GERMAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1922, Page 3

GERMAN NEWS.

UNITED SERVICE TW.KOIIAMS. TERRIBLE TRAIN DISASTER. BERLIN, June 28. A tragedy attended M. Rathenau’s funeral. A train crowded with spectators, including many workmen standing on the footboards, yvas traversing a tunnel, yvlien it met a train carrying long girders and travelling in the opposite direction. The girders caught the side? of the. first train and carriages, crashing through the woodwork, and swept off hundreds of passengers on to thy lino between the two trains. Most terrible scones followed in the semi-darkness. Many shrieking victims were crushed and others were seiz -1 with pnic.

RATHENAU’S funeral. BERLIN. June 27

There was an impressive ceremonial at Berlin in connection with Dr Ratlienati’s funeral. Tin- collin was brought into the Reichstag at noon, covered with the German Hag, and placed under a great crepe canopy on the President’s table, yvitli giant palms and flowers oil all sides. The Chamber was heavily hung with crepe, and the galleries were def-kod with hydrangeas. An official tribute commenced yvitli five minutes’ silence. President Ebert then delivered the funeral oration in the presence of Dr Rnthcnau’s aged mother and his daughter. After other leaders had paid a tritn'e to Dr Rathenau’s sacrifices in giving up his industrial career for ]X>l itics, the coffin was carried into the lobby where students, in picturesque uniforms lined the passages, dipping their Corps flags as the coffin passed. The coffin was then taken in a motor hearse to the Ohcrshoeneyveide, where it yvas buried in the presence of the near relatives ol the deceased statesman.

R ATTTENAU’S SUCCESSOR. (Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) BERLIN. June 28. The appointment of Yon Hnniel as Ratlienau’s successor, is regarded ns transitional. He has no claims to ■ - litical experience, hut has a. useful Foreign Office record.