AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1923, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

THE POLAR FLIGHT,

("Sydney Sun" Cables)

(Received this dav at fi.23 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, The Secretary for the Navy (Mr Ronby) slates that the forthcoming American airship expedition to the North Polo has two aims, viz., the exploration of unknown Polar regions and the establishment of the practicability of an air route across file Pole. He declares that tht route I rout Britain to Japan could he shortened by half if tthe airships could fly over the Artie regions, lie further declares there is v iimplo evidence that these air routes are preferable to others at certain periods of the year, apart from the savines in time. Two ships will • t as bases for the air machine at Shell andoali, each brine titled with a suitaide mooring mast. A third ship "ill he stationed at M.»mc. The Shenandoah airship will leave for its Polar flight early next Spring and proeeed to Nome, the first base lor the Polar (light, and will carry powerful radio equipment. SC I [DON KK WATHI! I,<)< '•(! F. D. (Received this (lav at 8.39 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, Dee. '-’7. The schooner Eric-, from A aneonver to llrisbaiie is waterlogged and in great distress near Honolulu. Her exact whereabouts are unknown. FIRE IN LUNATIC ASYLFM. SAN FRANCISCO, Dee. 27 A Chicago message says that seventeen are known to lie dead and many missing, due to the lire whcli destroyed a wing of the lunatic asylum from which fifty patients escaped in confusion and scattered lar ami wide. MEXICAN 1! EVOLUTION. SAN FRANCISCO. Dee. 27. A telegram from Yeru Cruz states that the Mexican Revolution has not been quelled with Fl’Rregan’s troops falling back on it portion id the leva Crux front, with little actual lighting. Hostilities may lie desultory and long drawn out. TWO TOWNS RAZED. SAN FRANCISCO. Dee. 27. A desnatch from Douglas, Arizona, says that further details of Lite earthquake damage in Sonora. Mexico, reveal that -there were twenty-nine shocks in the .period from December IStli. to Christmas Eve. Two were killed in Granados, ami Ilusahas towns which were practically razed. Many people are homeless and severe — L storms are increasing their discomfort. A PRINCE’S DENIAL. (Received this day at 8.50 a.m.) OTTAWA. Dee. 27.

Prince Erick denies the Copenhagen despatch saying that the Danish King has deprived him ol princely rank, because he is marrying a Canadian. Prince Erick says that he is only renouncing his right ol succession to the throne, lie remains his Royal Highness, and has assumed the title of Count Rothonburg. MR MASSEY AT MONTREAL. (Received this day at 10.10 a.m.) fT" OTTAWA. Ret. ember 27. Mr Massey, interviewed on his arrival at Montreal expressed the hope that the recommendations ol the Imj.'Criid t'onferelii e would not he jeof ai-d-.sed by British political changes. Air Massey, continuing, said : —“lt seems unthinkable that there should be m.. l; v going hack on the promises made h.- the British Government to the Dominions sitting ns an Empire Council ” lie also said that New Zealand was anxious to foster intc-r-Dominiou trade.