DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1923, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

p [by TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. . THE SMALLPOX CASES', t.s AUCKLAND, May 18. t- The M.akura’s passengers wore vac- ■<- cinated, and landed at the Quarantine Station, Motuihi Island. The vessel and cargo were fttmigated and the mails, including these for Australia, were brought to the city a to-night. It is anticipated that the s Makura with Australian passengers and cargo will sail for Sydney about the middle of next week. New Zealand cargo, comprising UOO tons, is to be , discharged into the Kaiwarra, the Union Company agreeing to indemnify , the watorsiders against infection. The lieaßli officials say there is no ii.sk in > view of the precautions taken, and par- ’ tienlarly the promptness with which the ship’s doctor, Dr Edwards, on recognising the complaint, acted when the first child sickened. He immedi- . ately isolated the two boys, their - mother, and the stewardess. It is believed there were no more contacts 1 The doctor’s diagnosis of the illness as alastrim is confirmed. Both patients are- progressing favourably. BURGLARIES. MASTIvHTON, May 18. A series of burglaries, which have been perpetrated in three residences at Lansdowne, resulted in the arrest at Kketaliuna. after an exciting eha.se, of James Bennett, believed to be an escapee (named Hargreaves, alias Nolan, alias Styles) from Waikeria Prison Camp last March. When arrested Bennett had in his possession jewellery and money corresponding with the sunt stolen. Bennett appeared' in .Court today. and was remanded' until next Thursday. fs FARMERS’ RESOLUTION. MASTER TON, May 10. The Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union passed the following resolution: “That, considering the important questions to be discussed at the Imperial Conference, tbe executive is of opinion that the Dominion should be represented by the Prime Minister.” A conference at Carterton of twenty Dairy Companies operating from Woodvilie to Palli-er Bay. unanimously approved the Dairy Produce Control Bill, and expre-sod eculidcnee in the Dairy Cimncil as constituted. OPIUM CHARGES. 1 AUCKLAND, May 18 Fines totalling £2lO were imposed til the Police Court to-day on two of three Indians who were charged with various offences under the Customs Act and Opium Act. Ranjan Mewa was charged with unlawfully having opium suitable for smoking in his possession, also 1 with having an unlawful import, to wit, opium in his possession, and with '■ having unlawfully exported opium. Raya Roana and Dliida Mnngu were each charged with the two first-men-tioned offences. The Collector of Customs, M.r Hidings, stated that Mawa 1 obtained about half a pound from some of his countrymen, giving it to the ' steward of the Totua to take to someone in Samoa. He did not tell the steward what the parcel contained. ' The opium was dienvered in the posses-

don of the steward at Samoa, and he ivtis fitted CIO. As regards the other [•barges, Air Hidings said the Customs iflicers discovered the opium in the defendants' premises in Ponsonby Road. The Magistrate gave Mnngu the benefit if the doubt and the chni'ges"'ftgninst tint were dismissed. For having a iruhibitod import in their possession, Ihiana and Mewa aero ouch lined the uaximitm of -Cloo. For having extorted opium. Mawa was lined CIO, with 'osts. Other charges were withdrawn. Replying to counsel, the Magistrate ;aid he wouldn’t- recommend the Minster to reduce the fines, hut an appli‘ation could Lo made l»v the* paiTios; •onoerned.