MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14265, 16 January 1920, Page 6

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

federal high commissioner. LONDON, January 12. It is understood that Mr I isher has not teen approached with a view to terminating his position as High Commissioner tor Australia before ‘us term expires. NEW POLITICAL PARTY. LONDON, Jan. Li Lord Robert Cecil condemns the proposal by Lord Birkenhead to create a new political parly to oppose Labour. Lord Cecil says that the proposal is idiotic. DEBTS TO GERMANY. LONDON, Jan. 13. The Enemy Debts Clearing House, cubs upon British traders who owed money to Germans before the war to immediately pay with five per cent interest for the period since August, 1914. ENESiiIY FOOTBALLERS. LONDON, Jam 13. The football associations of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg have withdrawn from the International Federation, because the Scandinavian and Italian Associations reserve the right to meet former enemy associations. The seceders have formed a new federation excluding former enemies, also those resuming football relations with such former enemies.

PRICE OF TEA INCREASED. MELBOURNE, January 15. Merchants have increased the pric* of tea by 3d a lb. AUSTRALIAN AIR SERVICE. MELBOURNE, January 15. The Government is forming an Air Board, comprising representation H the Army and Navy to administer the Air Service. LOWEST ON RECORD. NEW SOUTH WALES GOLD YIELD. SYDNEY, January 15. The gold yield in 1919 was the lowest on record. It was valued at £279,666, a decrease of £90,077 compared with the previous year.

INSURANCE IN AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, January 14. The total life insurance policies in force in Australia are 1,315,251, assuring £152,710,312, and carrying_ annual premiums to the valueof £5,786,G0T. A feature is the solid increase,,in the amount insured during the war years. N.S.W. ELECTIONS. SYDNEY, January 15. There are evident preparations for the coming State elections, though the date has not yet been fixed. The elections will be held certainly before the end of March. The issues are mixed. Besides the alleged disruption among theNatipnalists there is considerable dissension in the ranks of Labour, who?" central executive appears to be not closely in touch with the rank and file. The Farmers’ Party intends making a strong bid, and the Independents are also not wanting.