TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1919, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

(PKB Pit EBB ASSOCIATION.—COP YBIGffT.J

A BODY KOUNI) WELLINGTON, April 14

A body was found floating in the harbour yesterday, and has been identified as .that of Robert Niven, formerly Chief Clerk in the Government Life Insurance Department, who retired from the service some time ago. Niven had a severe attack of influenza last year, and had suffered from nervous prostration since.

SHIRKER SENTENCED. WELLINGTON, April 14. Decision of a District Court-martial, which tried Sydney Beck, on a charge of having deserted from the forces has been promulgated. The Court found Beck “guilty.” It sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment. The sentence has been reduced by the convening Officer to 84 days’ detention. , Beck pleaded that he is a conscientious objector to military service.

BARGUE ALBERT WRECKED. CHRISTCHURCH, April 14. Messrs Booth and Co., of Christchurch, received advice this afternoon that the bargtie Albert, which left Timaru on January 24th with 473 casks of tallow and 50 bales of leather, ha's been wrecked on Point Reeves, California. The vessel was a wooden ship, of 683 tons gross register. She is reported to be totally lost. The cargo was valued approximately at £35,000. It was in-

sured by Booth and Co. with American Underwriters.

SEPARATION ALLOWANCE WELLINGTON, April 10 The fact that it is hoped to make about Ist June, payments in lieu of separation allowances, approved by the House of Representatives last session, was mentioned by the Acting Prime -Minister to a deputation from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association this afternoon. Considerable difficulty was experienced last evening at the meeting of householders, in obtaining a sufficient number to form a Committee. The seven remaining members of the old committee were nominated but tile two extra names required almost caused a deadlock, and it was only after those in the room bad been appealed to several times, that two further names were added and the full number of nine members secured..