4 APRIL 1925
The French financial situation has led to a political crisis. M. Clémentel, the Finance Minister, has resigned. M. de Monzie is his successor. It is reported that the Government’s financial schemes include a capital levy.
A new agreement has been signed by Great Britain and Germany, whereby the 26 per cent. Reparations levy is abolished, and a lump sum monthly substituted.
A section of the Rehoboth tribe in South-West Africa, having for some time past set the Administration at defiance, and insisted on being regarded as above the law, and the disaffection having led to unrest among the Hereros, strong police reinforcements, together with aeroplanes, have been dispatched by General Hertzog and Mr G. R. Hofmeyr, the Administrator, on his way to Windhoek to deal with the malcontents. The authorities do not anticipate serious trouble.
M. Jean De Reszke, the famous singer, is dead.
On the motion for second reading of the Adoption of Children Bill—a private member’s measure—in the House of Commons, an undertaking was given that the Government would introduce legislation on this question during the lifetime of the present Parliament. The debate was adjourned. The Co-partnership Bill was talked out.
A sharp passage in the House of Commons between Lady Astor and Mr Hayday led to a rebuke by the Speaker and a reminder that “the noble lady is sometimes provocative.”
The Prime Minister was entertained by the directors of the Great Western Railway. Mr J. H. Thomas, who began life as an engine-cleaner on the same line, proposing one of the toasts, said there was no class to which he belonged. He refused to believe that brains or virtue were the monopoly of any section.