LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 79, 13 January 1940, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the "Guardian,” Jan. 13, 1890). English Channel Bridge—The project of a bridge across the English Channel is beginning to take definite shape. Its practicability is recognised by engineers of the highest eminence both in France and England, and the route to be taken has been pretty well decided on. It will commence near Cape GrisNaz and end near Folkstone, and advantage will be taken of two masses of rock, known as the Varne and Colbart, lying in mid-channel about a mile apart, and not more than twenty feet below the sea level at low to build two of the piers upon. 'Hie cost or the undertaking is estimated at very little less than forty millions sterling, about one-third of what the Crimean War cost the two nations.

Japanese Law—The Japanese never punish anyone for escaping from prison. They hold that it is the natural right of anyone to exert his ingenuity for regaining his liberty, and, when retaken, no harshness is used in his conveyance back or subsequent detention. If there be blame anywhere, it rests with those who suffered him to escape through remissness in vigilance.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

(From the “Guardian,’’ Jan. 13, 1915).

German Brutality'— General von Kluck, interviewed at the German headquarters by a neutral journalist, said, referring to the destruction wrought by the German army in traversing Belgium : "I do not deny that I personally gave orders in Belgium to destroy and burn entire towns.”

Australasian Forces —A Cairo newspaper remarks that the Australians and New Zealanders are superior people, and the young men seem to be of good family and to have plenty of Inonev. The Domain —There is a very fine display of roses to he seen at present in the' Domain, and the blooms which are of all shades and varieties, are' remarkably healthy. The pruning for the autumn blooms has just been completed, and from present appearances, these are likely to make a good showing when matured.