CABLE NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7812, 3 June 1909, Page 4

CABLE NEWS.

Per Press Association—Copyright.

PERILS OF BALLOONING

LONDON, June 2. Bidmead clung ninety minutes to a wooden ring attached to the cording of the balloon, and was nearly exhausted when the balloon gradually dropped; but he alighted safely. (A previous message stated: Bidmead, a parachutist, while attempting to descend at Northampton, lost his parachute and was carried away hanging below the balloon, m the presence of 1000 holiday-makers. He has not since been heard of.)

/ SIR IVAN HAMILTON

, General Sir Ivan Hamilton has been appointed Adjutant-General of the Forces and second military member of the Council of War, vice* LieutenantGeneral Sir Charles Douglas. In a remarkable farewell order relinquishing the command of the Southern District, Sir Ivan Hamilton recalled his efforts to impart to the troops the pith of his experience m Manchuria, when he endeavoured to especially influence the cavalry against peace practice of unreal tactics, and encourage the artillery .to perfect themselves m the use of concealed positions. Whatever progress had been made, he realised was due to the sympathy of all m the ranks with the underlying aim; namely, preparedness and efficiency for war.

NEW DIRIGIBLES.

BERLIN, June 2. New dirigibles of the semi-rigid and non-rigid types, designed m Germany by Major Parseval, have attained a speed of twenty-four miles an hour.

WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

MELBOURNE, June 2. It is calculated that out of 338,000 women m the State who are eligible, not more than one-fourth had secured elector's rights up to last night—the last opportunity for enrolment.

WELCOME RAINS.

SYDNEY, June 3. A' soaking general rain is falling and the prospects for winter feed are bright.

BERIBERI FEVER.

Another member of the crew of the ship Sophie has died of beriberi fever.