AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1932, Page 7

AUSTRALIA

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] PLANE CRASH. SYDNEY, October 14. Lady Chaytor’s aeroplane crashed at Bungendore, near Goulburn, to-day. It was badly damaged, and will require to be rebuilt. The pilot, Richards, was the only occupant. He was unhurt.

LOST EYESIGHT. SYDNEY, October 15.

Alfred Johnston, who had ammonia thrown in his face in the hold-up (on September 29 last) has become totally blind. Doctors have striven to save the sight, but the powerful chemical injured both eyes.

THEATRE MERGER.

SYDNEY, October 15.

An amalgamation is announced between the Greater Union Theatres, Ltd., and Hoyt’s Theatres Limited, from January 1, next. They operate as a single organisation known as the General Theatres Corporation of Australasia. The capital of the new Company will be £5,000,000.

SMITH LIBEL ACTION. SYDNEY, October 14'.

At the hearing of Wizard Smith’s libel claim for £20,000 from “Smith’s Weekly,” the plaintiff was further cross-examined concerning the ten mile record on the Ninety Mile Beach, and the method of checking the speeds on Smith’s car.

Evidence was taken on commission in New Zealand in support of the plaintiff’s case, relating chiefly to the condition of the beach when Smith was there. This was read and the hearing was adjourned.

WEAK DEFENCES. CANBERRA, October 15. Col. Harrison, U.A.P., ex-command-ant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, speaking on the Budget estimates in the House of Representatives, emphasised the danger of an inadequate defence force. He declared that Australia would not always be able to lean on the British Navy. He described how easy it would be for an invading force to enter the Commonwealth. The Singapore base in its present state was actually a bait to draw the enemy. “We, living in this most distant outpost of the Empire, defenceless, and among other nations fit only to hang our heads in shame at the way we are relying on their goodwill, and the support of the British Empire.” he said. .