GENERAL ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1916, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

NOTES .FROM THE TIMES. EGYPT IX THE DARK. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Feb. 13. Tlie Pall Mall Gazette's correspondent at Alexandria- says that Egypt Is still ' kept very much an the dark as to events on the frontier. ■ Fantastic rumors are current in the bazaars, but there is no doubt that the military authorities are riot running any risks as far as the defence of the Canal is concerned. The Commander-in-Chief has declared the Canal zone a restricted area for traveller*, who require a special railway permit. Tlie new system has caused excitement, hut indicates that preparations for the defence ot the Canal are being " properly carried out. There are constant rumors of skirmishes, but these are not verified. The prevalent idea ia - that the Arab uprising in the west has utterly failed, but it is stated that it will shortly be repeated against Egypt. • ■ .-. SUBSTITUTES FOR TBA. . Articles in the German .press indicate increasing economic pressure. The Government is prohibiting the - importation of gastronomic'luxuries and announcing a shortness of tea, coffee, and cocoa, and advising that tea be made of strawberry ■ leaves 'and apple peel. Women are idA, .visM ,te forego hat'feathers, expensive I' °'ft»rs, Mae, imported jewels, and Swiss p watctfes: They are rebuked for the T 'feminine devotion to Taris fashion \ papers. Men are ordered to leas i a.nd boys are not allowed to" smoke. t A LOAN TO' AUSTRIA, t . * " ■ " , Copenhagen, Feb. IS. The* Deutsche Bank, tie. Discopto Gesselschaft, and Bluchrolders have loaned to Auatria-Hungarj; two hundred * Billion mark*. '' ■*-