VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1921, Page 4

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TEI.EGRAM —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

‘ARGUS THE PROPHET

ALLEGED IMPOSITION

AUCKLAND, January 17

Three charges arising out of a thought-reading performance at the Hippodrome Theatre, Auckland, on December 30tii., were preferred against Charles Louis Copeland, professional entertainer, and his son, “Argus ’ (Nathaniel Julius Copeland), in the Magistrate's Court to-day. The charges were J that accused did undertake to tell fortunes, did pretend from skill and knowledge in occult and crafty sciences to discover where and in what manner any goods and chattels supposed to have | been stolen or lost may bo found, and lastly, used subtle craft to deceive and | impose upon his Majesty’s subjects. All the• charges were laid under 'lie .Justices of the Peace Act. The case had been mentioned in Christchurch some weeks ago. and an adjournment was granted in order that it might be beard in Auckland. The statement of facts were agreed upon by the parties. Counsel for the defence said there was no intention to deceive. The emit employed was hypnotism and suggestion, which could not he called subtle craft with intent to .deceive. Counsel quoted at length from works of psychology. Evidence as to the truth of a number of predictions made by “Argus” was given. Eventually the case was adjourned for a private demonstration before tin? Magistrate, police, and Press.

BELGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL

VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND

WELLINGTON, Jail 17

Mr Hemi Segaert, tho Consul-Gen-eral for Belgium for Australasia, who arrived in Wellington bv the Manuka to day expects to .stay in New Zealand rather more than two months, spending a week in each of the four chief centres, and seeing as much as possible of tho country districts. Mr Segaert said his object was to study the resources of the Dominion ,and how to improve trade relations between Belgium and New Zealand. The immediate cause ot bis visit was a special mission to convey to Mr Massey the Insignia of La Coitronne de la Belique, which had been conferred on him by King Albert in recognition of New Zealand's magnificent war service, and the splendid help Now Zealand had afforded tho Belgian people in the bad times of tho war. The visitor said he hoped to meet all the City Councils and Chambers of Commerce, and would ask them to interpret to the people of New Zealand the sentiments of appreciation, gratitude, and good-will lie had to express on behalf of the people of Belgium. He proposed to visit Christchurch and Dunedin, and then tour the interior of the South Islam returning to Wellington via V ostport and Nelson. He would travel through the North Island to Auckland. The post-war reconstruction of Belgium was practically completed, said Mr Segaert. The machinery taken by Germany bad either been recovered or replaced by large purchases in America and England, therefore Belgium expected this year to take her place again in tho markets of the world, and hoped to make a close trade interchange with New Zealand. Belgian wool buyers, he was glad to say, were coining back to New Zealand. He would be glad .to give New Zealand business men any information in his power.

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT.

CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC FALLS OFF

WELLINGTON, Jan 17

In a report to the Postmaster-General (the Hon J. G. Coates), Mr A. T. Markman, Acting-Secretary to tho Post Office, briefly reviews the postal and telegraphic business done by his Department from 21st to 24th December, 1920 ,inclusive. In a few cases the postal figures show a falling off, but on the whole there was an increase of about 17 per cent, in the stamp trade. The number of mail receptacles forwarded and received shows, however, an increase of only .45 por cent. The telegraph business shows a falling off in nearly every case. Taken in the aggregate, the falling off in the number of forwarded telegrams is 12.2 per cent. The fall off in the number received is 19.0 per cent., and the falling off in the number of transmitted telegrams is 8.92 per cent. Up to date returns show that there has been some falling off in the number of telegrams sent during the year. This was no doubt because of the increased expenditure, owing to increases in salaries, etc. In spite of the falling off in the number of messages sent, however, there is a considerable increase in revenue. This is satisfactory, while at tho same time the decrease in work lias enabled the Department to get back to somewhat normal conditions, the staff showing a general increase in efficiency, through not having to be assisted hv so many temporary employees. This increased efficiency is also satisfactory from the public- point of view.

KER OSENE EXPLODES. AUCKLAND, Jan 15

The explosion of a kerosene stove on a scow at the mouth of tho Tamaki river resulted in five members of a picnic party receiving burns. Mrs Jane Smith, Hiilston road, Mt. Eden, was taken to the hospital and is in a serious condition.