BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1926, Page 3

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] NAPOLEON’S HAT. PARIS, June 3. A miniature Franco-American war was fouht out in an auction room when one of Napoleon’s hats was offered. Patriotic French bidders wildly outbid souvenir hunting Americans and a final French bid of £286 kept the tricolour flying.

A NOTABLE BOOK, (deceived this day at 12.g0 p.m.) LONDON, June 3. One of the sensations of the publishing season is the diary of a young Indy of fashion in. 170-1-05 of whi,h thirty-thousand copies were sold in three months. It purported to be an authentic historical account and received many critics, including Lord Darling, who expressed the opinion that the diary takes a place beside Popy’s. It is now revealed that the book was written by Magdalen King flail, tbe 19-year old daughter of the former Conunander-in-Chief of the Australian squadroip Ttie revelation is more piquant because the book included a description ot a lover’s attempt to climb to a girl's bedroom at night, and other naughty episodes which a. girl just from school is not supposed to be familiar with. Miss King Hall says she wrote the book to escape boredom, and adds that she made considerable money from the hook. I have had a bust with the family, making me need a rest.”

LONDON, June 1. Lord Oxford, in a letter to Mr Chinns, Whip of the Party, says: “There is no question of the excommunication or ostracism ot Lloyd George. He has chosen to separate himself from our deliberations, at a moment of great emergency. He was not driven out; he refused to come in. My two years of effort to recreate and revive tho Liberal unity have been burdensome and thankless. I will not bold tho leadership a day, unless I have a full measure of confidence of the Party.”

Messrs Grey, Simon. Cowdray, Rnneimaii, Lincolnshire 'and other leading Liberals havo written to Lord Oxford “We cannot allow you to hear the whole brunt of criticism in the letter to Lloyd George. Since Lloyd George broke up the first coalition, he has played many parts. He has insisted on retaining sopaOte headquarters and fund, and has often made us suspect that, lie has net abandoned the idea of a new coalition. His action during the recent strike must he regarded in the light of this record.”

ZAGHLUL’S INTENTIONS. CAIRO, June 3. At the request of the Deputies Zaghlul has abandoned the idea of forming a Cabinet and has agreed to resign Lhe Premiership in favour of the Liberal leader Adyyeghen. GRAVE SnTATION.JN KGVI’T. ' LONDON. June 3. Tho district .gravity of the situation in Egypt and impossibility of forecasting the out'ome is emphasised in well-informed circles in London. It is learned the Government is following events very closely, and has b."pt the Egyptian Government fully informed of its views, abundantly demonstrating that Britain does not view with favour Zaglilul’s return to power. It is pointed out that Ediwar Pnslui lias not yet rosined, but when he does the King will doubtless summon Zaghlul. upon whose decision will depend the British attitude. MALTA. June 3. Although no further warships beyond tho Resolution have gone to Egypt, several are under orders to depart at a moment’s notice.