OCCASIONAL NOTE

The Bengal Public Works Department can hardly expect to avoid criticism in regard to the closing of Kidderpore Bridge to tramway and heavy vehicular traffic – a step which is causing great inconvenience to a large number of people. The official explanation shows that, in view of the report of the committee of experts, the Government had no option but to stop the traffic at once, the bridge having been found quite unsafe for use; but the question is why was provision not made against this contingency at an earlier stage either by a temporary bridge or temporary repairs?

The committee of experts was appointed in May last to ascertain how long the old bridge could be usefully utilised pending the construction of a new one rendered indispensable by the growth of traffic. The committee found that the old bridge has deteriorated so greatly that all heavy vehicular traffic over it ought to be stopped at once. This immediate condemnation of the bridge evidently was unforeseen and unprovided for; hence the sudden decision which has taken the public by surprise and dislocated the traffic.

The deterioration of the structure ought, clearly, to have been recognised and provided against by temporary measures which would have avoided any sudden stoppage of traffic. As matters stand, however, there is nothing for it but to make the best of things, and it is intimated that immediate steps are being taken to alleviate as much as possible the temporary inconvenience that will be caused to the public.

LAWRENCE MEMORIAL SCHOOL

The sixtieth anniversary of “Founder’s Day” at the Lawrence Memorial School, Lovedale, was celebrated yesterday. Great interest was manifested in the celebration this year, which marks the diamond jubilee of the institution. There was a record attendance including many old Lawrencians. H.E. the Governor of Madras presided and Lady Pentland gave away the prizes.

The Rev. W.H.G. Padfield, the Principal, in his report, stated that he had heard from over 200 boys at the front, some of whom had gained commissions and distinctions. The most important event of the year was the sanction of the Government for the erection of a new junior school at a cost of Rs 1,10,000, of which Rs 75,000 was found from the school funds.

Referring to the arrangements as regards the administration of the school now under construction, His Excellency stated that the changes were designed mainly to obviate delays and difficulties arising out of the present system of divided control, and to bring the Madras Government into closer relations with the school.

THE PRESENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FRENCH

Reuter’s correspondent at the French headquarters says: The Germans are retreating on the whole French battlefront. Their immediate objective is from St. Quentin across the valley of the Oise and around the forest of St. Gobain to Laffaux, then past Malmaison to the Chemin-des-Dames, then from Juvigny across the Aisne at Berry-au-Bac and south-east to Rheims through the hilly country which hitherto has proved impervious to all assaults.

The enemy has today from thirty to forty divisions in reserve, but his armies are being consumed at least at the rate of a division per day. The question is whether the Allies will allow him to reach his old line except in disorder and in such a condition that he cannot stay there. The next few days will decide.

AIR FIGHTING

Referring to aviation, Sir Douglas Haig says: During 4th inst. we dropped twenty-three tons of bombs. Night bombing was impossible. The enemy was working in large formations on their side of the lines and showed considerable activity. We brought down twenty-five hostile machines and shot down nine balloons in flames and drove down fourteen aeroplanes out of control.

Sixteen British machines are missing. One British machine reported missing on September 2nd has since returned. Since the beginning of the offensive on August 8th we have brought down 465 hostile machines. Their destruction in every case has been clearly established. We also drove down two hundred out of control, of which many actually crashed.

FRANCE’S SPIRIT

In the Chamber M. Clemenceau, in a speech, said: “Our grand soldiers are in the process of throwing back victoriously the overwhelming hordes of barbarism. This task will be continued until it is completely achieved.

Our soldiers will soon be giving us that day of liberation for which we have so long waited and we shall soon see falling away those heavy chains which have long shackled our unhappy compatriots. We wish that this victory may be for France and her Allies the victory of humanity.” M. Clemenceau received an ovation.