TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

JPEB PRESS. ASSOCIATION.-—COPYRIGHT],

Suprema Court.

Christchurch, Feb 12

At the Supreme Court, the Grand Jury submitted a presentment advocating corporal punishment in addition to other penalties, in cases of indecent aßsauit on children.

The Juty aleo desired to express regret that similar representations from other Grand Juries bad apparently been disregarded. The Judge pointed out the great variation in tbe character of sexual crimes, and said tbe real remedy -for such cases lay, not necessary in heavy sentences, but in the better training of young men. Ha would see the presentment was coqveyed to the proper quarters.

Thomas Williams, for theft and forgery was sentenced to four months.

William Thomas Burridge for breaking, entering and theft, to three years’ |He had already been declared an habitual criminal.

Thomas Dockery, charged with forgery and uttering, who also had been declared an habitual criminal, and had deserted from the Expeditionary Force, was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Cecil Alfred Voux, a youth aged sixteen, who pleaded guilty to indecent assault, was ordered to undergo three years reformative treatment at Invercargill.

Wellington, Feb 12

At tbe Supreme Court Stephen Fisher, a returned soldier, was acquitted on a charge of firing a rifle at Robert Alfred Elder, with intent to ip jure. John Poynter was found guilty, but the jury added a recommendation to mercy on a charge of failing to disclose his true position to the Official Assignee, when adjudicated bankrupt.

Chrtstcuuecii, Feb 13

John Heary Theodore, nged 26, was found guilty of attemp ed carnal knowledge. Justice Denniston said aocused was of a low type of character and unfit to be at large. He said tha act showed the prisoner capable of any atrocity. The fudges of the Dominion looked on punishment in such oases not merely as a penalty but as a protection to society. He him to three months’ gaol. Samuel Eiii», for aisault and bodily harm, who admitted a hasty temper, received three months’ gaol. Prisoner Escapes Wanganui, Feb 12 John Oiark, a momber of the 22nd Reinforcements, who waß romanded for sentence to the Supreme Court for theft of £22 at Taihape, has escaped from thß local lock-up and is still at large. Railway Commission Wanganui, Feb 12 The Railway Rolling Stock Commission commenced its sitting tc-day. The evidence of the local inspector showed that the roiling stook was never in better condition. An Offer of Help. Gisborne, Feb 12 Captain Pitt, President of the Returned Soldiers, telegraphed to the Acting Premier Btating in the event of Government fiuding it neoesaary to take aontJol of the water front, he desired to offer the services of the Returded Soldiers Association, in order to help to maiutafn supplies for the boys at the front and to aid tha Motherland in the present great crisis. The offer wae made subject to the approval of tha Executive who he feels confideat will endorse his aotion. Obituary. Christchurch, Feb 12 C... o. Inspector Robert J t Gillies, died this morning, aged 07, Ho retired in 1911,

On the Water Front

[ Wellington, Feb 13 The posilion on tha water front today is much the same as yesterday. Wanganui boats were worked, but the Victoria from N -.p’er is still idle as men deolined to unload her. Most of the other vessels aie bung up, The Waterside workers’ dispute was before the Conciliation .Commis sioner to-day, when assessors were appointed for union by Commissioner Hagger, who was in attendance, Glover, of one of tbe Uuious, stated the Conciliation procedure was entirely new to his side, and asked questions relating to the course proceedings would take, Ha said that before he could proceed with the dispute time was required in which to consult other unions and the Executi 78 of the local Union. Pryor, the employers’ agent, agreed to this and Hagger adjourned tbe proceedings until Friday week at 8 p.m. Mr Fiavell, one of the employers’ assessors, said—“Wo assume that work will be carried on in the meantime.” Glover replied—“l will do nothing to stop it.”

Casualty List

Wellington, F-b 13 The following reported knled in action—Lieutenant W. A. Thomas. Wounded) and admitted to Loipital —Riflemaa J. Hearne.