NEWS BY MAIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1927, Page 1

NEWS BY MAIL.

LETTER THAT WENT ASTRAY. PARTS, Oct.. 18,

An ex-Minister of Justice who is Bow a Socialist Senator ; a prominent French financier and racehorse owner; and a. Socialist leader who is also a journalist were concerned in the amusing adventure of a letter which went astray—much to the annoyance of the Socialist Party in Paris. The affair lias caused much laughter. The loiter, which later found its way- into the columns of the French Press, was addressed by M. Pierre Ha nip, a. frequent contributor to Radical and Socialist newspapers, to M. Hoinburg, a prominent French banker, who was anxious to enter Parliament and had consulted M. llamp as to the best constituency to choose.

Tn the letter the Socialist journalist declares that on behalf of M. IToinburg he had got into touch with M. Pierre Laval, ex-Minister rof Justice under M. Ilerriot. and that M. Laval was interested in the idea, of the banker standing for election. After explaining at some length the electoral plans of M .Laval. M. Hamp turned to the delicate part of his message. He wrote:

“I then turned my attention to finding out how AL Laval might hope that the sympathy lie showM to you might serve himself in turn. 01 course, this is hypothesis on my part, but I do not think that any politician could render a service without expecting some support in return lor himself.” At. Hnmp does not specify what form t'iiat support should take beyond pointing out that Al. Homburg was interested in certain newspapers in central France, and had racehorse breeding stables in Normandy. The publication of the- letter has caused AL Laval to deny indignantly that he authorised AL Hump to- make any proposal to- AL Homburg. The Paris Council of the Socialist Party is making an inquiry and has ordered M. Hantp to show reason why ho should not be expelled from the party.

MECCA UP-TO-DATE. LONDON, Oct. 4. The rapid development of Arabia under King Ibn Sand, with whom the British Government has lately coneludcd a treaty, is emphasised by Mr H. St. J. Philb.v. the Central Arabian traveller, who has returned to London from another year’s work in the TTedjaz. To Router's representative lie said : “During the new King's regime the administration of the liedia ■/. has-im-proved beyond all recognition. This year’s pilgrimage, for instance, was a, record, there being no fewer than 130,000 pilgrims from overseas. “Two years ago there were only three or four motor-cars in the country. reserved for the exclusive use ol King Hussein’s Court, while to-day there arc more than three hundred, and there is no doubt that by next season, this number will be increased by 1090. “The run to the Holy City of Mecca is now made within two hours, and the still more difficult journey to Medina can he accomplished comfortably- within the hours of daylight. 1 lie King thinks nothing of running up to Mecca between luncheon and dinner. “At Mecca there are electric lights, ice machines, and so forth, hut so far cinemas are unknown. The King is considering the building ot a railway between Jeddah, Mecca and Medina.