INCIDENTS OF THE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15718, 19 September 1914, Page 8

INCIDENTS OF THE WAR.

REMARKABLE EXPLOSIVE.

PRODUCES PARALYSIS.

London, September 17.

Referring to the report that the German dead were found standing upright in the trenches, a London scientist declares that the French are using a turpentine explosive requiring a special gun. This explosive produces complete paralysis of certain organs of the body, causing an absolutely painless death to everybody within reach. Other authorities consider that the stories cannot be believed, stating that dead bodies &xfi incapable of remaining in the position described.

MACHINE OF DESTRUCTION

GERMAN INGENUITY.

Antwerp, September 17.

The authorities captured machines used at Termonde for spraying kerosene through broken windows, when the Germans intended to burn the place in revenge for reverses. Following the machines came soldiers throwing lighted fuses on the kerosene. One spraying machine was driven by motor, while the others were operated by hand.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT.?.

Time* and Sydney Hun Services.

(Received September IS. 5.30 p.m.)

Lovdon-, September 17. I li is ft curious fact that the French I generals, .Joffre, CaUieni. Pan. and Cani tellan, art- ; 11 Southerner*, and it is con- [ side red that they have given proof that ; Latins can play a waiting game, besides I cue requiring courage and dash | General Joffre and Sir John French I have both been remarkable I,r then i humanlUinanism Both have svsteniat •<- | ally saved men, and declined to'do battle when victory was only purchasable by a terrific loss of life. The good results of thifi policy are now visible. General J.,fire has now an immense reserve to call upon and the resources of France are by no' net,ns exhausted.

Parisians are greatly interested in an exhibition .f war 'rophies, especially in 11 cannon, captured from the enemy. Over 20 trains of German war material lias been sent to Paris since the opening ol hostilities. During the laid, week 60"cannon, 30 machine guns, and 40 motor-vans were captured.

RATES OF EXCHANGE.

BANK'S ACTION CRITICISED.

COMPLAINT TO PREMIER

[BY TELEGRAPH. -J'ttEFP ASSOCIATION'.]

Nr.w Fi.yMorTrr, Friday.

During a, meeting of the Harbour Board to-day the chairman, in mentioning the amount paid by the hoard lor reiinKmmoney to London rcventlv, said that "the nun-chants and traders of New Zealand had been advised to order as much as possible from England instead of ieducing oiders, and to pay promptly. He pointed out that the banks were making it hard for this worthy object to be carried out and went on to say that on the last remittance the board had made of money to London, the bank had raised the rate of exchange from one-eighth per cent, to six-eighths It was evident, he said, that the banks were taking advantage of the present trouble to put monev into their pockets. Mr. Maxwell contended that while there might be a reason for a slight increase in the rate of exchang", there was not justification for a rise of 600 per cent., which he characterised as extortionate. The secretary stated that on a previous ■emittanoe the exchange had been £7 15 8 6d, hut the last had cost £46 12s 9d. Mr. Bellringer expressed the opinion that if all the institutions in the countrv adopted the same attitude it would mean absolute ruin. It was decided to call the attention of the Premier to the action of the Bank of aew Zealand in this matter.