FRENCH MINISTER KILLED.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5656, 26 May 1911, Page 4

FRENCH MINISTER KILLED.

Paris, May 21

The start of the great aeroplane race from Paris tc. Madrid to-day was marred by a serious accident, which resulted in the death of a member of the Ministry, and may cost the life of the Premier, M. Monies. There were 20 starters in tbe race, in addition to nine military airmen, who flew to thefronii r only. At the start one of the winpetitors, iv swerving to avoid a eollieior, swerved towards the crowd, and fell among a crowd of Ministers and officers. M. Berteaux, Minister for War, was struck by a propellor, and was so badly injured that he died soon after The Premier was very badly injured, and his condition is grave. He shows no signs of life.

KingGciirgn sent President Fallings, M. monies, and the ro:ativts of M. Berteaux his sincere sympathy, and Sir Edward Grej (on behalf of the Govern nuent) sent similar messages. The propellor of the aeroplane severed M. Berteanx's arm, while M. Monies received complicated fracture of the leg, a fractured nose, severe thoracis and abdominal pains, with a contraction bruise iv tha region of the liver, which is considered tbe vnly serious feature.

His son Antoine, seeing the aeroplane approach ing, pushed bis father down to the ground, and probably i saved his life. A projecting part sti UCk Antoine lightly. M. Monies, on recovering conscious miss, inquired whether the others were injured. M. Berteaux's fate wua cot mentioned t<» him. M. (.'ruppi is empnrarily acting as Minister tor War. The aviator and his passenger were uninjured.