"
CABLE AND WIRELESS
NEWS.
[BITI WINCESS SERVICE.] COAL COMMISSION.
OPPOSITION TO QUESTION OF
NATIONALISATION.
ROBY, March 10th.
The long-awaited report of the Royal Commission on the coal industry has now been issued for publication.
QUESTION OF JUSSIDY.
THE HONGKONG". DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY MARCH 12TH, 1926
LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
SUB-COMMITTEE IN FAVOUR OF GERMAN APPLICATION,
Gray, March 10th
ROBAĽRY AND KIDNAPPING. FAR EASTERN CABLE A TALK WITH DR. C. T. WANG.
INCIDENT AT PING SHAN-
RECALLED
On January 27th two adjoining houses The sub-committee dealing with Gerat Lung Ku Tan village, Ping Shandie- trict, were entered by Ave men, some of whom were armed with rifles and re admission, considering that Germany has volvers. They stole from the first house fulfilled the obligations required. The entered $30 and from the second money
To bring any of these measures of romany's admission to the League has un organisation into effect must need a period of months, and to bring them all animously pronounced. In favour of the into full operation must take years. In the meantime the hard economic condi- Lots of the moment remain to be faced, The Commissioners think that the sub
'THE "OSHMAN' ATTITUDE.
LATER.
Notwithstanding German newspaper
are dates before herself.
they kidnapped from the first house two men who were the only people there at the time.
This incident was recalled at the Kow-
NEWS.
{THROUGH BETTER'N AGENCY.]`
THE NORTHERN WAR.
FOREIGNERS IN CHANGSHA APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE.
HANKOW, March 9th.
It is reported that the remainder of the
Shonchow and surrounded. It is further reported that General Yueh Wei Chun, retreating towards the west from Loyang, was entrapped and killed by a detach. ment of the Red Spears.
+
POWERS AND REVISION OF
TREATIES. *
TARIFF CONFERENCE.
HOPE OF AGREEMENT WITHIN A WEEK.
PEKING, February 20th. Treaty revision and if Conference prospects were the "chic topics touched upon by the Minister or Foreign Affairs
weekly reception of foreign journalists this morning.
sidy should cease as the end of its report will be submitted to the full Com to the value of $400, At the same time Kuominchun Army has been driven in to (Dr. C. T. Wang) the Waichinopu's. authorised term and should never be mitted to-morrow, repeated. While not agreeing with the colowners proposals they think a re vision downwards of "the minimum, per- The Commissioners consider that the Centago in addition to the standard rates of Wagos is indispensable. The wages present difficult position of "the coal in of the lowest paid mine would be safe guarded by a continuance of the subsist dustry is the result of powerful economic ence allowances Should the miners pre forces and cannot be attributed either tofer an extension of hours with a leas reduction of wages, Parliament would no political unrest ar to restriction of output doubt authorise it. The Commissioners among the miners, or to inefficiener in trust, however, that this will not occur. Though rates of wages must vary consider. the management of the mines. At the ably in different districts the Commis same time, they cannot agree with the ioners are strongly of opinion that national wage agreements should con view presented by the mine owners, that tinue, as they are made in all other British little can be done to improve the organisa industries of importance. They recon
mend that employers and employed should tion of the industry and that the only meet first nationally, and then in districts, in order to reach a settlement on the practicable course is to lengthen working lines indiosted. hours and to lower wages
In the view of the Commission large changes are necessary in other directions and large progress is possible. The prob. lem is twofold, having a permanent and
(THROUGH REUTER'S' AGENCY.] LABOUR M.P.'s Virw9.
LATER.
being of the most authoritative character on the industry ever, issued.
The excellent manner in which the members of the Coal Commission have temporary aspect. Taking firstly the carried out their task is everywhere re- permanent aspect, the report points outcognised, and the "Report is classed as the defects of the industry resulting partly from the age of the coal fields and partly from the private and divided ownership- of minerals, with its effect on the layouts of mines. Very many collieries are too small to be good production units.
- WATIONALISATION.
As a remedy for these defects, the nationalisation of the mines as proposed by the Minera' Federation, is not recom- mended by the Commissioners, who are not satisfied that it is workable, or that
the effect would be for the social gain. Indeed, they perceive in it grave economic dangers
Several labour members in the Parlia mentary Lobby, who have given early impressions, discover many "good" con- structive points, notably the suggestion with regard to State acquisition of Royalties where coal is proved, but they are emphatic in their declaration that the miners will not hear of a proposed reduction of wages.
The weakness at which they point their Anger is that the report does not provide a basis of discussion on the pros Accordingly, they contemplate the coblem with which the industry is faced tinuance of the industry under private enterprise and make a number of pro-when the subsidy terminates on May lat. posals for ita reorganisation.
The Commissioners proposo, firstly, that minerals should be acquired by the State by purchase when it has a market value and by a declaration of State ownership in the case of unproved coal. or coal at deep levels which has now no market value A Coal Commission should be appointed under the authority of Secre- tary for Mines, to acquire and administer this mineral property, „
Secondly, the amalgamation of many of the present small units of production is both desirable and practicable. This may often be effected from within, but in many cases it will only take place if -outside assistance is given. The State, as mineral pwzer, will be able to give euch nasistance in promoting desirable amalgamations when granting new leases at renewing old ones.
KENT. COALFIELDS.
LABOUR
OPPOSITION TO GOVERN
MENT GUARANTEE. ·
LONDON, March 11th.
GERMANY'S ADMISSION.
GINIYA, March 11th...
reports of the changed attitude of Gereon Hagistracy yesterday afteroon, many, Reuter learns that she is adamant when before Mr. E. W. Hamilton, a in opposing the election of other candi- Chiness of Lung Ku Tan village was It is reported that General Chao Heng charged with being concerned in the Ti has departed from Changsha for armed robbery and kidnapping.
Wachang General Tang Sheng Chi has The evidence showed that after cam-intimated that he will take over the The Committee has unanimously ap-mitting the robbery, the perpetrators Governorship." proved of the Sub-Committee's report took their captives, bound and gagged, on regarding Germany's admission to the board à sampan at Sheung Tan The League, and has adopted, a resolution victims were kept prisoners and taken to presented by Sir Austen Chamberlain to Macao, where they were detained until the first week of February, when they the Assembly in favour of admission.
Bir Austen Chamberlain has been ap were given their freedom on a racsom of pointed Rapporteur to the Assembly,"
LATER.
$500 being paid.
With regard to the former subject, Dr. Waag stated that, in pursuance of the polisy be outlined upon assuming office, view...to steps are being taken with a revising China's treaties with Foreign Fowers as their revision dates approach
In accordance with the Nota of June- 24th, 1995, requesting the Powers concern A telegram has been received at ed to discuss with us the revision of Hankow from a foreign source request treaties (to which the Powers havé i ing the despatch of a gunboat to Changed that they are sympathetic, although she in view of the threatening outlook.
no definite date has been set); we are,"
en to say,
desirous of Dr. Wang went discussing such revisions with them as soon as possible. But, just to make
for revision we are giving notice that we desire revision"
General Kung Yach Pin, of the Third Division of General Wu Pei Fu, was executed yesterday by General Wu's
answer-
The defendant was arrested by the orders for endeavouring to extort money things quite sure, as the treaties Zall due Macao police, and then handed over to the local police.
from the Manager of the Hankow Water:
·works..
"The Sub-Committee's report has replied in the affirmative to the following four questions: Is the application of Germany; in order t Is Germany recognised de facto de jure Has Germany & stable Government and well defined frontiers? any money. He merely assisted to kid he Kailan Mining Administration and French Government that China desired to
and is Germany "fully self-governing t
With reference to question five no re- gards Germany's fulfilment of the arma ments obligations, the Council has ob taized the opinion of the Military, Naval and Air Commission, which is unani mously in the afirmative,
1
LONDON, March 10th. The House of Commons applauded Mr. Stanley Baldwin who, in replying to a question whether he was able to make s atatement regarding Germany's entry into the League, said: "The usual formal preliminary enquiries are progressing and I anticipate neither delay nor difficulty
in connection with the matter."
The defendant admitted that he was present at the time of the robbery, but said he was not responsible for stealing
nap the two man, which he did as revenge for an incident which occurred in his
His Worship adjourned the country come years ago.
further bearing
Case for
FOOTBALL AT HOME. RESULTS IN ENGLISH CUP AND
SCOTTISH LEAGUE,
LONDON, March 10th.
ALLIED FORCE'S DISASTER AT PRITANG. Yesterday's lifting of the blockade WILS private arrangement between
Messrs. Butterfield & Swire's representa tives at Taku and the Kominchun authorities.
The only ship able to take advantage, however, was Messrs. Butterfield & Swire's Liangehou, as the others miseed the tide by the time arrangements com- pleted.
The O.S.K. Kishu Mary cleared for Dairen yesterday. It is reported that the Techa Mart, from Dairen, which had No goals were scored in the English been waiting since morning will be allow- Cup re-play between Bolton and Noted through the satrance this morning.
tingham Forest at Bolton." Another re- ....play will be necessary.
APPEAL FOR PEACEFUL, SPIRIT.
LONDON, March 10th. A three-hour sitting of the Council of the League at Geneva this afternoon has given rise to a crop of rumours of which Houter's Geneva correspondent says it is! A impossible to get any confirmation.. Geneva telegram progresses, to describe the events of the sitting. This says the
In the House of Commons after a rightlong sitting in committee stage" on
debate was most heated and that thTrade Facilities Bill, discussion Unden (Sweden) pounded the table in chiefly centering on the Government pro-emphasising the statement that his Government had most strictly instructed pasal to guarantee £2,000,000 to the New him not to accept anyone but Germany Kent Coalfield, Labour members moved as a permanent member an amendment to eliminate the guarantee on the ground that 200,000 miners are
the situation if no solution were found. already unemployed, and the guarantee. Paul Boncour also, most eloquently would only lead to further unemployment appealed for peace, but the delegates
were unmoved.
A number of Conservatives, in addition to the Labour members, protested against
Sir Austen Chamberlain appealed for a peaceful spirit and urged all to make a last effort. He emphasised the gravity ch
LEAGUE MATCHES.
DIVISION I
Aston Villa, 2; Leicester, 2 Manchester U.; 3; Liverpool, 3. DIVISION 1 (aOUTHERN)... Crystal Palace, 2; Brighton, 1.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE:.
Dr. Wang instanced the cass of three commercial conventions with France which were about to become due for revision through cillation of time and said that the Waichincpu had already notised the
revise them. In such cases six months notice is required, he explained.
Going on to talk of the Tariff Confer ence, Dr. Wang said: We are still finding some dificulties in the way of a speedy conclusion. The rates are a mat ter causing a good deal of discussion. We hope that in certainly not more than a week this difficult question can be settled by the experts. You know that when experts meet they have lots of dis cussions. Well, I understand that they are now getting quite near and it is hoped that they will finish within a week. We regret very much that the thing has been delayed so long-purely from circums stances over which no particular delega- tion could have any control to correct in Monton said he would like
correct an erroneous impression that had been circulated to the effect that the... The Peitang landing proved disastrous.
Japanese Delegation had been holding up, Of some 2,000 who landed from trans-
the Conference. "I always maintain the“, - ports on Monday 400 were captured by attitude," Dr. Wang declared, that they the Kuominchun immediately, and the have their difficulties and the trip taken by Mr. Saburi to Japan necessarily took remainder have since surrendered, and some time. I have always said that the Japanese Delegation has been very sym- Peitang is in the hands of the Kuomin-pathetic in regard to the speedy settle-
chus.
JAPANESE DESTROYERS FOR TAKU.
Toxyo, March 11th.
It is learned from the Foreign Office that three destroyers have been despatch
In the Scottish Cup, fourth round, rẻ play today, Aberdeen defeated Thirded from Port Arthur to Taku and are
due this evening. Lanark by three goals to mil.
The draw for the semi-final resulted", as follows:-
Aberdeen Celtic. Rangers v. St Mirren
The tits will be played on March 20th, the Celtic at Tyaccastle, Edinburgh,
ment of electrical supply under the new the policy of guaranteeing unnecessary ment had most strictly instructed him to the Rangers at Celtic Park, Glased
NATIONAL FUEL AND POWER CONKITTER. Thirdly, it is recommended that closer connection be promoted between mining the allied industries. The develop proposals of the Government should be closely co-ordinated with the generation The Heat, af electricity at the mines. power and light requirements of the entry should be under the constant and comprehensive survey of a body formed Such a body might for that purpose, take the form of a National Fuel and Power Committee, composed of repre- sentatives nominated by the Government. from among the official and other bodies concerned.
new undertakings and competitions in established industries, Mr. Turtle in- standing the guarantee in respect of the Malay Tin Dredgers, objecting to the Government going out of the way to increase the Malay output of tin when the Cornish tin industry was depressed.
The amendment was rejected by 148 to se votos.
BRITAIN AND RUSSIA
The deadlock was increased by an announcement by the Brazilian delegate, Senhor Mello Franco, that his Govern- vote against Germany and to retire from the League unless Brazil were also grant ed a permanent seat on the Council
'ANOTHER COUNCIL. SESSION.
LONDON, March 10th. The Morning Post correspondent at Geneva reports that as the outcome of Brazil's attitude, a council session will be held this afternoon conditionally on M. Briand, who is arriving at noon, signifying his approval. The object is to force all countries to a public commit- ment, thereby centralising responsibility."
COBHAM'S FLIGHT.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE.
Matches played to-day resulted as follows
St. Johnstone, 1; Cowdenbeath, 1. Airdrieoniana, 2; Motherwell, 0. Morton, 2; Clydebank, 2 Rangers, 1 Queen's Park, 2
TRADE RETURNS. IMPORTS REDUCED AND EXPORTS INCREASED.
A big fall in imports and an increase in exports is shown by the Board of
Fourty, research should be largely
LONDON, March 11th. extended by the coal industry, with the Snancial support of the State. It is In the House of Commons in the course urgently necessary that new methods for of the discussion on the Trade Facilities winning and utilising coal be sought if the Bill, Mr. Wallisad moved an, amend of the industry is to be restored ment which was finally rejected by 133 prosperity and a proper standard of wages and work to 48 that no application for a new
Trade returns for February. conditions is to be assured. If proguarantee should be rejected on the ing cesses of low temperature carbonisation were perfected, great national advantages would ensure, particularly through the production of amokeless fuel for domestic and industrial use and the provision of the large, supplies of mineral oil from country's own resources.
Fifthly, the Commissioners consider that large financial advantages might be gain ed by better selling organizations and methods of transport. They recommend the formation of co-operative selling agencies, which are specially needed in the export trade, and the establishment of an official system for the sampling and analysis of coal, with a view to encourag ing selling on specification and
guarantee... in both home and foreign marketi
A Standing Joint Committee of the Ministry of Transport and the Mines Department should be formed to promote more economical transport methods
ground that the trade requiring assist ance was between the United Kingdom and Russia. Mr. Wallhead challenged any firm trading with Russia to show. that the Soviet had defaulted.
Mr. Kinderaley, condemning Russia's repudiation of certain debta, declared:---- Let Moscow withdraw the boycott of British goods in Chins and some good will be done.wsd
Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister denied there had been a change in British policy since 1921, and opposed the amendment. Credit built up on good faith could only be maintained by good faith.
ENGINEERING CRISIS.
HOE STRIKERS DEFY UNION EXECUTIVES.
LONDON, March 10th A lively mass meeting of Mears. Hoe's strikers rejected a recommendation of the Executives of the Unions to return to work and resolved not to resume until pan Unionists have been removed and a substantial increase in wages assured. The Executives have called a meeting to consider disciplinary action.
Sixthly, the relations of employers and employed are of fundamental importance." The standard length of the working day which is now on an average seven-and-a half hours underground, should remain unaltered, but an optional re-distribution of hours within the present weekly total over week of five days instead of six should be considered. Joint pit com- mittees of masters and men should be
ROLAND ZOCK-OUT NOTICES DEFERRED, established generally, and the methods
W LATER of payment of men not employed at the
As a result of a meeting of the men face should be revised, where possible, in order to give them a direct interest in bers of the Executives of the seven output The introduction of a family Unions concerned with the Hoe dispute allowance system is desirable and schemes and Bir Allan Smith, Chairman of the for profit sharing by workmen should be Employers Federation, the employers generally silopted and be made obugatory have agreed to defor the operation of
lock out notices until March 18th by Statute.
CAIRO, March 11th Alan Cobham has left Sollam for
Athens.
FRENCH SITUATION,"
M. BRIAND'S POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
PARIS, March 10th M. Briand has been nine times Premier' and has formed a Cabinet in ten hours Both these achievements are records,
The complexion of the new Ministry is Left but leaning lightly further to the Right than its predecessor. The inclusion of 11 Lamoureur and the war time defestist, M. Malvy assures the support of the bulk of the Radicals. It is note worthy that M. Raoul Ferst, who is no wise a tyro in finance, is a Moderate and is unlikely to propose aur starting in novation.
M Briend momentarily considers the League crisis even more urgent than Faris and returns to Switzerland to-night.
OFFENSIVE TO MUSSOLINI.
"BRITISHER'S SENTENCE NOW
GREATY BEDUCED."
These are: Imports, £98,845,000; Ex ports, £82,814,000, compared with £117,889,000 and £60,380,000 respectively, in January.
CANADIAN AMALGAMATION.
MONTREAL, March 11th. The Cannda Steamship Lines have amalgamated with the Great Lakes Transportation and the George Hall Cont Shipping Corporation, involving an in- vestment of $12,000,000.
[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]:
AMERICAN MISHAPS.
BIG LINER DAMAGED BY FIRE.
New Yon, March 10th
A message from Newport News says that-fire swept the liner Americo, which www being reconditioned there, from stem to stern. The damage is estimated at two milion dollars.
MAIRSHIP CRARHEB
NAFROST NETS, March 10th, A further message says that the U.8. army dirigible T.A.5.nose dived at Hamp ton Roads and was damaged,
FLORENCE, March 10th.. The Court of Appeal dealing with the tass of Mr. Ellison, who was sentenced Therem great excitement on the fall to five months imprisonment for of the dirigible Army officers at the using offensive language about Bignor aerodrome despatched another dirigible work but this was nonccessary Mussolini, has reduced the sentence to for 21 days imprisonment and a fine of 685 overnment culter took off the crew Hire Mr. Ellison is applying for the land, towed the damaged dirigible to Fort
King's (pardon,
Monroe.
CHINESE LOANS.
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIONE TO THE PEKING GOVERNMENT.
LONDON, March 10th..
mert of the question. Now Mr. Saburi is back and is working hard I think. that the other delegations are working hard too. However, I would like them to work still harder
“Is there," asked a questioner, "!
any prospect that the Washington surtaxes future will be agreed to by Chins in the near
Dr. Wang replied that he did not think that, if the higher surtaxes were agreed. to, the Chinese Government would abject to the operation the Washington surtaxés immediately, in view of the fact that the new treaty would require some time for the deposit of ratifications and other formalities to be completed. Therefore, during the" interim of the interim paried," it was only natural that such sur- taxes as bad been agreed upon at Wash ington should be made effective as soon as possible for
Answering a further query, Dr. Wang said it was his belief that all of the powers had now individually agreed to the Chinese proposal as to the amount to be raised by the surtaxes, although no collective pronouncement to this effect had yet been made.
In the House of Commons, in reply to Mr.. W. Forrest, Mr. G. Locker Lampson said that despite their public Announcement on July 7th, 1924, of their intention to resume payment to meet all arrears of principal and interest on the German issues of the Tientsin-Fukow Railway Loans of 1908 and 1910, and the Hakuang Bailway Loan of 1911, the Chinese Government, with trifing creep- tions, had failed to do so, and, also since that date, had suspended service even of the validated bonds. Represen-gious instruction from mission school tations by His Majesty's Minister at Peking on behalf of the British holders of these German issues had been without result and the Chinese Government had given do satisfactory reason for differen fiating between the British and German issues Meanwhile, the situation had changed by the recent default on two of the British issues, and His Majesty's Minister was pressing the Chinese Gov- trnment to make good their default or the loans in question.
THE HUNGHOM OUTRAGE. ONE OF THE VICTIMS DIES IN HOSPITAL.
No arrests have as yet been made in connection with the bomb outrage at Hanghom
The injured have been identified as six workmen from the Kowloon Docks, shop foki and a lad of seven year. One of the victims who had his leg amputated at the Kowloon Hospital, succumbed a few hours after undergoing the operation Another victim who sustained serions injuries in both legs is in a critical condition.
Dr. Wang was also questioned in regard to the Anti-Christian Federation's agita tion in favour of the elimination of reli-
curricula. He said that the attitude of the Waichinopu in the matter was quite clear. It was the duty of the Foreign Ofice to see that the terms of the treaties were adhered to. If there were certain things that ought to be revised it was for the Foreign Ofice to bring about revision but, until the trenties were revised, it was the duty of the Foreign Office to see that they were carried out. It was the duty of every honourable government to do so.
A query about reported attempts to bring about an anti-Japanese: boycott- drew from Dr. Wang the admission that Note: on the subject had been received, from the Japanese Minister. There seem- ed to be more words than deeds so far but developments were being carefully watched.
MOTOR ACCIDENTS
Several motor accidents ågured in the police reports of yesterday,
motor-cycle, being driven by Mr. E Thompson, of the Hongkong Electric Co., along Queen's Road East, knocked down a Chinese near Wellington Barracks. The man received injuries to his lege and was removed to hospital,
Westmall
At the time of the outrage, Mr. E Mumford of the China Light and Power Chinese boy ran into the road from a Company, Mrs. JW. Matthews and an-footpath in front of a motor car driven other Kowloon lady, and a number of by Mr. R. E Atwell of the Asiatic school children were in the vicinity. Petroleum Co, "add" was knocked down,
The Police have issued a notice to the The boy, who only received slight in eflect that a reward of $1,000 will be paid jurias, was able to go home after receiv to any person whose information leads to ing treatment at the Government Civil the seizure of a bomb
Hospital
During the tilin interval yesterday. when the workers of the Naval Yard were leaving and returning to their work, number of Indian constables, armed with
rifles were stationed along Queen's Road.
A district watchman was knocked down by motor car at Shanghai Street, Yau- mati, but did not sustain serious injuries. He was, however, taken to the Kwong
Wah Hospital.
!