Ice Blizzards in Europe

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 4, 6 January 1941, Page 8

Ice Blizzards in Europe

ONE OF WORST FREEZES IN > HISTORY REPORTED LONDON, Jan. 3. Europe is in the grip of ice blizzards. Heavy snowfalls have occurred in South-West France, while a blizzard of 50 miles an hour is raging in the French Alps, it,’ being the worst for 50 years. A tidal wave near Gibraltar compelled many ships to take refuge at Algociras. A great storm swept the Tagus, endangering shipping. Two merchantmen collided while a third went aground at the harbour entrance. A total of 130 street accidents are reported from Budapest as a result of a severe frost. Many suffered broken arms and legs. Arctic weather is causing one of the worst freezes in history in Hungary, says an earlier message. The greater part of Hungary's services are dislocated. A blinding snowstorm sweeping the Dover Straits and the thick white carpet which covers the coast is only one indication of the icy spell which has fallen, upon Europe says a British Official Wireless message. A snowfall is reported in Southern France, while communications are interrupted in South-Western France by the severity of the weather.

ARDUOUS LIFE ON NEW CLASS OF SHIP, (British Official Wireless) (Received 4, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Jan. 3. Some particulars of a new class of small ships which are performing a vital but most arduous service of the Royal Navy were revealed in London to-day. It was early apparent that a very large number of small armed vessels would be necessary to act as escorts for merchant shipping, and at the beginning of the war this need was partly met by the employment of trawlers, many of which were taken over by the Navy and equipped for anti-submarine and escort duties. But it was realised that a ship faster than a trawler wottld be needed, and plans were formulated to produce rapidly and in a large quantity a class of vessel which would fulfil requirements. Hie Flower Class of corvette is of large orders given both in Britain and the Dominions, and production is now in full swing. Each is msjmed after a flower. 'corvettes carry adequate subraaiTSejjarmament, including the inevitSlfee testing in the tail” or depth used in all weather. flitte lqn"’board for the four officers especially in the North Atlantic during the winter months. For example, Iceland fishermen picked up ftom 1 a small boat were seasick the whole tune they were on board. % “fSe corvettes have already had successes against the enemy, and the names of officers and members of the crew appeared in the recent honours lists.

BOY SCOUTS AS FIREBOMB FIGHTERS ’fffritUh Official Wirais**) (Received 4, 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Jan. 3. An immediate response has been made to the broadcast by Mr Morrison, Minister of Home Security, for more firebomb fighters. The Boy Scouts’ Association is initiating a nationwide ; scheme by which patrols of scouts will act as fire spotters id their own districts. The patrols will consist of from six to eight boys under a leader, and will quickly be mobilised immediately the alert is sounded. Arrangements will be made for the patrols to link up so that wide areas may be covered.

It is understood that the patrols will consist of boys from 15 to 16 years of *ge. .

ROOSEVELT’S LONDON REPRESENTATIVE (Received 4, 1.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 3. President Roosevelt has appointed Mr Harry Hopkins, former Secretary of Commerce, as his personal representative in London. Mr Roosevelt said that Mr Hopkins would not have the status of ambassador, for which he was physically not strong enough. Mr Hopkins would leave for London soon and would probably not remain long. Mr Roosevelt said that he expected to nominate Mr Kennedy's successor as Ambassador next week. Mr Hopkins is one of Mr Roosevelt’s closest friends and lives for a considerable part of the year at the White House. He has been in the background recently owing to poor health