NEWS IN BRIEF.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17351, 16 May 1924, Page 8

NEWS IN BRIEF.

A cable from London says that at the Colonial Institute the Duke of Connaught was re-elected, president, uml Prince Arthur of Connaught, the Earl of Athlone and Sir Harry Wilson vice-presidents.

A Sydney cable says:—A conference between representatives of the State abinet and the Progressive Party was held yesterday, as a result of which it is claimed that better feeling and more friendly relations will prevail than hitherto. No definite agreement was reached, but a basis for further discussion was established. It is hoped a compromise will be arrived at and a programme of essential matters was decided upon.

A Reuter cablegram from London says:—An important item in the Government’s housing policy is contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Health to local authorities. This announces that an agreement was reached at the recent _Housing Conference, providing for a subsidy of £l3 10s an* nually. for each house lor a period of rorty years, the Government providing two-thirds and the local authorities the remaining third. It also was stipulated that the rentals be equal to prewar levels. *

A Master ton message says that 5S? 7 % mer /°n- niilk vendor, was fined , to -aay for having sold milk which did not comply with the standard required under the Act, his second offence within a month.

r 1,1 **!?. Supreme Court, Dunedin, Jonas hifield, a youth, and an ex-nostal employee charged with detaining a e , 1 , anc * stealing and opening a postal packet, was sentenced to twelve months reformative treatment.

A caltlo from Sydney savs: Mr Bruce announced that Mr .1. A. Elder has been appointed Commissioner for Australia “'the United States, in succession to Mr M Kinnon.

A cable from Melbourne says:- The question of whether public servants are entitled to register under the Arbitration Act came before Mr Justice toweis in the Arbitration Court Vj Ce, n< l - V ' W South are the only .States opposing the registration Justice I owers said that it was ‘ a matter of great importance and the High Court should be asked to «ivo an opinion.

[he Orvieto remains aground afc Brisbane, but the lightering of the cargo is proceeding. Another attempt to get the vessel off will be made in tlie morning. The ship blocks the entrance and several large' steamers are held up.

Speaking in Melbourne on the beam system of wireless communication, Mr J isk (Australian agent for Amalgam ated Wireless, Ltd.), said it was a revolutionary development in wireless, for the reason that greater secrecy could be' obtained. It enabled messages to be regulated and sent in one direction instead of m all directions as hitherto. The system would greatly reduce interference and permit a greater number of stations to work simultaneously about the one wavelength than would be possible if th-j waves from each station were promgated in all directions.

A Reuter message from Rome says that the opening of the International Emigration Conference took place in the presence of the King, members of Cabinet and diplomatic represen tatives. Signor Mussolini welcomed delegates from fifty-nine States. He stressed, the necessity for collaboration for safeguarding the * interests ol emigrants, laws for tlie protection of whom should be inspired by the principles of humanity and justice.

The King of Rumania left London for Bucharest from Victoria Station, where he was accorded a farewell by King George, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York. Prince Henry and the Duke of Connaught. The Queen of Rumania is remaining in England for a fortnight.