STILL IN COMA

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11404, 3 January 1931, Page 5

STILL IN COMA

MARSHAL .TOFFEE’S CONDITION. UNFOUNDED REPORT OF DEATH. (U.P.A hv Elec. Tel Copyright) PARIS, Dec. 31. Marshal Joft’ro this evening was still in the state of coma into which he sank. At 11 o'clock this: morning jiis breathing was so slight and irregular that it apparently caused the death rumors which at first were current.

Crowds gathered in the street. The sight of weeping women and other visitors including M. Millerand. who was War -Minister in 1914. and Colonel Desmazes. Joffre's chief of staff. departing in tears and showing other signs oi emotion seemed to confirm the report, which, the Prefecture of Police declared was correct. A report was broadcast throughout France followed by the “Marseillaise," after which programmes were abandoned as a tribute to the Marshal, whereupon flags on public buildings were flown at half mast, and many tokens of mourning appeared-. The report was not corrected for an hour. Colonel Desmazes is officially inquiring as to how the rumor began.

RUMOR REACHES AUSTRALIA

(TJ P.A. dv Elec. Tel. ConrrLsht) SYDNEY, Jan. 2

A cable message was received from Lcfndon announcing the death of Marshal Joffre. but a subsequent report statetd that the message was unfounded, and that an official bulletin had been issued saying that he was resting tranquilly.