THE BIG GUN.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1918, Page 1

THE BIG GUN.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.} SHELL STRIKES A CHURCH. PARIS March 30. A German shell struck a Paris Church on Good Friday at 'lenebrae during service and killed 75 5 and in. jured 90, including many women and i'jhihlreii. The 'dhurdh was crowded Just as the service was starting a shell pierced the roof and shook the edifice to its foundations. A large pillar collapsed bringing down an arch on the congregation. Portions of the shells were scattered in all directions. Many willing helpers searched the debris and

(recovered the wounded. President Poincare and the Archbishop of Paris were early on the scene. The weeping Archbishop cried: “The wretches have chosen a day and an hour on the Anniversary of the death of Christ on the Cross to commit this crime. Among the killed was Stroothing, a counsellor of the Swiss Legation. The shell came from a long range gun. The church was previously struck High Mass on Sunday and several were injured.

seven; in existence. PARIS March 30. The following are details of the big gun bombarding Paris: It is 79, feet long and takes a shell between eight and nine inches, but is fitted with a false cap or elongated nose giving it the extreme length of nearly. five feet. The secret appears to he in the distribution of the shell. The weight giving it steadiness, and enabling it f travel a Tong distance. The muzzle velocity is 5000 feet per second, and is fired at an elevation of 55 degrees. Jt .is believed that there are six or seven guns in existence, each able to fire 250 rounds.

STILL ATTACKING. LONDON. March 31. French official.—The German longrange gun continues to bombard Paris region in the daytime. To-day eight were killed, including four women and thirty-seven injured, including nine women and m'm x children,