MISCELLANEOUS CABLES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16539, 24 September 1921, Page 10

MISCELLANEOUS CABLES.

An International Conference is to be opened in Brussels on October 6 to discuss the question or relief for Russia. Invitations have been sent to twenty-seven nations, including Germany . At the League of Nations Assembly Sir James Allen supported L-ord Robert Cecil when the latter urged the immediate issue of the “B” mandates, as native populations were becoming restive.. The South African loan of five mil11ns, bearing interest at six per cent, issued at ninety-six, has been underwritten in London. It is understood in London that the fact that South Africa is issuing a loan does not imply the withdrawal of the embargo on the issue of trustee stocks, but an exception is made in favour of South Africa, which has £7,000,000 worth of Treasury bills maturing shortly. Mr Winston Churchill, replying to a deputation at Dundee, said that since the Armistice the Government had spent £105,000,000 in unemployment relief. The Government recognised that special assistance must be given in particular cities and areas where unemployment was exceptionally acute. There was every reason to believe that that would he the Government’s decision. The Government felt that the problem could be better solved by an insurance scheme than by paying parish relief. A London cable states that the “Manchester Guardian” and the “ Scotsman ” editorially urge the importance of Dominions being fully represented at the Washington Conference. Mr Earsman, a delegate of the Sydney Labour Council, who went to Russia early in the year disguised as a seaman, read a paper at the Third Moscow International stating that a small group of revolutionaries had established branches of the Communist Party in Australia by white anting unions with secret organisations. He looked forward to the Australian Proletariat taking part in the world movement to overthrow capitalism. The Profiteering Court at Sydney has consented to the request of the butter pool to the de-control of butter on assurances being given that the price would fall by fivepence a pound. A triple shooting affair occurred at. Parkes, N.S.W. William Mann, a farmer., and his wife and daughter being the victims. Mrs Mann was killed almost instantly. The police statement shows that the family were not happy. It is understood that tlie father asked his daughter to bring some poles from the bush, when the mother interposed. An altercation followed and then the shooting commenced. Another infected rat has been discovered at the wharf vacated by the Wyreema at Sydney, otherwise the war against the plague is proceeding satisfactorily. An infected rat was also caught at Cairns (Queensland), otherwise the plague position is unchanged. It has been ascertained that one body is still amongst the debris in the Mount Mulligan mine Those iden- : tified yesterday were Fitzpatrick, Reay, Canoplea and G. James. At Melbourne tho Orient Company and the postal authorities are negotiating with a view to having the transcontinental railway 7 trains meet the mail steamers at Fremantle, thus saving several days’ waiting. It is reported from London that the Mount Everest expedition continues explorations in unfavourable weather. Colonel Bury’s party crossed the Hamjunla ridge at a height of 15,000 feet. Thence they proceeded through a valley with fourteen lakes and scaled Mount Chogia, 16,100 feet. They camped near a holy lake, where the pilgrims walk round with burning incense and thiow Bpices into the waters. F*om here they went to Sakideng, where once a large village was reputed to have been wiped out by a plague sent by the local demon, who is still regarded as being active. Tho people are afraid to rebuild among much gne timber through a zone of great silver firs with circumferences of from 20 to 25 feet. At the village of Lungdoe, at an altitude of 12,000 feet, the party found crops of millet, maize and pumpkins. All the country to the northward is flooded. The Port Augusta, which was reported to be on fire off the West African coast, arrived early yesterday morning at Cape Town. The position regarding the fire is believed to be slightly improved . A message received at Paris from Riga states that it appears that the Bolsheviks are levying an ad valorem duty of 100 per cent on private parcels of food and clothing from abroad. Most of the recipients are unable to pay, so the Bolshevists seize the goods and distribute among the Soviet Commissioners. H.M.S. Chatham returned _to Suva on Thursday from Lautoka, where a week was spent in gaiety and work. A boxing tournament has been arranged for to-niglit for tho ship’s company in the Suva Town Hall. The Chatham sails on Monday for Auckland.