LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 39, 26 November 1940, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE, (From the “Guardian,” Nor. 26, 1890) Thomas Edison—lt is announced that Thomas E. Edison, the inventor of the electric lighting system and of the phonograph, and the perfector of the telephone, has turned l his attention to aerial navigation, and has declared his intention of equipping an air ship which will be propelled by electricity. Edison is also working on anothcr idea, which will, revolutionise the telegraphic world. At present ho is conducting experiments with this end in view. His discovery consists of a combination of metals, which by com nection with the earth, will do away with the necessity of telegraph., wines being strung between- two posts. Edison has already conducted his experiments so far that two operators standing out of ordinary hearing distance can distinctly hear the faintest whisper by connecting with the ground. If he succeeds in carrying out his ideas all telegraph wires will be discarded.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the “Guardian.”-Nov. 26, 1915) Greece Joins Allies —Official: Greece has cordially agreed to meet the demands of the Allies, ' The Greek Position—M. J. J. Stavridis, the Greek Consul-GfSneral, has returned to London from Athens. In an interview he remarked: “Several members of the Greek Cabinet have told mo that Greece is hound to come in with the Allies, if only sufficient of the Allied troops are available on the spot. King Constantine’s wish to ,see Lord Kitchener was entirely spontaneous, saying, “I am not much of a diplomatist. I am-a soldier, and to talk matters over with another soldier like Lord Kitchener would help matters.” It is a mistake to think that King Constantine is unfriendly to England. He was most anxious to see Lord Kitchener. '