CABLES IN BRIEF.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 9

CABLES IN BRIEF.

(United Press Assn.—By Electrle Telegraph.—Copyright.)

Divorce Courts Busy. (Received December 24, 9.25 a.m.)

S\ DNEY, December 24. The number of divorce petitions lodged in the New South Wales courts tnis year totalled 1844, which was a record. Of these 1475 were disposed of three judges sitting almost continuously, but. were unable to cope with the rush, and a fourth judge was called in quite recently to assist,—Australian Press Association. Stranded Ships. (Received December 24, 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 24. Ihe position of the steamer Nambucca, which went aground at the entrance to the Bellingen River is favourable. It is hoped to refloat’her at high tide. Efforts at the week-end shifted the vessel into deeper water. The sea is calm. The latest report from the stranded Morinda states that the vessel is practically undamaged. The holds and engine room are now dry. There are good prospects of refloating her.—Australian Press Association. On© Big Union. (Received December 24, 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 24. Considerable negotiation between the Actors’ Federation, the Musicians’ Union and the Cinema Operators and Scenic Artists’ Associations has resulted in the formation of one big Union of Theatrical Employees. It is claimed that this organisation, with a membership of 25,000 will have powers equal to the Actors’ Equity in America.— Australian Press Association. :•? k Reparations. (Received December 24, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, December 22. It is officially stated that the governments concerned in the appointment of the Experts Committee on Reparations have reached the following agreement; (1) That it is highly desirable in the common interest that in addition to experts representing the six governments concerned nationals of the United States should participate; (2) that the Committee must be composed of independent experts, possessing international reputations and authority in their own country, that they must not be bound by instructions from their governments and that there should be two members from each country, who may appoint deputies to assist them; (3) that the committee should meet in Paris as soon as possible to decide the place of subsequent meetings; (4) that the Committee should receive from the governments a mandate “to draw up proposals for the complete and final settlement of the Reparation problem. These proposals should provide for the settlement of obligations resulting from the existing treaties and agreements between Germany and the creditor Powers.”

It is officially announced that steps are being taken to ascertain the best means of securing the participation of (American members.—Australian press Association. < ■ .