DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1923, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by telegraph— run ritF.ss association.] H. B. SORENSEN DEAD. CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 14. The death is announced of Air H. B. Sorensen, a well-known citizen. Ho was born in Denmark in 1845, and came to the. Dominion': at the age of 10 years landing at Dunedin in 18G1. He tried his luck ou tho Otago goldfields and from there took up a similar occupation on the goldfields of the AVost Coast. In 18G2 he eamo to Canterbury and commenced business as a grocer. He later became it- general merchant and within a few years took into partnership with him Air CL Payling. The late Air Sorensen who hud served on many local bodies first took upon liimself the performance of public duties by associating himself with the foundation of the Samaritan Homo an institution which for a number cf years was located in tbe old Addington Gaol, and which had, as its objective, Che reformation of waifs and strays from the streets. He then took office as a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, of which body lie was a member for a considerable time, eventually becoming its chairman, which office he held until the recent elections. For over 16 years lie was a member of tlio City Council. He was chairman of tbe Lyttelton Harbour Board for two years, and lie was also chairman of the Patriotic Committee during the war, and was responsible for a great deal of the money collected for the soldeirs.

All DI.AND TRAIN SERVICE. IIFSUAIUD TO-D AV. CHRISTCHURCH. Alay 16. After iv week’s hold-up, the Midland Railway service was resumed to-day, when a’ two-carriage train took 50 passengers for Arthur’s Pass. The passengers will walk across the worst break, joining a, second train on the other side. . On the southern expresses a simnar transfer is still living made at Wnitati. A DOCTOR FTN'ED. CHRISTCHURCH. May 10. James AVliitton, medical practitioner, was lined £75 for attempting the evading of duty on furniture and wearing apparel brought back from a. visit to Enidanil. Tbe Crown solicitor said Whitt on brought back furniture and effects of a value of six or seven hundred Before leaving England he obtained from the High Commissioner’s oilietN a. statement of the class ol goods ndmittod fret* of duty. Hu Hkmi nuide a declaration that the goods bad been in use up to twelve months, and did not exceed £3(59. The duty really payable was ClO9 to 'CI7O. and a heavy penalty was asked for. Air Gresson (counsel for Wliitton) pleaded guilty, but claimed AVhuton thought the (foods were duly free. Tbe Alagistrate 'aid the defendant was not an ignorant man aud could have understood the implicit instructions received in London. ITo would not make allowance for forfeiture of the furniture or t.ie Customs penalty.

A CHINESE BAND. WELLINGTON, Alnv Hi. Something of a novelty in tho way of bands lias been introduced by the formation in Wellington of a Chinese band. Among the Chinese here are several mu-iciaus. who in their own country bad a. professional status. I he.v reeentiv combined to form a band ami instruments have been imported irom China at considerable, cost. I informs which are being made in the city are said to be very elaborate. 1 lie band will make it- first appenrame in Wellington at tbe end of the present month. .MENAGE TO SHIPPING. DUNEDIN, May 15 The Marine Department advises that the fishermen report that there is an obstruction flouting about six miles outside the Otago Heads, ami that it G a menace to shipping. The object which appears to be a bridge, or part of one. is 40ft long and rises and falls about six feet.

N.Z. 'EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE WELLINGTON,' Alay 10.

The fortieth annual meeting of the N.Z. Educational Institute was opened k v the Alaynr, yesterday afternoon. The President (Air W. P. Low of Palmerston North) occupied the chair. The Alayor welcomed the delegates to Wellington and expressed the hope that they would enjoy their visit and have a successful conference. Air Low. in the course of bis presidential address devoted a good deal ol time to stressing the importance of character building in the schools. 1 feci sure, said Air Low, that it is only through a better understanding of the individual pupil. of his mental bias and powers' that it is possible to give him an opportunity of bringing those powers into exercise which can develop his true personality and by the exercise ol these lie will learn he has a place to fill and a work to do in bis own community. He will bare a. bettor opportunity of knowing himself and will develop a respect for himself and for others. Life should have for him more meaning and content. I lie Confeieni.. will he continued to-day.

RITA NTCOLL’S DEATH. BLENHEIM, May 15. Mr T. K. Maunsell, S.M., commenced 1-Bo this afternoon bearing the charges .gainst. Richard Hollis and Thomas Viggars, arising cut of the recent death of the girl Rita. \ lolet Ellen Nicoll. The charges against the acensed were that they did, nt. Bleiihcm. on Mav 7th. murder Rita \ Ri.et ElL>' Nicoll. also that they did unlawful use an instrument with intent to commit a crime. , _ After lengthy evidence had 'ecm heard, both accused wore committed tin trial. Hollis's counsel did not appb for bail. In connection with Viggars, bail was granted in two sureties of £SOO each, and self £2OO. Ho '■ report twice daily to the police. Counsel for the accused applied foi „n order prohibiting certain portions ol -1,0 evidence that had been objected to. The Magistrate said bo bad no pot u to grant the application.

Tho Tapanui correspondent ot “Otago Dailv Times” writes that it seems 1»vornl doubt that Malcolm Robertson a well-known farmer on rapanui Ila hnd been drowned in the Pomabaka ®He r ‘lert his home on Monday mnrnino- with a gun and shooting bag. an tho stream. The gun bad a disthaigici cartridge in it. and footprints of rapid ■Brides''indicate that be bad shot a 1 r nr (luck and was recovering when be into difficulties. The stream is in flood and the immediate recover, of the body is unlikely.

live to the ntw '-y i t q. Postmaster-General, the rl said that the matter ot reviV*d telephone charges and new postM ktes would be dealt with either in the Governor’s Speech at t pronext session or u tho Budget- P _ interesting, and would posaL " olm t To waß unable to S at present, luu would add that as ' ”°j ct erminetd i.pbe made to the system of half-yearly settlements.