MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1924, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

[Reuters Telegrams.]

LONDON, Nov. 7. The “Daily Chronicle's” Paris correspondent says a grim drama happened at Arnrageslcvoiirg, on the Swiss frontier. Aladatne Sarrazen, a widow aged 08 and her son Louis, and 28-vear old daughter, Alartha, and a wealthy neighbour, Chevillot, who was an inavliil, lived alone oil a farm next lo the Sarrazens. A fire broke out in both houses, and when the firemen searched the ruins they found the Isidy of Louis Sarrazen, but were unable to identify the other charred remains. In a chest of drawers in C'hcvillot’s house was a letter saying he hated the Sarrazens and desired a ferocious vengeance, but I am a coward, so our bodies will burn together, mine and theirs. According to criminal police, it is believed Chevillot murdered the Sarrazen family, and then set lire to the premises. but they do not be lie ve he is dead. They are diligently searching for him.

FRENCH POLITICS. PARIS. Nov. 7

M. Millerand is returning to active politics, and he seized an opportunity presented by the Conservative victories in Rrilaiu and America to launch a manifesto appealing for support for a new party, the I.igue Republican Nationals. lie attacks M. Ilerriot’s foreign policy and also his home policy on the ground that it has not ameliorated the ’financial situation. lie claims Herriot is giving in increasingly to the revolutionaries.

TA PAXES E sKXTF.NCES. TOKIO. Xnvemlier 7,

'flic Korean who bombed the main entrance of the palais l on January sth. has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Two Japanese accomplices received seven years and six months respectively.

JAP PRESS OPINION. (Received this day at 8 n.m.) . TOKTO. Novcinlicr S. The aniioundeincnt hliat tihe Doltish Government has revived the question of the Singapore Rase is widely discussed in the papers nearly all id which regard it as inevitable

The “Asalii Shimbim” expresses the opinion that the construction of the base may lose much of its former significance in view of the probability of a second disarmament conference and declares that if constructed it is bound to complicate the situation in the Far Fast as Japan would lie compelled to join in such conference with reservations.

The “Ynmimi Sliimbun” says the advent of the Conservatives to power draws the attention of Japan to defence problems in the Far East. The ••f'htiwo Sliimbun”. though admitting the fortification of Singapore itoes not concern other nations, is of the opinion that such a. plan would nullify the Washington Convention and excite competition in anuament construction'.

FRENCH ARMY. LONDON, NoO'inber 7. A military writer in ” The Tillies,” emu hides a long article on Army changes in France bv staling: France is transforming and reilneing her army, without waiting for any disarmament cunfereiii'O. Her intentions are peaceful, Iml she does not want to be caught napping, and she "ill remain armed. ” The writer shews that the recent Fnmil militaix ib'iisions are undoiibt idly largely de lated by a lack of manpower. but be says:—'‘Although the French liml themselves compelled lo reduce I heir army, they neverlln-le.-s intend that it shall be strong and <• 11i-i-ielll. Tin l idea underlying her scheme of reorganisation remains imallcred. It is to protect France against Ibe danger of aniiiliilalioii by Germany, who is still regarded as a potential enemv.”

FRANCE AND U.S.A. LONDON, November 7

French political circles tire greatly impressed by the size ol President Coolidge’s majority, and there is much discussion as to what effect the Republican victory is likely to have ot) Amen ian foreign policy, pari iettlat l\ in relation to France.

"On Hie whole,” ”I ho Times s Paris cunospoiuleiit states, “ the tenileiti'v is to expect an intending inclination on the part of the United States to co-operate in the restoration ol Eumpe. The election of General Dawes as Vice President is regarded as a guarantee that life strict application of the report hearing bis name will, at least, be a matter of some interest to the American Government. There is also an earnest hope that American financiers will show themselves favourably disposed lo France, but it is realised that their attitude will greatjy depend on France’s own success .in clearing up her financial difficulties. The question of the inter-AHied debt, the payment of which President Coolj,|„e is expected to demand, remains o„e of those unpleasant subjects which are mentioned as little as possible.

MINE DISASTER. LONDON, November 8. Router’s .Mayence correspondent s-ivs- "Numerous fire brigades nit fielding names at the Mont Ceuta Mine, in Solingcn, following the explosion of a benzine tank. Thick some lias enveloped the town, lbeie arc a number of victims.