Mussolini bombards Greek island

British and American eye-witnesses of the bombardment of Corfu state that it was simply point-blank shooting at an absolutely defenceless town with not the slightest danger of interference from the sea. Dr Kennedy, who is connected with the Save the Children Fund, says that the action was ill-considered, harsh, and discreditable. A single destroyer could have seized the place without firing a shot. Captain Foschini, chief of the naval staff, entered the harbour unceremoniously and presented the Prefect with an ultimatum stating that the occupation would take place 30 minutes later so that the foreign Consuls could have time to warn their nationals to get to safety. Captain Foschini refused the Prefect’s request to communicate with Athens. The Prefect then pointed out that force was unnecessary as there was only a signal gun at the fort which was occupied by 6000 refugees, and the Admiral had only to proceed to occupy. Most of the residents were indulging in the afternoon siesta. Fire was opened within seven minutes of the British Consul’s receipt of the warning. Five or six inch high-explosive shells were used. One shell dropped into the grounds of Prince Andrew's Palace over two miles distant. The officers of the Save the Children Fund were at the moment feeding 2500 children from a soup kitchen, and the panic which ensued could well be imagined. The whole of the population and the refugees made for the open country, and while the panic-stricken multitude fled gallant airmen swooped over and around them adding to their terror. Dr Kennedy, who examined a number of the bodies, certified that the wounds were caused by shellfire.

Signor Mussolini, in addressing the Cabinet, declared that the situation at Corfu was perfectly normal. The Italian garrison was sufficient to meet all emergencies. European public opinion was beginning to modify its attitude, and comments approving of Italy's action were increasing.

Dunedin sees wood for the trees

The tree is at length coming to its own, and the enormous commercial possibilities of afforestation are being recognised on every hand. In Dunedin the City Corporation through its superintendent of reserves, Mr D. Tannock, has been giving careful attention to this matter for a number of years. Without any fuss or publicity the work has been going steadily forward, with the result that a very extensive scheme of plantation of immense potential value to the city is now nearing completion. The corporation has four plantation areas — at Whare Flat, Flagstaff, Ross Creek and Leith Valley — and together these make up an area not far short of 2000 acres. By far the largest is the Flagstaff plantation of 1000 acres surrounding the Flagstaff Creek, which is an important feeder of the Silverstream race. If these plantations did nothing more than crowd out gorse and broom and scrub and put otherwise useless country into excellent condition as a clean-holding watershed for the city supply they would he very well worth the slight expense and trouble they involve. But in addition to all that there is always their timber value to be considered.

Grim figures from Japan quake

An Osaka newspaper announces that the Tokio fire has been extinguished. The following details are given of the dead: Tokio 150,000; Yokohama 100,000; Yokosuka 60,000; Atami 10,000; Country districts 20,000.

Fundraiser a success

The proceeds of the Commercial Travellers’ "Big Day" enabled the Mayor (Mr H.L. Tapley) to forward £127 10s to each of the following institutions: Men’s Mission House, Patients’ and Prisoners’ Aid Society, St Vincent de Paul Orphanage and Presbyterian Social Service Association, and also £50 to the St John Ambulance Association. — ODT, 6.9.1923

Compiled by Peter Dowden