LATE MESSAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 December 1934, Page 9

LATE MESSAGES

DUNEDIN, December 31. Plunket Shield cricket, Otago v. Auckland. At lunch, Otago had lost 4 for 110. VIENNA, December 30. According to an official announcement, one hundred newspapers and periodicals here will be suppressed,, in the New Year, under a decree insisting that all publications must obtain a police permit. The decree will enable the Government to ensure that hostile opinions do not appear, since liceises can always be withdrawn. The Governemnt has absolute power over the Press. WELLINGTON, December 23. The New Zealand Government does not propose to intervene in the case of Gerald Griffin, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in Australia, for entering the Commonwealth, contrary to the immigration laws. The reply to the representations from bodies allied to the No More War Movement says that as Griffin has chosen to act deliberately in defiance of the laws of the Commonwealth he should be prepared to abide by the consequences, and the Government does not consider his case one in which it should make recommendations to the Commonwealth Government. ROTORUA, December 31. An attempt, fortunately frustrated in the nick of time, was made last evening to burn down the Ritz Hail. When the lessee arrived at the hail about 11.15 p.m., to open up for the midnight dance, the underneath portion of the orchestral stage was found ablaze, and portions of the floor were also burning. The outbreak was promptly quelled by members of the orchestra, but not before superficial damage was done to the stage, portions of the floor and some decorations. Investigation showed that quantities of kerosene had been ponied on the floor, while paper, also soaked in kerosene, had been placed under the orchestral platform. MARTON, December 31. A Bonny Glen farmer, Allen Misscllke, is in hospital in a. critical condition as the result of a tractor overturning and crushing him this morning.

HOBART, December 31. Three days’ heavy rain caused floods in many places in the north-west. Hie floods were most serious. Reports have been received of destroyed bridges, soriie of which were those constructed after the 1929 floods. The crops in Burnie and Devonport districts are ruined, and traffic is impossible, owing to flooded roads. PARIS, December 30. M. Laval is unable yet to decide the date when he will proceed to Rome, owing to Italy and Jugo-Slavia not having replied to France’s. latest questions, probably necessitating a postponement of the visit until after the Saar question is settled. M. Flandin has been invited to visit London in the New Year to discuss political and economic questions. No date has been fixed. He will probably accept with M. Laval after the completion of the mission to Rome. RUGBY, December 29. Preparations are actively proceeding for next year’s British Industries Fair over a million square feet of actual stands space is already allotted at the exhibition, which is a twenty-five per cent, increase on the last year’s- record total. The fair will be held in two sections, and this year the heavy industries section at Birmingham has been arranged to open on May 20. The other sections of the fair will open in accordance

with precedent on February 18, in London. RUGBY, December 29. Heavy rain has fallen in Cyprus end- j ing the disastrous drought which has • prevailed three recent years. Unfor- , tunately, the downpour was so severe .j that it caused a rupture of the big- ] gest water reservoir in -the island, , leading to destructive floods. I RUGBY, December 28. Many of the leading British shipping lines have extended their programmes of holiday cruises, the popularity of which has increased enormously. Long luxury cruises have been supplemented by shorter sea tours. The prices range from £7 to £2OOO, the latter price being that of the best cabin suite on a round the world tour. The Cunard-White Star line state that they will have seven liners representing 175,000 gross tons engaged in the programme for 1935. The ” Canadian Pacific, Blue Star, Orient, Royal Mail, Pacific Steam and many other shipping lines have also issued schedules. ROME, December 30. At Mussolini’s express wish, preparations are being speeded up to protect Rome and other citie,s against air attacks. All able to afford them are encouraged to buy gasmarks, which employers must supply to workers. A National Association has formed to unify preparations, spread knowledge of the dangers of aerial war fare, establish models, dugouts, and systematise the existing subterranean refuges. LONDON, December 30. Waller arrived at Lmypne in a comet living from Brussels in forty Sutes, accompanied by the Belgian, Lineaur, who, standing m the cockpit, announced to the large crowd ga - ered to welcome the aviator that tlie King of the Belgians had conferred on Waller, the Order of the Lion of Africa, only awarded for distinguished services or great feats. SAARBRUCKEN, December 30. The calm hitherto prevailing in the Saar was broken at Phesscaste ~ where an indoor meeting of the Catholic Front was broken up by the police, commanded by Major Beni tinck, after a. fight among the audi- ' ence, in which chairs were used as . W lmbusch, ex deputy of the Reichsi tag the chief speaker, was seSt to the i hospital suffering from head wounds. ' The police arrested a man who is al- ■ leged to have fired a revolver, starting the fracas. MARTON, December 31. The Marton Jockey Club advised 3 this afternoon that the Ladies’ Neckf let for gentlemen riders, will be run - on the second day of the Marton meeti ing. The race is timed to start at 3 3.45. While it is hoped the Duke of 1 Gloucester will again be present, the 3 Club has as yet no authoritative int formation. Marton is eagerly anticipati ing the visit and all accommodation 3 is fuly booked. A large force of police j arrived to-day.