BRIEF ITEMS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 131, 2 March 1928, Page 10

BRIEF ITEMS

FROM FAR AND NEAR Sentenced to Death. —A Sydney message states that Cyi'il Matthew Thompson, found guilty of the murder of Frederick William Thorley at Tamworth in June last, was sentenced to death.— Press Assn.

Trotsky Supporter Recants.—The British United Press correspondent at Moscow states that a prominent supporter of Trotsky, Piatakov, has writen from his place of banishment recanting, and asking for reinstatement in the Communist Party.—Press Assn.

Struck by Concrete.—Thomas Cooper, a stonemason, aged 55, residing at 5S Rolleston Street, was struck by a piece of falling ccncrete yesterday morning, while working on the D.I.C. building' Lamb, ton Quay, lie was admitted to the hospital, and found to be suffering from injuries to his head and right leg.

Estate Worth £2o9,ooo.—Probate of the will of the late Charles Cookman McMillan, of Remuera, Auckland, who died on February 10, has been granted. The estate is sworn at approximately £209,000. With the exception of an annuity to an employee, the whole of the estate goes to the widow and children.—Press Assn.

Workman Injured in Ngahauranga Gorge.—The Frye Ambulance received a call at 11 o'clock last night, to Ngahauranga Gorge, where an Italian workman on the night shift, S. Spadi.le, had been injured by a lai' of rock. The jujurerd may, whose left ankle had been fractured, was conveyed t othe Wellington Hospital, where he was admitted shortly after midnight.

The “Francs” Case.—The Prime Minister, in response to a request made in the House of Commons by Mr. I. R. MacDonald, Labour leader, undertook to find at least half a day for a discussion of the'Board of Inquiry report on the so-called “Francs case,” with special reference to the Zinovieff letter.— British Official Wireless.

Tourist Resorts.—The Canterbury Progress League has forwarded to the Minister in Charge of Tourist Resorts further evidence showing neglect of the South Island tourist resorts, including a letter from Mr. D. Reese, who says that a resident of a sister Dominion sent to the Tourist Office in the city where ha resided asking information' regarding New Zealand, and that office actually sent him back a’ map of the North Island only.—Press Assn.

Boy Injured and Car Wrecked.—James Doggett, aged 13, of Rangiora, was knocked down by a motor-car on Wednesday evening while cycling, and injured about the head, states a Press Association message from Christchurch. He was admitted to the hospital, but his condition is not serious. The ear, which was driven by Joint Matthews, hit an electric light pole and was wrecked beyond repair.

Portuguese Flag Discrimination.—Replying to a question in the House of Commons, Sir Austen Chamberlain said the British Government had for some time been making representationsto the Portuguese Government ou the subject of flag discrimination. He understood a decree would shortly be issued abolishing all such discrimination of any kind in Portugal and the Portuguese Dominions. In regard to the question ot a loan which Portugal was seeking through the League of Nations, this would be dealt with on its merits. —British Official Wireless.

Dangerous Driver Fined.—Charles William Stewart, who was charged with driving a motor-car in a dangerous manner on Broadway, Miramar, was fined £5 in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. According to the evidence, Stewart’s car travelling at an excessive speed, collided with a stationary car and capsized, Stewart being slightly injured. The Magistrate (Mr. J. H. Salmon) took into consideration the fact that defendant had not had any previous convictions, but stated that had there been anyone in the stationary motor-car, l.e or she would probably Lave been seriously injured.

Fire Brigades' Conference, —At the concluding sessiou of the conference of the Fire Brigades’ Association at New Plymouth, the following officers were elected: President, Superintendent A. E. Freeman (Masterton); vice-presi-dents, Superintendent G. E. Gilbert (Onehunga) and Deputy-Superintendent P. Deere (Greymouth); treasurer-secre-tary, Mr. C. A. Osborne (Onehunga); secretary, Captain T. J. Watts (Newmarket); auditor, Air. P. It. Fraser (Newmarket). The retiring president, Superintendent Garrett (Thames), and Mr. C. E. Bellringer. M.P., past president, were elected life members of the association. The position of secretary was made permanent.—Press Assn.-

Record Shipment of Bitumen.—The largest cargo of bitumen yet dispatched in a single ship from the port of San Pedro, California, was being discharged at Wellington, yesterday, by the. tramp steamer Highgate, at the Taranaki Street wharf, for the City Corporation. The cargo of bitumen totalled 2200 tons, carried in 10,121 barrels, of which no fewer than 4500 were stowed up on deck. The bitumen was being landed yesterday in excellent condition, although exceptionally hot weather was experienced iu crossing the Tropics, and the decks were frequently flooded during heavy weather in a gale last Sunday ami Monday.

Baptist Theological College.—The crowning event in a project long cherished took place on tho slopes of Mount Hobson, Auckland, on Wednesday afternoon, when the Theological College for the training of students for the Baptist ministry was officially opened. The institution is a gift to the New Zealand Baptist Union from “seven men, animated by a desire for service,” and generosity- of well wishers throughout the Dominion resulted in the complete equipment and furnishing of the college free of debt. The building was, until recently, the home of the late Mr. H. M. Smeeton, whose generous assistance was in a large measure responsible for the founding of the college. The principal is the Rev. J. J. North.—Special Service.

Auckland Property Sales.—That high prices for suitable business premises in and adjacent to Queen Street, Auckland, still rule, is shown by the fact that during the past few days two important sales Lave been made. The three-storey-ed premises at the intersection of Swansou Street with Queeu Street, which are at present occupied by B. J. M. Kemp, tailor ami outfitter, have changed lianas at £31,500. The Mock has a frontage of 301 feet to Queen Street, and 50 feet to Swanson Street. The price works out at £1032 15s. Od. per foot. A new arcade with entrances to both Vulcan Lane and Queen Street, is planned by the fancy goods firm of J. R. McKenie, who have purchased from Mr. A. E. Gifford, a property with a frontage of 38 feet, and a depth' of 56 feet in Vulcan Lane. The amount naid for the Vulcan Lane frontage i5.£22500. which works out at £6OO a foot.—Special Service.

British Ambassador to Germany. —The King has approved the appointment of Sir Horance Rttmbold, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at Madrid, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at Berlin. Sir Horace Ruinbold was Charge D’Affaires in Berlin at the outbreak of the war. British newspapers express satisfaction with the appointment of a diplomajst who has had so Ion" and distinguished, a career, and who had already served in Berlin. The opinion is expressed that his previous knowlefMe of Germany will enable him to consolidate the friendly relations which have been the oMert of lord Pabernon and Sir Ronald Lindsa’’. his predecessors at Berlin. —British Official Wireless.