AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

lUSTII* LIAN AND N.Z- CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRENCH DEBTS TO U.S. WASHINGTON, Dec. 5. London reports that the British Government is expected to address an inquiry to Washington asking information regarding the funding of tho French debt to United States, was received with marked surprise l>v officials in close touch with the debt situation. It is authoritatively stated that no intimation came from London or the British Embassy, indicating that the London Foreign Office proposed to take such a step. It is also asserted that much of the agitation in the London press expressing a fear that the French would lie accorded more favourable terms than was allowed Britain, is unwa minted. RUNAWAY ENGINE. CRASHES INTO TRAINS. SAN FRANCISCO, December 5. A serious local transport accident occurred early this morning, when 23 persons were killed through the crashing of trains on the Oakland mole.

Three trains from different directions were hurrying to the waterside, with their coaches crowded with passengers eu route to catch the ferryboats, when a runaway locomotive literally tore through two ears, killing maiming, and throwing passengers about.. Some were hurled 40 feet ill the air. I.TQUOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. * FLEET TO EIGHT INVADERS. WASHINGTON. Dec. 5. The Government has placed twelve of the fastest destroyers along the Atlantic seaboard to assist in the campaign against the rum fleet. Eight more will he added, and 230 speed boats, which will lie o|>eratcd by coastguards. Almost all arc ready. The entire battle power provided through twenty million dollars appropriation made by Congdcss. will he mobilised by Christinas. The destroyers now frequently capsize the rum craft by rushing at full speed, then stopping short, and making a sideways sweep, which causes a tremendous wave to shoot forward anil overwhelm the grogship. It is reported that daylight running has now almost entirely superseded night operations, owing to the dillieulty of distinguishing friend from 100. An official report states 197 boats have been captured ill 1921. thirteen of which were of large tonnage, and also 2799 automobiles. The Attorney-General's report lays the chief bin me for the illicit traffic to the bootleggers entering for the societv trade, and says the courts are staggering under the load imposed by the prohibition legislation. Ho advocates sentences of imprisonment for violators of the prohibition law.