TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

• IanEGIIAPH—PER PKEBB ASSOCIATION]

RACING STABLE FIRE. TWO HORSES BURNED TO DEATH. AUCKLAND, May 13 A fire, which is surrounded by suspicious circumstances, occurred at Wliatipu, on the shores of Manuka last Tuesday evening, and damaged the property of W. McMasters, the well-known trotting trainer, to the extent of £BOO Included in the losses is the pacer Lucille, which was burned to death, another trotter Norland, being seriously burned, while two other occupants of the stable, Bluewood and Little Bill, had a lucky escape. By the irony of fate, Norland and Lucille were owned by McMasters, while the two rescued animals Bluewood and Little Bill, were the property of Mr Johnston. None of McMaster’s property or horses were covered by insurance. An unusual feature of the fire was the fact that settlers in the neighbourhood had for some few days experienced thefts from their properties, particular attention being paid to the 'larders. Outside the gutted stable \vas*-diseovered, subsequent to the fire, unmistakenble evidence of a fire having been kindled and a repast made, and it is surmised that this was the origin of the fire.

THE SHEARERS’ CASE. WELLINGTON, May 13. Hopes are entertained of a settleme it being arrived at shortly in connection with the New Zealand shearers’ and shed hands’ dispute The shearers are asking to be paid at the rate of 355. per 100, and the sheep owners have offered 20s. The demands of individual unions have been heard by councils of conciliation in various parts of the Dominion, but no agree inent has so far been reached. To-day. Mr A. Cook, president of the New Zealand Workers’ Unions with ; whjch organisation of the shearers are affiliated, stated he hoped it would he possible to arrange a Dominion conference with the sheep farmers, al which a settlement might he agreed upon.

j FALSE PRETENCES. ! WELLINGTON, May 13. | The motor wind screen case was bej fore the Supreme Court, George William Thomas being charged with obtaining from Joseph Patrick Beamish £l5O by falsely representing that lie possessed patent rights to n motor screen; and with obtaining £225 by the same means from Jas Barbery; also £SO irom another. Accused advertised for a partner, and got into touch with Beamish. The' latter T litmus said he was Captain Thomas of the Flying Corps and held the Australasian rights for a screen. Beamish went in as a partner and paid the money over. Accused subsequently asked for more money. Beamish then consulted a solicitor, who advised him to apply for a refund. When Beamish did so, accused suggested that Beamish should withdraw, ancl leave himself and Barbery to boost the business. No money was forthcoming.

SUPREME COURT. PALMERSTON N , May 13. Colin Arthur McDonald, managing editor of the “Pahiatua Herald,” was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment with hard labour for misappropriating monies of the company. James Wemyess Muir, taxi driver was found not guilty on a charge of manslaughter. Win Joseph O’Dwyer, who pleaded guilty to obtaining several sums of money by valueless cheques in Dunedin and Palmerston North, was sentenced to terms totalling four years.