PARISIANA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 246, 17 October 1925, Page 31

PARISIANA.

(By GEORGE CECIL.) Urban Athletics. At this time of the year, sedate Parisians, while on the way to their favourite evening cafe, are a little startled by the wild rush of young men. For small bands of athletes, clad in the scantiest of "shorts." edged with startling ribbon and sporting Eleeveless vests of vivid hue, run along the streets, intent on keeping fit. _ Some indulge in this violent exercise in order that the "too solid flesh" may be induced to melt, no man under 40 caring to risk embonpoint. But the majority are more or less slim youths employed in business houses, -who, unable to find time for a jaunt to the running tracks which are some way from Paris, utilise the boulevards. They cover «*veral miles between leaving the office p«_ making a late 6iipper, at which tripe figures. By these athletic means do the clerks keep fit; rosy faces and bright eves are their reward. * Those whose homes are in the more distant suburbs confine their attentions to the semi-oountry roads. Ever hospitable, they invite fellow clerks to share with them week-end runs, Saturday afternoon and all Sunday being devoted to this health-giving "sport." The treeshaded thoroughfares positively are alive with runners. Sporting Dogs Come Into Their Own. Although sporting dogs have always figured at the Paris dog show, it is thought that a confusing number of assorted breeds robs the stag-hounds, setters, retrievers, spaniels and pointers of the attention which is their due. The sportsmen of France, therefore, contemplate a show for sporting dogs only; and so broad-minded are the members of the provisional commitee, that fox terriers and bull terriers are to be included amongst the exhibits. Of late years the rat pit has become an important factor in the sporting life of France, many a fox terrier (locally known as "un fox") and bull terriers having been specially imported from England for ratting purposes. And well-to : do sportsmen- have cheerfully paid vast sums for pedigree animals. Should the scheme mature, entries may be expected from all over the country. There are several packs of staghoiinds. while dogs abound throughout •France, the French country gentlemen and farmers often being keen' sportsmen and very fair shots. : As to the Parisians, they flock to the country-' side during the shooting season. Nor does Monsieur return with an empty game-frag, partridge and hare being plentiful. He merely has to go sufficiently far afield. If, by some ill chance, the sportsman, fails to bring down a single bird, he need not return empty-handed. A clandestine visit to a game dealer does the trick. . . . The Cologne Occupation. . The Government has been reproached hy certain politicians, whose credulity passes all bounds, for having declined to support a measure in favour of abandoning the Cologne bridgehead. "Not until Germany carries out the military stipulations imposed by the Treaty of "Versailles will the matter receive attention," is the Government's reply. Nor is any other answer possible, for the Germans, so far from weakening their military power, are systematically strengthening it. Only a few days "ago two more secret depots of guns were discovered, while Krupp's, instead of obeying orders, hag retained the machinery'for the making of grosse Bertha and other heavy artillery. The recruiting and military training of youths also proceeds, the strength being far above that sanctioned by the Treaty, and, ostensibly, by the Reich. Little" 'wonder that the French Government mistrusts Germany. I The inhabitants of Cologne raise no objection to the British occupation, j since it puts a considerable amount of j money in their pockets. Officers and • other" ranks are generously inclined— ; everyone pays his way. The Frauen also'welcome the soldiery, from whom they learn English. Appreciative Marshal. V.."* : - : il circles are particularly in--1-• r • i n a suggestion to the effect th-t <1 -tinguished Frenchmen should be , ~ frequently invited to visit Lond--. Marshal Foch's recent three days' sojourn, during which he took part in the trooping of the colours ceremony, has greatly improved relations between France and England. The French have been more than by the attention paid to Marshal Foch, who, upon returning to Paris, informed his friends that the visit was "one long delight, and that he was especially touched by the King's friendliness." Never has l/ondon known a more appreciative visitor.