CABLES IN BRIEF

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21531, 19 December 1939, Page 7

CABLES IN BRIEF

President of Panama Dead The death is announced of the President of Panama, Dr. Don Juan D. Arosamena. Argentine Wheat Crop The Minister of Agriculture (Senor Jose Padilla) predicts that the Argentine wheat crop will total 4,000.000 metric tons compared with 5,150,000 last year. Pitcairn Short of Supplies Rear-Admiral R. E. Byrd reports that there is an acute shortage of food at Pitcairn Island, where the people need flour, sugar, lard, potatoes, matches and medical supplies. The war has prevented the usual supplies being landed. There is no danger of starvation. Former International Dead The death has occurred in Sydney of Mr Thomas Robert McKibbin, a noted international cricketer, aged 69. Polish Aristocrats Persecuted The French radio announced that the Nazis have sent more Polish aristocrats into concentration camps, including Prince Olgierd Czartoryski and three others of this well-known family, besides Prince Leon Sapieha and Senator Korawski. Civic Defence Expenditure The civil defence expenditure of the London County Council for the first six months of the war to March 31 next is estimated at £6,000,000. Steamer Sinks in Harbour The steamer Stanwood sank in Falmouth harbour while attempts w-ere being made to put out a fire. All tne crew were rescued except the Canadian wireless operator. Bengal Supports Britain The Bengal Legislative Council passed a resolution of whole-heai ed support for Britain with a plea that the Indian constitution be re-examined after the war. New Zealander in Mission Colonel W. Ivory, formerly of the New Zealand Royal Artillery, has been appointed a member of the British munitions mission to the United States. Minister Entertained The Secretary for Dominion Affairs (Mr Anthony Eden) entertained the Hon. J. V. Fairbairn, Minister for Air in the Commonwealth Government at luncheon. Mystery Solved A message from Vera Cruz says that It is semi-officially stated that the mystery ship referred to a few days ago was the United States destroyer Davis, believed to be on neutrality patrol. Vesuvius in Eruption. Vesuvius is pouring out lava at three points. Villagers are standing by for evacuation. It is hoped to divert the flow from the villages. Thousands of Neapolitans gathered to witness the awesome spectacle of flames streaming down the mountain sides. U.S. Neutrality Patrol. The United States Navy Department is seeking 518 aeroplanes, costing 28,500,000 dollars, to augment the neutrality patrol. National Saving Certificates The British public have made a wonderful response to take National Saving Certificates. So far 21.500.000 have been issued, representing a cash investment of £16.000,000.