BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1927, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] THE SPY SCARE. BERLIN, Dee. 31. Newspapers refuse credence of the French allegations of a vast network of German espionage. They regard it j as highly improbable that Stranders was engaged in espionage and state that after his association with InterAllied Aeronautical Control he settled ifi Berlin and acted as agent for various foreign aeroplane firms. The “I-okal Anzieger” insinuates the whole affair has been vamped up by the French. HOPEFUL NEW YEAR, LONDON, Jan. The unanimous feeling that is on the verge of an all-round liappW., and more prosperous year gave gaiety to the dying year Enormous gala parties were held in all the hotels, which were more elaborately decorated than at any time since the war. The streets were thronged and everybody was in buoyant spirits. Everyone seemed glad to see the last of 1926. which had been about as bad « ns coukl he and to feel that England - \ was about to emerge from the clouds of

depression. This is by no means false optimism. The Stock Exchange radiates cheerful" ness, talking hopefully of money in the new year. the general trade position is hotter than for years. Huge contracts are awaiting fulfilment. The old year has seen the reconstruction of a number of great industrial concerns by which the position should he immeasurably hotter. The growth of amalgamations is also a sign that Britain is preparing to take the lead. <

Air Baldwin’s New Year message says: “AVo have left behind a year of discord and industrial depression. Let us resolve to repair the damage and restore national prosperity in the of goodwill.” Mr Ramsay AUcDonald’s message says: “ATost people will he glad to get rid of 1926. AU will hope for more sanity and businesslike genius ’.n the conduct of tho nation’s affairs in 1927.” THE KING’S MESSAGE. LONDON, Jan. 2. Acknowledging the Lord Mayor of London’s New Year message, the King says: ‘With unswerving faith in tho British character, I heartily share the belief expressed in your message that with united efforts and a spirit gf mutual confidence arid goodwill in <rn: widosoread industries, we shall see a gradual but sure restoration of trade and commerce in our beloved country, to the benefit not only of the British Empire, but of the whole world.”

BROADCASTING

LONDON, December 31. Ai r Coates inspected Wellington’s five kilowatt broadcasting set at the Standard Cable Works. It is the most powerful made in England except the Daventry plant, and will be skipped for Wellington next month. FRENCH POLICE. PARIS, January I. Under a new decree the police are empowered to fine motorists on the spot for minor offences. Every policeman is provided with a receipt book. Motorists arc not bound to pay, dmt if they refuse they will be summqiKl. NEW FLYING BOATS. LONDON, December 31. The Air Ministry has ordered two all-metal flying boats, which will tie used for flights on the Calcutta-Singa-pore section of the London to Australia air route. Each will carry fifteen passengers, and is furnished with .three' engines, and will have a non-stop range of 500 miles. It is understood that the Air Alinistry has arranged a cruise for the middle" of the year of a fleet of flying boats They will go to Australia via. Singapore, and will lie commanded by an officer of high rank. The machines will be of the supermarine Southampton type, carrying a crew of four, and equipped with Napier Lion twin engines of 900 horse-power each. ’ The Air Alinistry recently equipped coastal recorj nuisance squadrons with this type. # one engine fails the second will main/' tain the planes aloft at a speed of lifn miles an hour. ROYAL CRUISE. LONDON, Jan. 2. All the marines have now hoarded the Renown, and to-morrow will begin rehearsals of mounting guard and other ceremonies. The vessel’s company includes several trained printers, who will print a daily news bulletin. When the Yorks embark on Tuesday, there will he a guard of honour, accompanied by sixteen trumpets, who will a fanfare on silver trumpets. The system of wireless aboard consists of a central station and switches in every cabin, enabling the passengers to lis-ten-in as easily as turning on the light. . FIRE DISASTERS. LONDON, Jan. 3. The historic Livingstone Congregational Gospel Chapel in Stamford Rivers, Essex, has been destroyed. Airs Kenniford, who was conducting a service, overturned an oil lamp as the service was starting, and the chapel quickly became a mass of flames. Afrs Kcnniford escaped with d iffi-

culty. Livingstone’s Bible was destroyed. This church was one in which Rey. Livingstone preached his first sermon. After mounting the pulpit he was seized with nervousness and rushed out of -lie building. Other disastrous fires occurred at Manchester during the week-end. The first was at the Winter Gardens Cinema. where damage was done amouujfng to thirty thousand sterling. - *% second fire was in the i®llrnowii warehouse area of doing damage to the extent of hundred thousand sterling!Lastly there was a fire in the Co-. ' ventry Audrant, which was aeeonipanJ ied hy a phenomenon arising out of fused electric wiring. The firemen were found to be continually receiving shocks as the current from the drenched walls passed on to the firemen’s miwet clothing. *■ ELLEN TERRY ILL. (Received this dav at 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 3. Ellen Terry is critically ill. i"