BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1925, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

WHO INVENTED THE TANK? CLAIM in high court. LONDON, November 23. Who invented tlie tank is being reviewed in the High Court where Mr Justice McCardie is hearing a petition of right on behalf of Capt. Bede TlentIv, claiming .-€300,1X10 from the Crown. Counsel for plaintiff *said Kitchener, whom plaintiff knew in the Boer War requested hint in October, 1914, to produce an armoured car which would be independent of roads. Plaintiff suggested the caterpillar with an armoured body. He described a three hour ifter-diiiuer interview with Lord Kitchener at his house at which Bentley illustrated the design with rubber hands and pins. He asserted Kitchener requested Bentley not to patent the claim for reasons of secrecy. Plaintiff declared he and Lord Kitchener discussed the use of poison gas in 1914. LONDON, November 24. Captain Bentley gave evidence as to Lord Kitchener urging him not to take out a (intent for tanks. Lord Kitchener said: "Beyond anything else, we have got to keep the thing a secret. You can trust me. I will protect your interests.” Lord Kitchener added “ Well, Bentley, if it does what you claim, it will revolutionise warfare.” Later he (Rentle.v) had to go (o Russia. When he returned Lord Kitchener said that experiments had been carried out, and the invention would lie a success in war. Witness (Bentley i then went to Africa. Lord Kitchener was dead before be return--0(1 . The case was adjourned. DOMINION ELECTIONS. LONDON PRESS COMMENT. LONDON. November 24. The “Times” states :—“ The elections in Australia and New Zealand and in Canada, have had one common result, namely, the eclipse of the Country Party. It has been shown that i..e people ol a great democracy will in.it stand for class government. The defeat of Labour in Australia was a tribute, not to the strength of Mr Bruce. Dr Earl Page and Hie Nationalists; for. in spite of Labour defeats, the Country Party actually lost while a handful of farmers in New Zealand apparently found it politic to merge identity with the Reform Government of Air Coates.” The “Daily Telegraph” says:— •• The chapter of events now opening in Australia lias a peculiar interest for British Labour, which may well turn for inspiration to searching for a practical line of action against the Communists such as that which is advocated by Mr Theodore.” FLOODS UNEARTH ANCIENT TOMBS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.i ATHENS, November 25. A heavy loss of life is feared from floods, which have unearthed ' thirty ancient tombs, containing old ornaments, vases, and five mummies. Archaeologists attach the utmost importance to the find. Tt has not yet been ascertained the epoch to which Hie tombs belong.

FOOTBALL FORMATION. LONDON, November 25. Leinster has adopted the All Blacks formation and there is a proposal that it should he tested in a trial match, • m the result of which will depend its adoption liy the Irish Rugby Union. WIRELESS WAGES. LONDON, November 25. A conference has opened in London to consider the Wireless Company’s proposal to reduce the wages of wireless operators in British mercantile marine bv 22s 6<l per month. The Union contends that the demand is unjustifiable and is resisting it on behalf of five thousand operators. No decision lias been reached yet regarding a strike. ’ FLOODS IN ATHENS. ,Received this day at 8.50 a.m.l LONDON, November 25. The “ Daily Express’s” Athen’s correspondent reports numerous deaths were caused by floods due to a sudden torrential rain which transformed the avenues of Athens into canals, making the citv resemble Venice, with turbulent floods of yellow water rushing down the streets. Trees were uprooted . bridges washed away and vehicles swept into C,c gutters. A number of houses fell to pieces in an encampment where refugees were sheltering, - on the outskirts of the city, the Inmates lM?ing swept away by the swift current and drowned. Some girls were drowned in the middle of Athens and numbers of spectators were powerle-ss to assist them. The damage is estimated at C180,0fK) sterling.

GREECE AT FAULT. [“ The Times ” Service.] (Received this day at 8.50 a.mA LONDON, November 25. The “ Times ” Sofia correspondent ■states he has received reliable information that the Rumbold Commission, appointed by the League of Nations to investigate the recent Greek-Bulgarian dispute declares the Greeks were the aggressors and had no plausible rea-son for invading Bulgaria who is consequently entitled to reparation for the damage done to their territory.

PORTUGUESE POLITICS. LISBON, November 25. The Government has abolished the .Ministry of Labour.