TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Per Press Association.- -Copyright. Waiersiders’ Meeting. Wellington, April 14 A largely attended stop work meeting of Wellington Waterside Workers’ UnioD, was held to-day, at which it was decided to take a ballot of members of the Uuions affiliated with New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Federation, on the question whether the agreement arrived at, at the recent conference by employers and wateraiders’ representatives bo accepted, or rejected. The ballot takes place on Monday and Tuesday. Resolutions were also passed requesting the Governor to review the sentence passed on Oliver Noakes, aud sympathising with the coal miners on strike-

8 DAYS OF SUFFERINGPinned by a TreeDunedin, April 16 An extraordinary story of suffering and physical endurance came to light near Owaka on Saturday morning, when a middle ag9d man, Bernard Reaney was found unconscious pinned under a leg. Reau9y who was a b&tchelor, went into the bush a short distance from his house, to cut wood, on Good Friday, and while at work was caught by a falling tree, which pinned his left arm. He was for eight days in this helpless, and excruciatingly painful condition, roots and gra»s torn np by his right hand being evidence of the plucky and desperate fight he made for his life. He was brought to Dunedin Hospital on Saturday evening, when the iniured arm had to be amputated. The condition of the man was very low, and he expired last evening. Ministers at Westport. Westport April 16 Sir Jamas Allen and Hon W. D. S. MacDonald to-day visiting the colliery townships of Peaaietoo, Granity and Ngakawan in connection with the miners’ strike. FATAL FIRE Old Man Burnt to Death Wellington, April 12 A fatal fire occurred early this morning, whereby the Wellington Hotel, at the corner of Sydney Street and Molesworth Street, was practically destroyed. About twenty inmates were in the building at the time, several being Maoris. All escaped with the exception of Patrick Twohili, a well-known identity, seventy-four yeais of age, who was burnt to death, The fire is supposed to have had its origin in th 9 sitting room, the theory beiDg that it was caused by a c garette or lighted match. The building was about half a century old, and was owned by Messrs Staples and Co., brewers. Jt wap insured in the Atlas Company for £2250 and the contents in the Commercial Office for £SOO. The licensee was Mr M. Ryan. The fire swept right through the second story of the hotel, where the bedrooms were looated.

The late Mr Twohill, who met his death as the result of the fire, was a well-known figure locally, aod in fact all over the Dominion. He was born in Ireland and came out to the Dominion as a boy. He look part in the early gold-diggiug days both in the North and South Islands. Later he took over hotels at Reefton and Greymouth, and at a later date was licensee of the Park Hotel at Auckland. He has been a resident of this city for a good number of years. He was in his youßger days a prominent athlete. Deceased leaves a grown-up family, and was a brother of Dan Twohill, well known in racing ciroles, and of the late Edmund Twohill, of the Brian Boru Hotel at the Thames. His wife predeceased him about a year ago. A Shooting AffairHamilton, April 16 A sensational shooting affair is reported from Te Awamutu. It appears that about 7 o’olock last night a man was seen prowling around Waikaria prison by a native prisoner. The latter approached thß man, who threatened him with two revolvers if he approached any nearer. He informed the native that ha was not after him, but was after one of the warders. The native then informed the warders, after which he again came out in search of the man, who, it is alleged, fired at him with a revolver, and disappeared into the sorub and darkness. A search was made by the warders* but so far without success. The police are now scouring the district for the man, who is believed to be an ex-prisoner. Body Found Taihape, April 16 i The headless body of a man, named J. V. McDonald, egad about 32, was i found on Sunday on the river bed at ; Winiata in an advanced state of to* 3 composition. It is supposed to to a '-"case of suioide.