GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1761, 6 December 1917, Page 1

GENERAL WAR NEWS.

NEW TYPE MACHINE-GUN. The Germans are said to have a new type of light machine-gun. They are of Vickers-Mnxim type, watercooled, and weigh some 281 b. or 30 lb. A man can carry one without inconvenience under his arm. A GERMAN TANK. The Germans are now experimenting with an armoured tank moving on caterpillars and', armed with one Sin. gun and two machineguns, says the Times. It is fitted with a sort of beak forward to assist it in crossing trenches and a small conning-tower for observation purposes projects from the roof. The armour comes well down over the lower parts of the machine so as to protect the caterpillars, which are said to be completely hidden by armour. A STRAIGHT EIGHT. Asked to explain the chivalrous understanding that exists between the airmen of the opposing forces, a British Right commander replied: “I think, in the first place, that the immensity of space in which an airman operates has the effect of impressing him with his absolute selfdependence and individuality, and also that of his opponent. It is a straight fight, man to man, with only a practical equality of mechanical aid. Both suspended in mid-air, between life and death, instinctively feel that the issue rests, not with any mean advantage, but with a clean and fair test of skill.” AN INTELLIGENT BOMB. Dr. Robertson, of Venice, in an article in the Scotsman, narrates that an Austrian aviator dropped a bomb right on to the centre of the huge roof of the Palazzo de Mula, and although, unfortunately, to do its work it had to pass through three doors of the palace, wrecking everything on its way, yet it did the deed, and did it well. To the delight of (he Venetians, after smashing a marble slab on which were recorded AVilliam’s visits to the palace, it singled out his pretentious portrait, and tore it to shreds. Having fulfilled its mission, the bomb emptied itself of a noxious gas and fluid. THE AMERICAN FLAG. It is not a little singular that the oldest flag belongs, comparatively speaking, to the newest nation. The United States adopted their present colours 140 years ago (June 14, 1777), and the only change in it since has been the addition of new stars for every new State added to the Union. The stars and stripes were, of course, taken from the arms of General George Washington, the shield of whose family is depicted on monuments in Brinton Church. The Union Jack, in its present form, dates only from 1801, while the French tricolour was adopted in 1794. AMUSEMENTS FOR THE FLEET. The larger ships are fitted up with their own cinematograph, and there is also a theatre ship,, with stake and every other contrivance complete, which goes the round of the other craft, and pulls up alongside, so that officers and men may go aboard and enjoy the performance. A short description of an interesting lecture came to hand recently from a naval officer in Salonika. It was on the history of Salonika, and was greatly appreciated by all who had the pleasure to hear it.” WAR DIVORCE. Unitl a magistrate gave advice in court recently to an Australian soldier, the public did not seem to be aware of the new law under which divorce can be obtained for not more than £lO, through a special department of the Law Courts. Now it is known, and quite recently over 200 applications have been made to the London Prescribed Officers (Poor Persons) Department of the Supreme Court by persons who desire admission to prosecute divorce, causes as poor suitors. The secretary states that by far the greater proportion of the applicants are men, and that the majority of them are soldiers, whose wives are alleged to have been unfaithful during their absence at the front. The number of applications is daily increasing. There were no fees payable, but every applicant must find the solicitor’s out-of-pocket expenses, and the expense incidental to witnesses.