BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1926, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] MI L LION A IRE’S TRIAL. PARIS, July 20. With the court thronged by brilliantly dressed women, the trial of Albert Lancel, who was arrested on January 23rd. began for the murder of his wife’s lover Marge. Lancel is one of the wealthiest men in Paris. He is in the fancy goods trade, and is reputed to be a millionaire. The accused appeared in the court grief-stricken. He sat with bowed. head and once he sobbed bitterly. His wife! from whom ho secured a divorce last week, was not present, the President of the Court explaining that she was too ill. It wasstated that Madame Lancel has been an enthusiastic dancer, and she met Marge in a fashionable restaurant, and their friendship ripened into a love affair. Albert, the husband, on bearing of his wife’s freqeunt visits to Marge’s luxurious fiat, decided to surprise her there. He found Madame there in the bathroom lightly clad. A fierce quarrel then ensued, during which Marge was shot. Lanecl’s reply to the charge is that he fired only in self-defence as Marge had already struck him. “Who was the woman who informed you of your wife’s infidelity*” asked the President. “ The tragedy is over,” replied Lancel. “ I would not provoke another by revealing her name.” The President: “ Why this mystery? The woman accompanied you in a taxicab to the flat, and she waited tliereiu while you forced the door. What vengeance was she pursuing?” 1 Lancel: “ I have seen too much tragedy already. I can say nothing.” Lancel repeated that he was convinced that his own life was in danger. A detective who had shadowed Madame Lancel was also unable to give the name of the mysterious woman. The hearing was adjourned.

ROYAL VISIT. July 20. General satisfaction is felt concern-, ing the Duke and Duchess of Yorks’ visit to Australia, which the newspapers’feature prominently with details of the founding of Canberra. “Tho Times” says: “There can he no question as to'the pleasure the visit will give to both sides, especially as the occasion marks so notable a stage in the progress of the Commonwealth, for, with tho opening of Canberra, a hew epoch begins.” Recalling that the ninth of May is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Federal Parliament’s (opening, “The Times” in an editorial adds; “It is a happy coincidence, lor Canberra '.us founded expressly to meet the needs of that Parliament, and it will be, in origin, construction, and administration, a city apart-, with the unique distinction that with it the traditions of British Parliamentary institutions will have been- associated from .the first.

The “Daily Telegraph” says:—“Tho people of the Mother Country will share Their Majesties’ pleasure that tlio Commonwealth Parliament, meeting for the first time at Canberra, should be opened by the Duke of York. We recognise that in all political, economic, and social affairs, each selfgoverning State is mistress of hci own house, but that condition of freedom lends additional significance to “tho golden thread of kingship.” The citizens of the Dominions, without subtracting anything from their status, are sharers with us in all the blessings of our constitutional monarchy and the Duke and Duchess of York are assured, of a. loyal and enthusiastic’ welcome when they visit Aus tralia.”

THE FOURTH LADY. LONDON, July 20. It is officially stated the infant Elizabeth will not accompany the Duke and Duchess of York to Australia. DATE OF CANADIAN ELECTIONS. OTTAWA, July 20. It is announced that the Canadian General Elections will he held on September 14th