LATE CABLE NEWS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2550, 25 May 1922, Page 5

LATE CABLE NEWS

A WORLD PLIGHT. MAJOR BLAKE’S PREPARATIONS. By Cable-Press Association-Copyright (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 23. Major Blake starts his world flight to-morrow afternoon, after Captain Macmillan, pilot, has made a trial flight during the morning. The machine is in splendid condition. It includes two petrol systems, whereof the reserve gives one and a-half hours’ flying even if all the pumps of the main system break down. Three pumps must go wrong before serious trouble occurs. The aeroplane has a flying speed of 150 miles an hour with a full load. Major Blake hopes to reach Lyons tomorrow night, and goes thence to Rome. The ' aviators have sacrificed every comfort for petrol stores. Every ounce has been carefully considered. They are only taking a stick of shaving soap and a single razor for three men.

i-‘ THE PLIGHT BEGUN,

LONDON, May 24. Major Blake began his world flight at three o’clock this afternoon.

MESSAGE PROM THE 'KING. “WE WILL NOT FAIL.” By Cable-Press Association-Copyright (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 24. Blake departed from Waddon aerodrome amidst glorious sunshine. Before the start he received this message from King George: “Their Majesties wish you all God-speed and good luck.” Major Blake issued a message, in which he stated: “We will not fail.”

MOUSE PLAGUE.

By Cable-Press Association-Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) Sydney, this day.

The mouse plague has brought to light a new parasitical development. Many dead mice found under stacks are swarming with mites. Anyone handling the /bodies becomes infested, and suffers severe irritation, while the breaking of the tortured skin results in inflamed sores.

The Government Entomologist has identified the mite as lipyonposus baeoti, of parasitic habits on human beings, but previously known as infesting produce stores only. The possibility of the mite becoming a check on the mouse plague is mooted.

erable length. He said he agreed entirely with Mr Gascoigne’s arguments on law- points, but declared that not a single case cited had a bearing on the case. There was very little discrepancy between the evidence on the two sides. He challenged the legality of defendant driving across the street on to his wrong side, and then right back again. He had no right to do so, in view" of the fact that Mr Davis was approaching on his cycle. The fact that a man was on his wrong side created a difficulty, and made it awkward for the other to know what steps to take. It was only reasonable for plaintiff to expect that defendant was going to stop at the printing office, and Mr Davis could not do other than he had—he could not rush in between the car and the footpath. Plaintiff’s action in looking back was only logical, as he might have been run down by anyone behind him. Mr Northcroft contended the accident had occurred immediately after the depression had been crossed, and not forty or fifty feet further on. He also submitted that the measurement had taken place some time after the accident, and possibly the marks traced had been caused by other traffic. The evidence of Crunch and Dow should be believed before that ef defendant’s witness, as the former were on the spot immediately after the accident. It was reasonable to suppose, too, that defendant being an old friend of Mr Wilkinson, and a good customer, his evidence would be prejudiced. Mr Clark’s action in paying for the cycle repairs and chemist’s bill showed, he contended, that he admitted his liability for the accident. Judgment for Defendant. The Magistrate detailed the facts connected with the case. He was satisfied that most motorists would have gone to tho right to avoid the bump, as defendant, had done. The best evidence proved that defendant had not approached nearer than 10 feet of the kerbing, and therefore he had not been guilty of negligence. Plaintiff was an expert cyclist, and tho evidence showed that he had ample space to have passed the ear on his proper side", but, apparently, be had made an error of judgment in riding out towards the centre of the road, and had not; had much excuse for looking back at such a critical time. The defendant had failed to establish liis claim, and would be nonsuited. Judgment would, therefore, be for the defendant, with court costs £1 Hi/, witnesses’ expenses £2 7/0, and solicitor’s expenses £5 15/, making a total of £9 18/3.