a strike.

Representatives of the shipowners and seamen received a summons today to attend a compulsory conference called by the Federal Arbitration Court, to be held in Melbourne on Monday. A s coastal vessels roach various homo ports in Queensland, Now South Wales, and Victoria, their crews leave. Many vessels are already tied up. It is stated that so. far as Union Company steamers are concerned, only individual members of the crews left the ships in Sydney, which is not the home port of all of them. It is also stated that it is not expected that there will be any trouble as regards New Zealand steamers. A deadlock has .risen over the compulsory ballot. A special meeting of the Seamen’s Union considered the matter and decided that as a strike existed in more than one State it was now a Federal matter, and the New South Wales section could not therefore be compelled to take a ballot. Scrutineers appointed by the Department of Industries to act for the seamen refused to act.

The Karori and Atua have arrived from New Zealand. The crew of the former gave twenty-fou r hours’ notice The Karma’s crew also gave notice, which expires to-morrow, but it is hoped to get her away before the notice expires. The Manuka was due to have sailed this afternoon, but is delayed, partly owing to heavy rain and also to a number of the crew giving notice. It is hoped to get he r away early in the morning.