LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1917, Page 4

LATE NEWS.

Per Press Association.—Copyright.

FEDERAL POIITIC3.

Tho War Ministry

MELBOURNE, Feb. 18. After further lengthy conferences with Mr Cook and his own Ministerial colleagues, Mr Hughes has announced th© following Ministry consisting of btx ■liberals and five Hugliesites, to he known as the Commonwealth War Ministry : Mr Hughes: Prime Minister and At-torney-General ; Joseph Cook : Navy; Sir John Torrest, Treasurer* Senator Pearce: Defence; Senator Milieu: Vice-President Executive Council. W. A. Watt: Public Works and Railways ; P• Glynn: Home Affairs and Territories ; O. A. Jensen: Customs; W. Webster: Postmaster-General; L. E. Groom, and Senator E. J. Russell: honorary Ministers. MELBOURNE, Feb 18. During the course of a statement to pressmen Mr. Hughes claims that the new Ministry was a strong team, such as would give effect to the desire of the people to prosecute the war the utmost determination to tire end. He also dtated that he had asked Sir W. Irvine to place his services at the disposal of the Government in relation to a vital and urgent matter arising out of the loan, and he had consented. Mr. Hughes refused to explain, but its deduction is that Sir. W. Irvine will accompany Mr. Hughes to the Imperial Conference .

Supreme Court.

WELLINGTON, Feb 16 After a retirement of over two hours, the jury in the case of Charles Henderson, charged with assaulting and causing bodily harm to Constable William Fitzgerald, returned shortly after 2 o’clock this afternoon. The verdict was as follows:—“We unanimously find the accused, Charles Henderson, not guilty on the first and second counts, but do find him guilty on the third count of common assault. Wo are also of tho opinion that Charles Henderson did find Constable Fitzgerald in the act of committing adultery with his wife, such act, in our opinion, being sufficient provocation for the assault. His Honour Mr. Justice Ohapmon said the verdict might raise a question for the Court of Appeal. Mr. Jackson (counsel for Henderson) It really appears to be a verdict, I should say of not guilty. His Honour: But the jury says it is a verdict of guilty, Mr. Meredith (Crown Prosecutor) contended ith'at the verdict was one of guilty. His Honour finally decided to defer sentence, and in the meantime consider whether he should put the matter before the Court of Appeal. Henderson was released on bail, to appear on 26th inst.

Maitai Enquiry.

AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. Th® inquiry commenced to-day into the stranding, of tho steamer Maitai at Ra'ratonga on Christmas Eve. Mr Mays, who appeared for the Marino Department, said tliajfc if the evidence showed ithait the Captain acted under instrucions of the owners in endeavouring 'to pick up two acliors, he might have to ask permission to cite the owners. Charles McLean, the captain of the Maitai, stated there was the usual ocean swell, but the night was calm. After failing to recover the anchor he put the Maitai’s head to sea. Afterwards the vessel was stopped and the starboard anchor let go. Shortly afterwards the steamer failed to come round and the Chief Officer called out that the cable had parted. He ordered full slteam ahead, bult the vessel refused to answer the helm, and lie considered she touched the bottom a. moment before tbe order was given. The steamer then grounded heavily, and remained fast, though they kept the engines going.

A Seimtion.

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 16 A man named Christie, a member oi tbe iwho was being brought back to Christchurch to auswer a police charge, created a sensation when -the Maori entered the harboui /this morning by jumping overboard. The alarm was given and tho steamei put back and lowered a boat. The man was a strong swimmer, but was overtaken and caught. He had a Mobelt t under his coat. The constablo was much concerned at the attempted escape, and handcuffed the man.