BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1927, Page 2

BRITISH & FOREIGN NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

INFLUENZA. RAMPANT IN EUROPE. LONDON, Jan. 4. There is a serious wave of - influenza sweeping over Europe, and from all countries there come reports of growing lists of victims. So far the English epidemic lias been mild, though the epidemic is causing anxiety in France. It is most severe in southern and central districts, and is less violent in the Paris ditsrict. In Montpelier tTio deaths average twenty per day, and the number has boon as high as thirty-two in one day. It is estimated that one hundred thousand people are alfected in France. Spain is suffering from a milder form of the malady, though 94 deaths are reported in Madrid in one week. There are over two thousand cases in Paste, where the schools aye closed. There are twenty thousand influenza cases in Berlin city alone, and work generally is being considerably hampered there.

In Central Bavaria, tho influenza epidemic is spreading like wildfire. EMBEZZLEMENT. MOSCOW, January 4. Lossevitcha, the Director of the Irkutsk Communal Department, with live assistants, has been sentenced to death for embezzlement, and for taking bribes. ' Twenty-six others, including the former Princess Muratova, have been sent to prison for varying terms. IMPERIAL RELATIONS. LONDON, January 4. The “ Times,” in a leader farewelling Mr J. G. Coates, says: “Balfour’s report on Imperial relations owes much to Messrs Coates and Bruce. The latter is rendering additional service by placing the report in its true perspective in Canada. The British public accepted the report largely on tho strength of Messrs Coates and Bruce’s signatures. Another factor contributing to. the success of the Conference was the British public’s impartiality to which the visiting Premiers responded with a breadth of outlook even more remarkable when the passionate politics of young countries are remembered. Mr Coates, the youngest Premier, displayed modesty, concealing an alert well-balanced mind, and shrewd com-mon-sense. His task was the simpler because Neiv Zealanders are not troubled overmuch with scruples as to , Dominions’ status.”

ABOUT TO START LONDON, .

Lord Cavan joins the Renown to-da.v. The rest of the party accompany the Duke and Duchess of York to-morrow when the Renown leaves Portsmouth and proceeds down the Channel. All the warships have been ordered to keep outside tho course, and the submarines have been ordered to come to the surface.

The .barge which the Duke will use is a fast steamboat, painted royal blue. LONDON, Jan. 4.

Elaborate preparations are being made for the entertainments which the Duke and Duchess propose to give during their world tour. The provisions placed in the storeroom arc so ample as to neeesitate the enlargement of the refrigerating space on the Renown. The ship carries enough fish to last until she reaches Australia. Six thousand eggs are also stored. New Zealand butter will he used throughout the tour. Among other things are 200 cases of game, poultry and a quantity of venison from the Royal Parks. Afanv pheasants have been sent from Sandringham by the King, who also sent all bed linen From the Royal yacht, as well as the pfassware required, which is specially fine. The King generously supplied the large store of wines, spirits and liquors from the Royal, cellars, some of which are priceless. having been laid down for a century.

POSSIBLE SEQUEL. - LONDON, Jan. 5. The “Dailv News” in its leaders, wishing the Duke and Duchess of York “God Speed” says“lt would he an interesting sequel to the visit if it shoit'cl give, form and substance in Australia to the recent speculative suggestions for the appointment of a Roval Governor-General. Tho newlydefined status of the Dominions makes this a possibility iu practical politics even if the Princes r.f '.Vales and the Duke of York should be unavailable for such a position. Other eligible members of the Royal Family might be thoroughly acceptable to public opinion in Australia.”

MUSSOLINI. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON. Jan. o. “My mastery over body and brain goes on all day and all night. Mv sloop is like a babes’. IJielicvc I eould sleep through the worst tumult, as I did in war time bombardments, when fifteen minutes off duty.” This is a passage in the first of a series of intimate articles written by Mussolini for the British United Press, descriptive of his average day. He says: “X can concentrate on one subject to the exclusion of all others and switch frQ.m one to another with the same concentration. T retire at midnight and l-ise at seven, giving strict orders not to he awakened except for had news. This was Napoleon’s rule. T do not remain in bed a minute after the first yawn. Lying in bed breeds stagnation and demoralises self discipline. I then shave myself. Tam an anti-whis-kers. “Whiskers are a sign of decadence. “When the decline of Roman glorv began whiskers came into style. Fascism replaces them with a clean shaven youth. Attired in riding breeches I go to breakfast. I wonder sometimes what an Englishman. American or German would cal! it. There is no fruit, toast, sausage, ham. egg or coffee. Tt consits merely of a glass of milk. Tt would lie an honour oven for mv own brother to he invited to table. It is then 7.30 and I am ready for my morning canter.”