MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1926, Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

[Australia it N.Z. Cable Association.] TORNADO TRAGEDY'. LONDON. April 2. A despatch a fro m Calcutta says 50 were killed, four hundred injured nml seven villages destroyed by a. tornado which swept Mild Aripure district. DRUSES RETIRE. PARIS, April 2'. - A despatch from Biorut states Druses are retiring in the utmost disorder before the French attack near Li bail. Two French columns, operating near Kuneitra met and routed Druse bands inflicting heavy losses. GOOD FRIDAY CEREMONY. ROME, April 2. Good Friday was celebrated with a solemn ceremony in Major Basilica. Numerous visitors attended the ceremony at St. .John Lateran where high dignitaries of the church Cardinal I’ninfili (Arch Priest of the Basilica) and Vicar of Rome prestocil. .1 long procession through the Basilica was most impressive, due singing of tluv choir in Sisline chapel. The Blessed Sacrament was carried by the Arch Priest from Altar of Respo.«v. Cardinal Fruhwirth bestowed indulgences on the faithful. CHINESE DANGERS. PEKING. April 2. Prominent Chinese are seeking safetv in the legation quarter due to increased fear throughout the city that negotiations for the transfer of Poking from Nationalist defenders to opposing Coalition Army, principally controlled by Marshall Changtsolin would fail, in which case there is likely to be sharp lighting for the possession of (he city. The Nationalists are withdrawing some troops from the city but only the less disciplined soldiers are being permitted to leave while picked troops are forming a company ring around the capital.

ROYALTY BETTER. LONDON. April 2. The Prince ol Kales and Princess Victoria are both better to-day according to announcements from the respective bedsides. A bullet in from .Marlborough House where the Princess resides, said the pneumonic process is improving but there has been a great strain on the heart. 'I he Turk House bulletin staled that the Prince of Wales' progress continues to Is* satisfactory. NIAGARA ARRIVES. VANCOUVER, April 2. The Niagara, has arrived with six thousand cases of butter. E. Mills, a Canadian passenger, died and was buried at sea. M ETI-lOIMST Y.M.H.C. ASHBURTON. April A. Tlic Dominion .Methodist \outig .Men's Bible Class camp, commemorating 21 years existence ol the movement. was held on the Show Grounds, where 180 callipers are hilloted. Good Fridav service was conducted hv Rev. AY. Arthur Hay. of Christchurch. Elocutionary competitions were held in the afternoon, the New Zealand championships being won by A. T. Gaudell (Christchurch), the nimier-iip being Mr Hurley, of Wellington, and Class championship by Armitage Claridgj l and Gaudell of East Melt. Christchurch. In the evening, a birthday reonion was held in Haring Square schoolroom. A long toast list was honoured, and a very spirited meeting resulted. To-day is Sports Day.