TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1923, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

[by TELEGRAPH. -CUK PItKSS ASSOCIATION] QUEENSLAND HOWLING TEAM. PALMERSTON X., Jan. 5.

The Queensland howlers concluded their matches against the Alanawatu centre this morning, playing the country club representatives. Manawatu won by 00 to 92. SPIRITUALISTS IN COURT. WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. A case of unusual interest was heard at the Magistrate's Court to-day when the Rev. Reuben Webb, of the Spiritualist Church, appeared to answer four charges. It appears that meetings were being held for which Is admission was charged. Those attending were asked to submit articles, such as handkerchiefs, keys and fountain pens and certain prouuocements as to the Health anil character of the owner were made. Several of these meetings were visited l,v constables, who stated that, accused told them about future friends and relations. The meetings opened and closed with the singing of hymns. Evidence showed that the money at the door was taken by accused. The case was adjourned until to-day. CHARGE DISMISSEDWELLINGTON. J ;,n - (i -

The heaving of the charge against the Rev. Heiiben Webb, of the Wellington Spiritualistic Church, of having attempted to toll fortunes, was concluded at the Magistrate’s Court today. before Mr F. K. Hunt. S. M. Counsel for the defendant. Mr F. G. Jcllicoe, said that he attended to address the Court on certain legal points in connexion with the charge. The Magistrate: I don’t think there is much use ot votir discussing law win'll T am certain of the facts. The Magistrate in dismissing the nformatioii. said that the defendant had gone on the border-line. Tie would probable have gone further had he not been stopped by a- warning from the lemnlo medium whom it was stated by Constable Smith had called out “Handcuffs!” To the defendant: “I point mi to you that fortune-telling is illegal, and if you are caught telling fortunes you will be sent to gaol.’ On the application of the sub-iu-psector the hearing of the other charges iv.i- adjourned until January P2.

ALLEGED MURDER. AUCKLAND, Jan. S. The hearing of the charge of murder against John Finnigan tullowiug the death of (‘on. O'Kccle a fireman on the Trevoiiluim was resumed. |)r. Mil.som who attended the deceased stated the skull was fractured. There was also l.iceiation of the interior of the brain for which nothing could be done. Roheit Miuresey, a liteinan. said he heard Finiiigan say to O’Keefe after the assault “Got up oil your feet.” O’Keefe lay still. I here was blood on his face. .Finnigan was drunk on llie afternoon of New Years Day toil appeared sober when he assailed O'Keefe. Witness knew of no ill-feel-ing between the two men. He did not think at the time that O’Keefe after seriously hurt. COMMITTED FOB TRIAL. A 1 'CKLAND. Jnnua ry 8. John Finnigan was committed for trial on a charge of murder of Con O’Keefe, the Magistrate refusing counsel’s offer to reduce the charge to one of manslaughter on the grounds of the absence of motive, for the graver charge. A FATAL ENDING. AUCKLAND. January 8. Joshua Lnzer. middle-aged died at the hospital this morning ns the restdi of gas poisoning .self-administered yet lorday.

CIVIL service wages. NO THIRD CUT. WELLINGTON. .Tim. (i. Public servants viewed the first of January with great anxiety, for tin's was the date on which it third c-ut in their salaries could have been applied under the provisions of the Public Expenditure Adjustment Aet. They have received no official reassurances on the point, hut it is evident front semiodieial indications that the Government will not impose the final reduction suggested when retrenchment anti savings were first imposed on the staffs of the public offices. One “cut” at the rate of Slo per annum was made in January. 1022, followed by an additional £lO on July 1. The last item could have been do if the Government had deemed the circumstances suitable for the application hut they commenced to relent, and now it is reported that in view of lessened stringency, and also the doubt as to wbother the cost of living would justify a further inroad into the old war bonuses, the Government will hold its hand. The original plan was to impose a third reduction equal to £o per annum, but the savings which would thus he effected would, it is thought, be small compared with the had effect upon ti service already greatly concernoil over its losses in salary. If the revenue continues to show elasticity the figures for the last quarter of the year are not yet available, but. are known to be on the up grade—the chances arc that- the last has been heard of salary cuts in the public service. BOTH LEGS BROKEN. DUNEDIN, Jan. 7. Patrick Helean, aged 3-1 years, residing at 34, Forburv Road, was found j lying” across the rails at Green Island j station last night with both legs frac- [ hired. He died in hospital an hour after his admission.