HISTORIC FRENCH CHATEAU.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 361, 21 February 1914, Page 4 (Supplement)

HISTORIC FRENCH CHATEAU.

MONTSOREAU TO BE ACQUIRED

BY THE STATE.

The Rrench Ministry of Fine Arts has decided to purchase the Chateau of Montsoreau, situated.a few miles from Saumur, on the banks of the Loire. The chateau, which is a typical example of a 15th century building, was the scene of the murder of Bussy d’Amboise the hero of Dumas’ romance “La Dame de Montsoreau.”

Bussy d’Amboise, however, was far fram being the hero as presented by Dumas. His cruelty, violence, and rapacity made him an abject of terror to the Angevins and the Saumurois, who heard, of his death with undisguised satisfaction.

In acquiring the old chateau, the Ministry of Fine Arts has had to doal not with one proprietor, bub with several, who lay claim in some cases to one, and in others to three, or four rooms all in a state of more or less dilapidation. The acquisition, however, is one that will be welcomed by all lovers of the picturesque in France. A monument has just been erected to the memory of the composer of that widely sung song. “The Dear Little Shamrock.” Where do you think? Not in the Green Isle but at Girvan, in South Ayrshire, Scotland. His name was William Jackson, and he died at Girvan about 40 years ago. Another song of his still in great favour in Scotland is “Bonnie Lass o’ Ballochmyle.” It is not clear whether Ireland or Scotland can claim him as son.

GAS-DRIVEN RUSSIAN SHIPS. That internal combustion engines ot increasing size are being used for vessels in various parts of Europe is shown by the fact that the Russian navy is now engaged in building two vessels at the Nioolaieff docks? which are of 12, 000 tons draught. On the other hand, the German navy is constructing a new type of marine motor of 8,000 horsepower size. England already possesses boats of the "Eavestone” class having four-cylinder engines of 1.000 horsepower, and is ging into the construction of a new vessel engisned at 6.000 horsepower. using a newly designed type ot 6-cylinder ofl engine. LUCKY. “I don’t believe in allowing servants to get the upper hand. I always make mine keep her place.” "You are lucky. Ours never does for more than three weeks.”