1920-05-01 — Page 11

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1920,

HONGONG'S HOUSING. ERA AND THE GOVERNMENT.

1.

THE QUESTION OF RENT CONTROL"

The following correspondance has been forwarded for publication by the Committen of the Kowloon Rasidsuts Association.

Colonial Secretary's Oce, Hongkong.

98th March 1920. 8.-1 am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 30th January. Rist February, and 4th March, 1000, on

the

aubject of the housing been di

-The Government has been

Janua

definite data

resid

to

obtain any Yo: house-team, but its ea the shortage of hou qu'rica tend to show that, ao far Ants in the Colony are concerned, the immediate question is the

is the rate of rentals rather than actual lack of accomodation. 3-Ton refer in your letter of the 30th to the specific cases of Humphreys

Knutsford Terrace, and

Em- ress Buildings.

I enclose a schedule of Axures supplied by the Humphreys Estate figures and Finance Company which shows that in the years 1914 to 1919 the net return on Humphreys Buildings varied between 5.53 and 13 per cent, and that in 1920 they,

Du apate a retura of 6.76 per cent.;

Four

being made

in respect of any for cost of administration.

I attacb. with schedule from alag a copy of a letter prestment and the

Hongkong 'the'

to the effect that Agency Company dividends declared on paid up capital have averaged 6.60 per cent. ever a period of ten years while the new rentals for Kautsford Terrace are generally the same as they were in 19:4, and the rentals for Canton Villas are lower than they were. in 1914

With regard to Empress Buildings, a Director of the Company states that the new rentals, which are some 5 per cent. above those hitherto charged, bring in a net return of 8 per cent,

4-The problem

of rentals, as presented

to the Government, is confined to the enge of Europeans of moderate means, and the figures given in the preceding paragraph.

be

ufficient dan hardly

13

Rround for the establishment of a Fair

The evidence bafore the Rent Board Government is to the effect that in the in the east of ring the in- general rise

in rents is by стелла

no means out of pro portion to the increase in other forms of necessary expenture

equivalent to a

It should not be forgotten that the

one in

the cost of living is general increase

reduction in the value of hat, therefore, a landlord who and that. mire to obtain from his property an Falce to that which it

them of equal is compelled to in

previonals crease the ren

So long the

increase is reasonable in amount and not so large na to indicate that a ihortage of accommodation is being ex- ploited for purposes of profit, there ap- pears to be no justification for interference and in the cases which have so far been the Government brought to the notice it has been impossible to say that the in-, creases have been excessive.

5.Unless, it is shown that interference is necessary, this Government is anxious to avoid the establishment of a system of rent control as it must have a bad effect on the development of the Colony. It is agreed that there is a shortage of houses, a state of affairs which it must necessarily take some time to remedy, and meanwhile restriction of rents must tend to divert capital which would otherwise be employ ed in building.

My Committee with me to shate that although the expenditure on the building can present no difficulty, because this must necessarily be the cost price thereof. the method of valuing the land pon which such bullding will be erected may give the borrowers rate of interest greater than the prescribed & per cond

common knowledge that land values have considerably appreciated during re cent years, and if the agreement with the Government permits the inclusion of land at present day value, the effective rate of interest would be materially increased.

My Committee trust, therefore, that the. basis of valuation of land will be at cost, irrespective of the period when such land may have been

With acquired.

bo

regie 1 in.

letter ander

the

yout Committee desire to state that they have examined the records in the Land Office relating to Nos 1 to 38 Humphreys Buildings and that they have

boob able to extract therefrom in the enclosed Bgures contained, schedule These figures reveal the fast that the land in question, together with the other cantiguons lots, was sold b Government in 1004 to the late Sir (then Mr.) Hormusjee Mody at

only half years inter, accord- per

square foot, Two ing to Land Office memorial No. 40.201, dated the 28th August, 1906, the lot on which the above-named buildings stand", was sold to the Humphreys Estate and Finance Company at the rate of #3.53 per square foot, which works out at over 300 times the price originally paid for same only two years previously.

of

From Land Office memorials Nou. 34,089 and 82,646 (dated 1017) is has been learned that the Government resumes a portion of fot at $1.75 per square foot The above-named buildings stand on Section A of K.I.L. 674, covering an area of 30,300 quare feet, which at the last mentioned Aguro of 81.75 gives $53,095.00 as the cest the land. In enclosure, 1 in your letter under reply, the Company state tha: the actual, cont of the land and buildings amounts to $252,197.65, thereby leaving a balance of 8189.173.60 ns. the cost Li the This works out at six houses (18.

6. Bats).

house. Assuming, the depth of the houses to be 93 feet, width feet, and the height 52 feet, and deducting one third for open space, the cubic contents of each house would appear to be 131,716 cubic feet. My Committee have rosson to believe that even at

good the present time similar buildings could be erected at the rate of only 15 cents

$23,798.89 per benso per enbie foot, ...

ha

a difference of about $10,000 per house, er nearly 30 cent. My Committee

pes however enjoin me to point out that in 1912, when this property was built, the cost of construction was much less than it is today, and there would, therefore, be a difference of fully 50 per cent, be tween the figures supplied the Com

by

Commit. pany and those arrived at by tee as the cost of the buildings. My Com mitten do not wish to dispute the Com pany's statement, but the necessary further data not being at their disposal they are unable to reconcile the discrepancy,

to

6-The Company explain in a footnote to their schedule that the capital increase. between 1816 and 1917, amounting $4.734.18, was due to the installation of water-closets. Apparently, to re-imburse themselves for this expenditure, the Com- pany imposed an increase in reat imme diately afterwards of $10 per month per Bat, which amounts, to $2,160 per annum for the 16 Bats, or, in other words just under cent, yearly of the total cost

30

of the inton

7-My Committee would also point out that the Company have made an allowance of per cent of the ret rent to cover coat of repairs. This appears to be exces sire for what are comparatively new build ings of this

type

6-With a view to increasing the accom- mdation available the Government in

8-With regard to your enclosed_copy addition to building a number of houses

of a letter from the Secretary of the Hong for its officers has adopted a policy of

kong Land Investment Company, where advancing money at a moderate rate of in-

in it is stated that he had received no terest in order to attract prospective

protest against the recent increase to $110 builders. A loan of $500,000 at 5. per cent.

from any of our tenants, but on the con- for the building of thirty flats has been

of them have readily brary the majority the condition that the with the

net signed new agreements at this gard,” are to be euch na to bring in return cf not mere than 8 per cent. on am directed by me Committee to enclose the petition (cited the 4th January 1920) the total capital expenditure: and other

Terrace Knutsford advances on

signed by tenants of considerable scale are under

peti- which increase, complaining of the consideration. Staps are also being taken

tion prompted this Association to place the to improve and extend communications for

matter before the Government in the first the purpose of opening up building sites.

instance.

The tenants affected, having already

appealed through this Association to the Government for its intervention on their behalf, did not consider that they had anything to

Rain

their by presenting grievance to the Company; either they had to agree to pay the increased rental or quit the premises, which latter they cer- tainly could not do in view of the fact that there were, and are still, no vacant in Kowloon, This also explains houses why the new agreements were signed

I am, Sir, Your obedient servant,

་

(Signed) A. G. M. FLETCHER,

Colonial Secretary..

The Hon. Secretary,

Kowloon Residents' Association.

Hor. Mr. A. B. M. Fletcher, 0.5.E.,

Colonial Secretary.

April 8th, 1920. 818-I'am directed by my Committee to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 28th March, No. 1 in 2578/19, in reply to the communications of the Kowloon dated the 30th Residents Association, dat January, 21st February and 4th March, 1920, on the housing problem,

letter was carefully considered

23 of my Committee, held on the

at a

29th

and I am instructed to con ver their appreciation and thanks for the interest taken by the Government in the matter.

bas

3.-My Committee do not disagree with your statement that the immediate question is the rate of rentals rather than the actual lack of accommodation, but they respect fully submit that the former question i merely the logical rest

result of a shortage of. hich

admitted in parser.ph house, which of your letter under reply, and been increasingly felt from time to time.

My Committee believe that it is this con- dition of fat and Finance Company affairs that has enabled the Humphreys to put up the rents of Humphreys Build- ings during the past three years, in addi- tion to which the said Cempany now admit farther increase amounting to about 20. per cent.

Whilst admitting that the major pro blem is the restriction of further increased rentals, my Committee hold that the only the erection of solution to this question more houses on the peninsula, and, there- fore, they, view with unbounded satisfac tion the expressed policy of the Govern mont in advancing capital sams for that purpose, and they note with pleasure that it

intention of the Government is also the to improve and extend communications for

ose of opening up building

sites. regard to the loan of $600,000

the

at 6 per cent, for the building of thirty flats, which my Committee understand WAS Kranter to the Humphreys Estate and Finaner Company upon the condition that the not rotem thereon be not greater than

par cent, on the total capital expendi ture, I am directed to enquire whether or not an arrangements have been entered upon regarding the determination of such reapital expen

reluctantly, rather than " readily"

ment of the rents of Kouts- 8.-The statement

ford Terrace provided by the landloria dates back to only 1910, since when the rentals have remained practically station- ary. It is, however, within the recollec- tion of members of my Committee that these same houses were formerly det at $35.00 per month, against the present rent. of $110.00 to $120.00 for houses which are now alleged to be dilapidated almost of beyond repair, but which at the rate $36.00 per month were considered to give a reasonable return to the landlords I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your obedient servant,

W. JACKSON... Hon. Secretary.

Colonial Secretary's Office,

Hongkong, 22nd April, 1920. SI-I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th April on the subject of the housing question.

2. With regard to paragraph 4 of your letter, the agreement with the Humphreys Estate and Finance Company provides that the capital outlay shall include the cost of land, buildings.

levelling

retain ing walls, paths, architects, fees, super- vision by clerk of works or overacer, and interests at 8 per cent. per annum op all disbursements on such items subsequent in each case to the signing of the contract for the erection of the buildings. It also provides that the buildings are to be of auch design and material as shall be approved of in writing by the Governor.

3. The statement in paragraph 5 of your letter that the land occupied by Humphreye Buildings was sold to Sir H. Mody in 1904 at half a cent a foot is not correct. For many years prior to 1904 the ares was held under a Kowloon garden lot lose, and under special instructions ta for the from the Becretary of

Icząca wore Colonies the holders of these permitted to convert them into building Lenses at a premium of half a cents foot.. 4. This Government does not consider that it would serve any useful purpose to

State

THE CHINA MAIL.

pursue further the discussion with regard to Humphreys Buildings and Knutsford Terrace, for the reason, given in my better of the 90th March, that is considers that the housing problem should be attacked along other lines than that of limitation of renta-I am, sir, your obediens ser- vant,

A. G. M. FLETCHER,

Colonial Secretary.

The Hon. Scoretary,

Kowloon Residents' Association.

April 30th, 1920. Een Mr. A. G. M. Fletebar, CRE,

Colonial Secretary.

SI-I am directed by my Committee to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your letter of the April, No. 1 in 2978/19

1

With regard to your statement in paragraph 2. that the price of half a cent per square foot represents the premium for the conversion of the lote which were formerly held under a Kowloon Garden Lot Lease, my Committee would submit that this does not affees, their content that the land was purchased by the Mum

At & phreys Estate and Finance Company very high price, as the original coes of the said garden lots could not have been more than the premium of half a cent a foot. for, conversion,

3. My Committee would again point out thas the costs of land and buildings are capitalized at excessive Agures, the high valuation would necessitate exorbitant rentals to secure a return of 8 per cent. on the total capital outlay, and would not, therefore, fend to relieve the situa tion.

With reference to your eancluding remark,

that the housing problem should be attacked along other lines than that of limitation of rents," I am directed to atate that this is the opinion which my Committee have consistently held from whereas in the second beginning, paragraph of your letter of the 28th March, in which you enclosed schedules of supplied by the Companies con- cerned, you stated that the deseranen? has been unable to obtain any very de faite data regarding the shortage house-room, but its inquiries tend to show that, so far as residents in the Colony are concerned, the immediate question is the rate of rentals rather than actual lack of accommodation.

t. My Committee strongly endorse the scheme of making advances Government' to private persons to build houses for

idential

purposes, and they believe that, if the loan of 8500,000 had been made to various individuals instead of the Humphreys Estate and Finance Com

public would have derived much pany, the p greater advantage, and the solution of the Eonsing problem would have been render- ed less difficult.-I am, air, your obedient

servant.

W, JACKSON,

Hon. Secretary.

April 20th, 1930..

to

Hon. Mr. AG. M. Fletcher, CBE,

Colonial Secretary,

this of Si-The primary object Association being to secure a betterment of the conditions of residence in Kowloon, the housing problem has continually received the careful consideration of my Committee

20

9. My Committee understand that this problem has been engaging the attention of the Government and of the Public Works Committee for some time past, and, from what they have been able to gather from your letter dated the 26th March, No. 1 in 9578/18, and from various reports which have reached them from time to time, they believe the Government have already made a comprehensive study of the subject.

The Honourable Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council and Public Works Committee are, however, without creep- tion, gentlemen of means, who are not of affected by the scarcity of houses, and whom not one is a Kowloon resident. Whilst they may be thoroughly competent to consider the question academically and theoretically, they are hardly in a posi tion to appreciate the needs and wishes of that section of the community which suffers moet owing to the lack of housing accommodation in the Colony, a situation

on envi which is earning for this port able reputation not only among tourists, but also in the minds of these at Home who are offered ritnations in Hongkong. There are, therefore, certain aspects of the question which my Committee desire to emphasise.

3. Assuming that the Government will lay out new areas of suitable building ground in Kowloon and offer such areas to the public at a low figure, with or without reservation and other desirable clauses in the Crown leases, and establish quick and easy means of access and com- munication, and even grant loans out of the public funds at a low rate of interest, my Committee are of the epision that, although such measures would assuredly facilitate a solution of the housing quee tion,

a large number of residents in the Colony would still be unable to avail them epives of such advantages for the reason that they are in the employ of local Arms Far having numerous branches in the East, and that they may at any moment. those be transferred to some other of branch offices. Such being the case, my Committee wond urge the Government to impress upon the heads of these firms the duty, incumbent upon them to con struct suitable residences for their employees as has been and ia being done by the Government. This would un- doubtedly redound to the credit of the leading companies Ermly established in the Colony, and considerably ease atch of the present housing difficulty,

The building of new houses by em ployers would not entail any financial nasistance frem public funds, and would larger amount for thus leave available individuale in the employ of the maller firms who can expect ne such benefit from their employers, but who are desirous of building bouses for residential purposes.

5. In this connection, I am to point out that last year one of the largest, local firms purebased three of the best houses in Kowloon for the accommodation of some of their employees. In this connec tion they were but imitating the practice of Japanese Arms in the Colony, a prac tice that has

accentuated rather than

relieved the shortage of houses.

3. My Committee, who are advised that there is not a vacant house in Kowloon at

in Victoria awaiting an oppor tunity to remove to the Peninsula, believe that the time has arrived for the Govern ment to declare its general policy, so that the public may know what help they may receive from the Government,

Lart and that there are numerous

7. It is generally believed that there are many Kowloon residents anxious to com miento building operations who have been awaiting the announcement of the Govern ment housing schemes, but the conflicting reports of the Government's intentions have deterred such persons from building,. as they justly desire to participate in whatever benefits that may arise in conse

Сп

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

(Bouter's Servios to the China. Mai.)" SHIPPING MINISTRY DEFICIT.

Lennox, April 29th. Lieut Col the Hon Gay Wilson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping, in a statement regarding the Appropriation Account, says that the so- called deficit represents the DOURI drawn from

rom the Vote of Credit and rest on the expenditure mat from the earning A remarkable thing in the Shipping Con troller's opinion is that the amount for which the Ministry had to ask the Vete of Credit was so amall. This SU comprise, speaking broadly, the ccat for the year onded March 31st, 1919, (the year of the war and demobilisation) W the

portation of British armies, to and from all thes stores

aad tres, the carriage of munitions from abroad, all the merchant tonnage provided for the use of the Navy, standard ship- building, ship purchase and contracts & home and abroad.

ΣΕΕ

mak

**This is not excess expenditure over the estimate, but excess expenditure over the earnings. The Ministry, like all War De- partments, is financed, as regards warlike or non-remunerative operations, from Votes of Credit. The Controller further thinks it right to state that most, if not

the

transactions all of

particular which TO

much

attention been called Are represented works

undertaken to help is prosecation of the war. It was only when the war ceased that the duty of liquidating them devolved on the Ministry of Ship-

ping

10

has by

the

Colonel Wilsch adds that the "Select Committee on National Expenditure close ly investigated the work of the Ministry last session, giving particular attention to these transactions. Its verdics was that the work of the Ministry of Shipping, was performed with remarkable efficiency.

POLISH OFFENSIVE AGAINST BOLSHEVIKS.

Wanaw, April 28th. An official statement says that after re pulsing desperate Bolshevik attacks for six weeks the Poles, commanded by General Pilsudski, started a

a general offen- sire on the Volhynia Podolia front on April 25th, captured important places and pursued the enemy to Jitomir where an Infantry and a cavalry division were com- pletely defeated. Much booty was taken including: 180 locomotives, and 2,000 rail- number of prisonera Way Carriage. A were taken. Fighting continues.

UNITED STATES COMMISSION.

ATLASTIC CITY, April 29th. The Board of Directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce have autho rised the appointment of a Commission to proceed to Europe to investigate the possi bility of the resumption of trade relations between the United States and Bussia

ROYAL AIR FORCE CADETS.

LONDON, April 28th,

The Air Ministry. announce that the total number of Bagal Air Force cadeta, including Colonials from the Dominions, Was 21,254, cf dispersed up to April 7th which 3,000 wore garetted to temporary and 8,880 to honorary commissions.

Among the cadets of the Royal Air Force who were training when the Armistice was signed and whose appointment to bonor Bry commissions was not gazetted should apply to the Air Ministry, giving regi mental details.

EXCESS PROFITS DUTY.

LONDON, April 29th. In the House of Commons, Mr. Ferrell moved the rejection of the Excess Profts Duty.

Mr. Chamberlain emphasised that, al- though he was willing to consider an alter- native, it was his duty while trade was prosperous to make a real effort to reduce the vast debt which was embarassing com. merce and was & potential danger to the credit of the country. There was nothing at present more important, owing to our dependence on overseas supplies of food and raw materials, than that

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

(Rauter's Service to the China Mail.) THE AIN REMO CONFERENCE.

An-

LONDON, April 9th In the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George, who was warmly cheered, said that the conference at San Remo was doubtedly the most remarkable sires the Armistica. Before the conference, mis understandings were serious enough. They had been made grave by deliberate for- the manting by very reckless persons, but sky was again olear. All the principals ware pleased with the results, because misunderstanding had been removed and suspicions dispelled. The disagreement had solely arisen as regards the Rubr.

Mr. Lloyd George emphasised that the whole depute was whether Allied or Ger aan troops should suppress the Ruhr trouble. The Allies, except France advocated the latter alternative with & time-limit for the withdrawal of the Ger man roops, failing which the occupation of any German town would have followed sa a guarantee. It was also proposed that Allie oficers should accompany the Ger

man

troops, in order to see that the specified numbers were not exceeded and that their methods were not too stern or vindictive. He emphasised that the differ ence was now entirely cleared up. Germans had been informed that as 8000 as the troops in the Ruhr Valley were the reduced to the gumber permitted by Allies in their letter of August 8th, the withdraw from French troops would Frankfort and Darmstadt. The statement that. French trocpa not withdraw until Germany had disarmed and certain. other clauses of the Treaty had been en- forced was in no way accurate.

In

Mr. Lloyd George regarded that the removal of misunderstandings had placed the alliance on a firmer basis than ever- (Cheers)The French undoubtedly be lieved that Great Britain did not mean 7. to enforce the Treaty, especially a re- gards reparation and disarmament; the despatches from France as regards th Ruhr question the British Government made it quite clear that the difference was purely a question of policing and restoration of order, and that when it came to disarmament and reparation and such matters, we should take any action agreed between the Allies. The San Remo Conference dispelled all suspicions about the matter.

Misunderstanding also arcse from uspi- cions created by the atterances of very powerful personages in France and the writings of powerful journalists indicat ing that there was an intention of using the delays in the exeention of the treaty for ulterior motives. The annexation of the Bhineland and the coal areas was openly advocated Great Britain had to make it absolutely clear that abe would never assent to any such policy.

our children

We could not

Another Alsace (Cheers).

M. Millerand and his associates, readily and sincerely, gave assurances that the vast majority of Frenchmen were opposed to such a policy equally as the Brush.

Mr. Lloyd George attached enormosa Importance to it. The German Ministers" had been invited to confer with British and French Ministers face to face, because. although there were numerous commissious and commissioners there might be Virgins of the Parable some are wise and some foolish and the Allies were not always quite sure that the discussions were con- ducted quite in accordance with the Supreme Council policy. The questions discussed will be, frat, disarmament, then reparation, then the Army of Occupation. The

have agreed that war wespons A British officer in must be destroyed. Germany charged with the destruction of weapons bas reported that Germany has faithfully accounted for all guns.

But the greatest difficulty was being experienced with rifles, owing to the men not surrendering them. It is understood that the real difficulty was that the Ger

did not command Government authority. The soldiers defy them. But the greatest difficulty is that we are deal- ing with a broken-backed people who does not command its vill. Its actions are con vulsive. It has command of speech; that's about all. There is famine in the land.

It was essential that we get the German guns and seroplanes.

As regards reparations he recognised that Germany cannot pay at present, but it was pecessary that she should abandon the exasperazing attitude of evading nasessment of liabilities and submit pro- posals for international

payment. credit should stand high, especially to- wards America. He was content to let the Budget be judged by the verdict of in formed American opinion. The Budget aimed at our standing again in the very front line as a great financial, commercial and industrial nation.

The motion was defeated by 237 votes to 75."

The Corporation Tax was adopted, Mr. Chamberlain intimating thas co-operative dividende were exempted from the tax.

quence of the flotation of rach schemes. Thesc, as a rule, involve complex quer tions, such as reservations, ale of land without auction, amendment of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, ote, and material .concessions on the part of the Government which might necessitate protracted reference to the Secretary of. Etate for the Colonies. In view of the possibility of such prolonged negotiations, by Committee would especially request the Government to at present confine ite attention to, the immediate laying out and development of King's Park residential area, and would also suggest the removal of the latrines and brothels st present abutting on Nathan and Coronation Roads

o

8. My Committee have in view a con structive policy with regard to the open- ing out of King's Park and they venture. to request that, before coming to say. final decisions on this or any other matter relating to conditions of residence in Kowloon, the Government will afford them

opportunity to express their views apon the housing problem generally,

For example, my Committes have learn ed with much satisfaction that the Govern

proposal to erect a large hotel or block of hats in Kowloon, Involving an expenditure of about two million dollars, is to be abandoned, as they are fully vinced that the majority of Kowloon residente are not in favour of flais, but prefer bungalows, or two-storied detached houses. They, of course, can offer objection to private enterprise creating hotels for the accommodation of transi enta, the frequent extraordinary demand for which has recently shown the Colony to great disadvantage. I can, sir, your obedient servant,

W. JACKSON, A

Hen. Becretary.....

The Premier emphasised that the Allies were not going to Spa on May 28th to discuss abstruse questions. Germany must make definite proposals which would receive the fairest and impartial con- sideration.

of The time-limit four months, after the signature of the Treaty, conceded to Germany in which to submit concrete proposals for the settlement of her liabilities had already lapsed.

SAN REMO, April 28th. The Foreign Missione have departed! There was most cordial leave-taking be tween the British, French and Italian re- presentatives.

ARKB'KLIDS IN PALESTINE,

Carso, April 27th. There have been seven Arab raids in. Falestine between April 12th and April 20th. A squadron of cavalry from Beisan Went out pa

round 2nd

the вр April Ghazawiyeh tribe westward of the Jordan and destroyed a

a house containing ammuni- tion northward of Beisen, after which a force of Arabe attacked the squadron which was obliged to withdraw fighting a rearguard action,

An aeroplane on reconnaisance on April 23rd reported activity in a valley south Ward of Beisan, and that the railway bad been

cut: Troops were sent out and encoun tered thirty Arabs. Two more detachments of troops were sent out at dusk and charg-- nd with lace, killing fifteen.

DEATH SENTENCE IN THE ARMY.

Lommon, April 28th

In the House of Lords, Viscount Peel sisted that death sentences passed during the whole of the war-in all the theatros apon officers and men were 3,076, while only 343 were carried out. All the latter: were copfrmed, before execation, by the Commander-in-Chief.

URPX INCIDENT.

Paia, April 28-5, The French at Urfa suffered consider ably. It is reliably reported that their. losses amount to a third of the effectives. which amounted to 700, composed of two companies of whites and the remaincer

BARLIER TELEGRAMS.-

(Bouter's Salos to the Chins Molly

SPZ CONFERENCE.

LONDON Apr 2 Is is reported from San Remo that, on versing with Italian journaliate Mr. Liv George stated that the German Chancellor will attend the conference at Spa on equal fooling with the heads of the Albe Governments and will be able to make pres posals on the future peace settlement Burepo.

FUTURE OF ALBINTE.

Lowboy, April 9th. In the House of Lords. Lore Leminger asked a question in which he alluded t the Albanians' fear of invasion by th Serbians or the Greeks, and asked Allies to give an assurance that the inde pendence of Albanis guaranteed in 191 will not be infringed.

Lord Crawford, replying, said that t Supreme Council would not tolerate any Bession of the nature suggested allow it to affect the final settlement of Albanian question. Meanwhile, TAI possible to give further. Assuran00%.

UNREST IN IRELAND.

LONDON, April 29th In the House of Commons, on the mosica for adjournment, Mr. T. P. O'Connor raised the question of the threat of Irish Dockers' strikes at Liverpool and Glasgow unless the Sinn Feiners were released.

Mr. Sexton, representing the Liverpool. dockers, said that he had warned members of his Unica not to participate

the strike, but he was afraid the situa tion was getting beyond control.

Sir Donald Maclean urged the appoint

.of special tribunal to try Bian Feiners.

ment

Mr. Short promised to submit the ng gestion to the Government. Sinn Feins

convicted perso were never treated The movement in Liverpool was not by thị Trades Union but engineered by loca Sun Foiners, and the Government would not yield to threats from Liverpool or akses - where.

SHELL SHOCK INQUIRY,

←

LONDON, April 20th. In the House of Lords, Lord South borough moved for the appointment of☎ to investigate departmental committee different kinds of shellshock-the enyairy to include the infliction of death penalty,

on charges of cowardice.

Lord Horne,

orne, speaking

in the capacity

of a General, supported the suggestion, thars and expressed the opinion that if

Whs any suspicion that a crime committed might be due to shellshock the Cours Martial septance should not be confirmed until the accased had been under mediend observation for a enfficient time to ascer tain whether his mental balance had bean

Viscount Peel, replying, painted out that extreme care was exercised a Court Martial in such cases, A medical adviser was always included if there was 6 ng geation of any mental or

Of nervous disorder The Government was opinion that greas advantages might be obtained from the pro

of

Inquiry. Many nervous and mental conditions encountered were entirely ne to medical officers. The connection Be- tween the forms of disease met with curing the war and civil life was very close. experience gained daring the war might be of great value in other fields. The WEY Ofice we glad to accept the view that departmental committee should be appointed. It might be wise to have mixed committet, inciveing among it mem bers with expert knowledge and in view of the disciplinary afde of the inquiry lawyer, and perhaps a soldier.

The motion was adopted

a

THE TURF.

London, April 8th The following is the result of the Twe Thousand Guineas:

Tetratoma... 1

Allenby Paragon

...

3

Betting, 2 to 1 Tetratema, 100 to 7 Allenby, 8 to 1 Paragen.

Seventeen ran Won by half a-length; three lengths between second and third.

THE PRINCES OF WALES.

ROTORA, April 28th. Thomanda of settlers and Maori wele comed the Febi Wales to Estorm, As the Macri Eezikuarters there were elabor. ato native cremonies and dances,

SERBIA.

BELGRADE April me

A telegram from Lublians says that train proceeding to Agram wir beid, up by striking miners, who also fired on train at Hrastynyk The military guard repulsed them, killing me. mailan, Three thousand strikers at Lubliana attacked the Police. The latter fred, kill ing ten and wounding 21,

THE GERMAN BUDGET.

BEIN, April 28th The Assembly has adopted the Badge and passed a Bill handing over the rail ways to the Imperial Government,

FOR A LAME BACK. 2 WHEN you have pains or listers in

the ack ha be the paris wit Chamberlain's Pain Balm. twice day, kassaging with the aim of the land for fira minutes: at eich "application. Then dampen piece of Bandel alightly ith this indiment and band is on UTER the seat of in. For sale by all Chemists and Storekeepe