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Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 235, 12 October 1901, Page 1

An exciting balloon trip between Rneil and Beauvais has been experienced by the aeronaut M. Surcous. bis wife, M. Chardon (General Secretary of the Paris Exhibition), and M. Binet (architect oi the Porte Monumental). Passing through the clouds they were caught in a violent storm, and when thev finally emerged into clear air it was at a height oi 12,000 feet, and they were travelling over a veritable ocean of fire, formed by vivid lightning flashes. The aerial voyagers landed near Beauvais, after being up nearly fjur and a half hours, and the balloon, which was covered with snow, says the Mail, caused the greatest wonder among the inhabitants. The following return has been laid on the table of the House, giving the increase of the public debt under different administrations since 1871. The total increase is stated to be £41, 426,004, distributed over the different administrations as follows: —Sir William Fox, 1872 to 1878, £1,448,095 ; Sir -Julius Vogel. 1874 to 1876, £6,855,323; Sir Harry Atkinson, 1877, £3,439,350 ; Sir George Grev, 1878 to 1879, £2,125,700; Sir John Hall, 1880 to 1882, £6,459,500, 1883 £965,900 ; Sir Harry Atkinson, 1884, £1,626.571 : The Stout-Vogel Administration 1885 to 1887, £4,670,071 ; Sir Harry Atkinson, 1888 to 1891, £3,088,697 ; Hon. John Ballance, 1892 to 1893, £427,490 Hon. Mr Seddon, 1894 to 1901,’ £10,380,405.