TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.]

DAMAGES FOR SEDUCTION. MASTERTON, Sept. 12.

John Cross, farmer, was awarded £I,OOO damages in tho Supreme Court to-day in a case brought against Alex. Colquhon, farmer, for seduction of plaintiff’s daughter. A non-suit point was reserved.

EMPIRE ASSOCIATION,

WELLINGTON, This Day

Tho New Zealand branch of the Empire Parliamentary , Association discussed the possibility of an invitation being extended to two members to visit India, probably next December, under the auspices of the British Parliamentary Association, and authorised the secretary to take a. poll of members, in tho event of such an invitation coming during the recess. Tho idea of the visit is that India, having played such an important part in the war, it is entitled to consideration in planning the future of the Empire, and the Association recognises that consideration must soon ho given to the hotter organisation of the Empire.

EXEMPTION OF COALMINERS

SECOND DIVISION PROTEST.

DUNEDIN, Sept. S

At a meeting of the Second Division League at Kaitangata, the. following motion was carried: “Ihat the attention of the Minister of Defence be drawn to the fact that men who have had no previous experience in coal mining have lately taken up employment in the coalmining industry thereby escaping military service, and some of them have already been granted exemption. We strongly urge upon tlie Government to enll up all First Division men, and take steps to utilise men of Class C2 to fill the places of Class A men.”

ASSESSM ENT COURT

TAUMARUNUI, Sept. 12

The Assessment Court resumed to-, day, Mr. Strong, solicitor for the owner j in the test case, said that he would appeal on two points. He said that the valuer used a wrong method of valuation by rating on unimproved values was the first and capital the last, and that lie did not consider the restrictions on the alienation of Native land. All the other east's were then . adjourned till October lfith ( pending a Supreme Court, decision which may atfect tlw> cases to be heard at To Kuiti and Otorolianga. The Bench said that it might upset the valuations of all the Maori lease land in New Zen’and. N