Untitled

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18572, 26 November 1920, Page 6

During a swimming race in the Thames at Windsor, a ferocious attack wns 'fnado upon competitors by swans. Members of the Windsor Swimming Club wore taking part in a race from Boveney Lock to Romney Lock, and four competitors were in a, bunch near Clewcr Point when the attack was made. Without warning, a savace swan, which it is presumed bad a nest of young in the vicinity, raced towards the swimmers with wings spread for a conflict. So ferociouß was its attitude that the startled eomoetitors turned hastily for the shore, and the race became one of men versus swan. Fortunately rowing boats were close up, and the birds were kept off until the bathers were landed. After the angry bird had retired the race was resumed.

“ A great success,” declared a London and North-Western traffic official, after the first oildriven express had reached Birmingham with a full load from Euston. The train left at 11.30 a.m., and got to the Midland town before time, returning from Birmingham at 4.50 p.m- The oil express carried a party of expert#, including Colonel F. E. Macdonald, the inventor of the new system. and Commander Legate, of the Admiralty. Waste oil is used in the furnace, and about 30lb are burnt per mile, compared with 701 b of coal. Other features of the system include a tank instead of a coal tender, no smoke or ashes, the necessity for only one stoker, and. the easy adaptation of the system to any engine In four days. “It is likely that other trains will now be fitted no,” said the official, “though how far the new system will supersede coal it is difficult as yet to say.” Boys and girls find that colouring the Mutt and Jeff pictures is great fun. Pee “The Star” every evening.