GENERAL CABLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1927, Page 3

GENERAL CABLES.

iZy Telegraph—Per Press Association,

FILMS RIGHTS BOUGHT. LONDON, Nov. 17

'the American, Cecil Do Mille, bought the film rights of the Australian journalist, Dale Collins’ new book, “ The Sentimentalist Frenchman.”

NOVEL CHANNEL CROSSING. LONDON, Nov. 17

Rene Savard, was added to the list of channel crossings to-day, pedalling a water cycle from Calais to Dover in six hours. The craft consists of a bicycle set oil floats, the pedals working the paddle wheel.

CAPTIVES RANSOMED. PARIS, Nov. 17

It is believed that the ransom paid for six French captives in Morocco was eight million francs.

“Lawrence of arabia.” LONDON, Nov. 17

A vivid insight into the personality of “Lawrence of Arabia” is provided in a volume of that title by Robert Graves published to-day. The author relates that Lawrence quarelled with politicians and soldiers over post-war dealings with Arabs. He obtained an audience with the King intimating (irmly as an individual his intention to fight straight or crooked until his Majesty’s Ministers conceded the Arabs a fair settlement. The King respected Lawrence’s scruples and permitted him to forego his British and foreign decorations. Tl le authenticity of this is proved by an interview with the King’s secretary, Stamfordham, obtained b\( l/ie author. “His Majesty recalls Lawrence’s statement that certain promises made by Lawrence to King Feisul were not fulfilled, consequently he might find himself fighting against the British and for that reason it would obviously bo impossible and wrong to wear British decorations.” The Lawrence volume contains a good story about Lord Curzon. Lawrence, cabling to the Foreign Office, used the words “fed up.” Lord Curzon, reading the calble, asked “W hat does the term fed up signify.” Ihe secretary replied, “I. believe it is an equivalent of disgruntled,” to which Lord Curzon responded, “I suppose it is a middle-class term.” When informed of this by lettei. Lawrence impishly framed the latter cable: “Have wangled things with Abdulla. Kioto.—.The 'vpecessary verb wangle is absent from the diplomatic cipher. I suggest letter-group be allotted to it, to save spelling each time.” The author adds, “The word wangle is now in the British cipher liook.”

NAVY MEAT SUPPLIES. LONDON, Nov. 17

Mr Hadley informed a questioner that out of the meat supplied to the Xavv in 1920 Britain supplied one per cent, and the Dominions 83 per cent, foreign countries contributing the balance. Bart of'the foreign meat was brought at a time when the Dominion supplies were not obtainable. It was estimated that the purchase of home meat exclusively would cost an additional ten thousand’ sterling monthly.

LLOYD GEORGE’S AUSTRALIAN

YISTT CANCELLED

LONDON. Nov. 17.

Mr Lloyd George has not received Air Bruce’s invitation to visit Australia. His secretary says it is unlikely that lie could accept it because lie is going to Brazil for the sake of the sen trip, staying five days. Mr L! oyd George cannot afford to be absent long in the new year, liecause of the critical position of political events and election preparations.

JAPAN’S NAVY. TOIvIO, Oct. 24

Unaccountable secrecy surrounrs the grand Japanese naval manoeuvring now taking place. The Emperor is witnessing them. The entire fleet is participating with 2fto aeroplanes.

One section of the fleet is operating from Kuvshu base, endeavouring to capture Yokohama Bay. Requests from newspaper correspondents, to witness the review were refused by the Navy Depatrment.

Japan lias recently added a number of super-submarines to her fleet, and their presence at the manoeuvres may account for the shroud of secrecy. A foreign naval expert, who watched the operations of one of the new submarines described the crafts as the biggest of its kind in the world.

RANSOM PAID. TETUAN, Nov. 18. The captured Steer party were released and have arrived at Rahot. Tt is understood sixty-four thousand was paid in ransom. MEXICAN UNREST. MEXICO CITY, Nov. 17. Eighteen soldiers were killed when bandit's attacked a passenger train near Ralmirai, executed the engineer and fireman, and wounded many, including women. Nine soldiers of the train and guards were killed, and many passengers were injured when the coaches were derailed near Jalnpa.