AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ESCAPED LUNATICS. NEW YORK, July 23. A message from Chester, in tho State of Illinois, says that the asylum au-. thoritios now admit that the number's of the recaptured insane peopile cabled to-day is incorrect. Twenty-five are still at large. DESPERATE MEN ARMED. NEW YORK, July 23. The officials of the asylum at Chester, Illinois.-also admit that 227 'insane convicts participated in the riot. Tho majority of those who escapod are believed to be armed, and all are desperate characters. Business has been suspended in all the neighbouring towns, while armed guards patrol the streets. The shops and dwellings barricaded, and large forces are scouring the hills in search of the missing mon.

BUILDINGS DAMAGED

NEW Y'ORK, July 24

A later telegram from San Bernardino. in California, states: —‘‘Tho earthquake cabled to-day has considerably damaged this city. Many buildings were unroofed.” Later reports show that Southern California was shaken ny a series of shocks, commencing shortly after mid—night, nnd ending at I o’clock. Buildings were damaged in ninny towns. Tho inmates of prisons and asylums weiv panic-stricken. Several sections report that telephone and telegraphic communication lifts been severed.

A CANADIAN COMMENT.

OTTAWA, July 23

The “Ottawa. Journal,” commenting editorially on Mr Massey’s recent budget, showing a substantial surplus, says it hopes that Mr .Mackenzie King (Canadian Premier), when in London for the Imperial Conference, will take occasion to inquire from Air Massey how rigorous economies in Governmental finances can be instituted, in order that Canada too may profit thereby. The newspaper adds: "If a, parallel zeal for efficiency and economy found a harbourage in the bosoms of Canadian rulers, producing parallel results, Canada’s national debt would be decreased bv £100,000,000.”

SEVENTEEN STILL AT LARGE. NEW YORK, July 24. A telegram from Chester, Illinois, >. says that seventeen insane convicts are still at large. They are beings hunted by bloodhounds and eight fugitives were recaptured during the night. The authorities believe that a general cscap-e of all tho prisoners was planned by outside confederates who smuggled knives and weapons into the exercise pen.