TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Lliv TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. NI'KUMARI’ TRAGEDY. VERDICT OK CORONER. WANGANUI, Oct. 13 A coronial inquiry was held to-day in connection with the recent tragedy at Nukumnru. No fresh light was thrown on the matter. The Coroner found that latter committed suicide. McGormnn, with his family, lived at the Old Accommodation House at the corner where the Nnkumarit Station and the road branches oil the main road. The tragedy was enacted about a quarter of a mile along the main road close to the 17 mile post. Evidently Mrs McGormau had struggled for her life, there being a large cut on one hand where she had grappliod the razor blade. Alter killing his wife, McGormnn dragged the body into a water table, and then walked across the road, sat down, and cm his own throat. He then climbed a stout seven wire fence, and walked a lOf J yards down a paddock, where lie was ioitiid in tlic morning in a dying state. AlcGorman was reputedly a wealthy man. owning several farms. Mrs McGormau was a woman of kindly nature and was held ill the greatest esteem. The evidence showed that McCormaii had been queer lately, hut was on the! best terms with his wife.

BAPTIST CONFKREXCE. WANGANUI, Get. 13. The Baptist Conference was continued to-<lny. The financial statement showed a total income on the general account, of £1.777 with a, small debit balance. A strong protest was made against- the proposed increasing gambling facilities. A proposeal to establish nil eflectiie Young People Department was warmly discussed. The scheme was generally approved, particulars being handed back to a committee to report- later, in the session. A Young People's demonstration was held this evening, and was a great success.

MR MASSEY’S OPTIMISM. WELLINGTON. Oct. 13. The Prime Minister. Air Massey today delivered a most optimistic speech jin the future prospects of the Dominion. He said he anticipated hotter prices for wool. He also said the woollen industries isliould increase their output. A better market could he assured. Mr Massey asserted the financial pod tion of the Dominion was sound. THE BYE-ELECTION. AUCKLAND. Oct, 12. Candidates are preparing for the fray in Auckland East, and Monthly should see the fight in full swing. It promises to he a memorable struggle. Polities is a very live subject iust now. anil a |Vw good meetings' of the old-fashioned sort would clear the air considerably.

The candidates so far annul are: The Hon. G. AY. Russell, Mr Clutha Afnekonzie, Mr .1. A. Lee. and Mr G. H. Foster. Mr C. E. Statham, the head of the National Progressive and Moderate Labour Party, is in Auckland in connexion with the election, but lie is unable at present tro make any comment on the matter or give any indication as to how- bis supporters intend to make their presence felt.

The main roll of the Auckland East electorate, with its supplement, used at the last general election, contained 1-1.203 names, from which over 5000 have since been deleted. I hose rolls are being used for ibis election, with the addition of a second supplementary list, which will shortly he printed. To date 117)0 applications for enrolment have been ro.-oivod by the registrar of electors who stated tills morning that requests for enrolment were coming in ill great, numbers.

A PURSE STOLEN. WELLINGTON. October 11. On Wednesday evenin': a ladv board cel -1, trainer at T niiibten station in order to proceed fu Tl'ornclon In catch the express for An 'klaml. On retching the latter station she found her purshad been stolen. It contain'd 6ft v pounds and two train tickets for A netlaud. The only passenger to alight from the car was a woman who I*“t. the car at Davis street stem and disappeared into till' darkness along lhat tboroiiL'hlare. BUILDING HO AIKS'. WFI I INGTON. October II The City Council has decided when the houses under construction are completed to di-ecintinn" building operations. COMAIISSIONFR OF POI.H'E. WELLINGTON. October 11. Tin- Commissioner of I’olicc. Mr .1. (>‘Dc>iu>vnn. is to retire early m-it year after forty-two years’ service i" the force.

THE SPRINGSTON AFFAIR. CM 1! ISTCII U!!( 11. Oct. 1 I In (be Main ease. Mrs llanis. licensee of Springstoii Hotel, gave evidence that Main arrived at the hotel between three or lour o’clock and bad two or three beers, and late: lea. lie said lie bail a fnmilv trouble and would stay the night. Main went n* bed anil appeared normal. Alter I. e scene ill the sitting mom all visitors went outside. She saw Mam put. bis toot th'ough a lamp, and beard someone ask him to put the revolver away Witness ran bac k under the veranda i and beard shots fired. CHRISTCHURCH. Oeleber IE The hearing, of charges of attempted murder against James Scott Alain was resumed to-day.

Robert Johnston, a traveller. gave evidence that lie was staying at Spring>.to,i Hotel the night of the affray. Ho went to bed about nine o'clock and was awakened some time later b v a. motor ear pulling un at the front dour. An argument started and a woman s voice asked a man named “Ted” to get into a ear and come away. Tim I arson addressee! ret used. : ayiug he was <roiu<r tn lisiv‘‘ it out with tllis SHll. 1

Him AA H-llt- GN ll' •> >•* - (Main) asked to come out and hphl. ||, saw Main nut his foot through the motor ear lamp ami warn the others to keep hack or he would shoot the lot. He heard three shots fired m cptick succession. AVitness went down the stairs and saw tile person who Intel hi'eii shot lying on the ground and two or three men holding Main. Iho latter got away and rode oil on a motor cycle. He appeared to lie fairly solter by tile way lie mounted. Doe woman said “For God’s sake don’t let the police know of this AAV want to keep it quiet.”