GENERAL CABLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1927, Page 2

GENERAL CABLES.

Telegraph—Per Press Association.'! BRITISH NAVY. LONDON, Oct. 10. A slashing indictment of the mi rally’s policy is presented in Mr E. F. Spanner’ new book “Armaments and Non-Combatants.”

The fact, that the author was formerly a member of the Admiralty corps of constructors, and is also an architect and engineer of repute, says the Daily News naval correspondent, lends weight to his views. Mr Spanner contends that Britain’s spendings upon tlie Navy are no longer equal to the task of the defence of her trado while her building programme is based on fallacious principles. He says that the biggest battleship must he a victim to aircraft, and he dismisses the Admiralty’s claim that the JNelson, Rodney and Hood twe torpedo proof as false. He says a single torpedo in tho stern would leave the Nelson a hopeless log. The big guns are inaccurate, says, and non-efficient. On tlie contrary, the aircraft secure sixty peW"“* cent. hits. He pictures the devastation that would lie done by such an attack.

SPANISH UNREST

LONDON, Oct. 12. The “ Daily Express’s ” special correspondent, in an uncensored message from Madrid, asks: “Whither is Spain heading? Here in Madrid everyone is in a mood of frightened Plots and counter plots are being continually discovered, and hundreds are being clapped in prison. Director De Rivera lias been in office four years, but Spain still waits the dawn of liberty. The national assembly is mere “eyewash.” Numerous parties decided to boycott the Assembly, including the Socialists and Federation of Trade Unions. The nation knows the Assembly will not give liberty back, and for liberty Spain is groaning. Director De Rivera’s power formerly depended upon tlie army. Now it depends upon tlie police. A disquieting sign in Madrid is tlie number of wounded everywhere, just hack fiom Morocco, where it hitherto was believed that all fighting had ceased. The King’s popularity in Northern and Central Spain is waning.”

MURDER BY POACHER. LONDON, Oct. 11. The third brutal murder in a short period is reported. It concerns William Walker, a gamekeeper on Earl Temple’s estate at Bristol, who was shot at midnight by poachers. Walker was accompanied by a younger gamekeeper. They heard shots, and they , kept a watch for the poachers, who approached, and then when they canio face to face, Walker challenged them. One man lifted a rifle and fatally shot Walker in the stomach. The police subsequently arrested Enoch Dix, aged 32 years, and charged him with the crime.