DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1923, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,

ACT IN EFFECTIVE OPERATION,

WELLINGTON, Sept. 19.

During the closing stages of last session the Board of Trade Amendment Act was passed and the new legislation is now in effective operation as already the investigations carried out under its provisions have resulted in reductions of exorbitant prices. Asked whether any inquiries had already been made the Minister of Industries and Commerce said that several matters which had formed the subject- of a complaint- had necessarily to he held over until the Act was passed last session. These inquiries, however, were now being proceeded -with. One of the first matters investigated related to the complaint received from an important West Const town as to the prices of meat. The master butchers had announced considerable increases in retail prices and Hie consumers took exception. The matter was taken up by the Department and as a result of investigations last week the Department had succeeded in bringing about reductions by a Id to 4d lb on prices obtaining since Ist September.

BODY IDENTIFIED.

DUNEDIN, Sept. 19,

An inquest- was held this morning on the body found at Macandiew Bay on Sept. 1, since identified as that of Andrew McCabe, 54, a Corporation road-sweeper, wfio'disappeared in June, about the time his coat and hat were found on Birch Street wharf. These articles were previously identified ns those of McCabe's, the identification being completed by the relatives recognition of a locket on the body. Tho evidence showed that deceased’s wife died a year ago, and deceased had since been drinking heavily and had threatened suicide. An open verdict was returned.

WOMAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

BLENHEIM, Sept. 19.

Jessie Vance, a middle-aged widow pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing a fur. She was committed for trial at the Magistrate’s Court. His Worship said, that, according to the Act, a Magistrate had no power to try an imlictihle offender if the proceedings wore commenced 12 months alter the alleged theft. To his mind this was an absurd law-, particularly in view of the fact that in Parliament and elsewhere, there were continued complaints about over pressure of work, causing delays in the Supreme Court. Here was a charge involving an article of moderate value. He had seriously considered whether he couldn’t dismiss ir, but, in view of the evidence, lie felt he would not be justified. He had no alternative hut to send the case to the Supreme Court. Possibly this would ho the only ease to come beio're the Supreme Court ill Blenheim, hut, on account- of the ridiculous provision in ihe Act referred to, it would bo necessary to call on a grand jury and a common jury, and lhe witnesses 1101111! have to lie called again. However, that was the law, and he could not help him self.

BOXING MEN CHARGED

AUCKLAND, Sep, 19

At the police court, Chariest Monieii, aged 30, a boxing trainer, and Stewart Smith. 25, a professional boxer, were charged with having established a lottery known ns “The Golden C ashot.’ Evidence was called to show that agencies were opened at different parts of the North Island. . A bootmaker at New Plymouth said lie was asked by the accused to soil tickets in a lottery run by some Auckland business men. Witness sold bos worth of tickets, but. on reading a circular subsequently received Irom -'lonion. lie would not sell any more. All the tiekets witness sold proved to lie blanks. , „ Charles Monien was lined £’2oo on each of two charges of assisting to manage a lottery, in default three months’ imprisonment, the sentences to be concurrent. He also was convicted on two charges of establishing a lottery. A similar charge against Smith was dismissed. A DOCTOR’S THEFTS. AUCKLAND, Sept. 15 An extraordinary affair is reported from Hamilton, where an Auckland medical mail accused of a serious or|caco was acquitted on the plea that he was not conscious of the net at the time. The ease has aroused a good do'll of interest, and inquiries into the matter reveal the fact that on previous occasions there have been lapses of memory, though in no previous instance did the unfortunate man net as he did in the ease under notice. A doctor named George Uedpateh appeared on. remand before -Hr ’Voting 5.. M., charged with the theft of a pair of boots, an overcoat, and a walkingstick, the property of a fellow-boarder named Robert Blackie.

The defence was that accused had sustained serious war injuries, which often resulted in lapse of memory, causing him to wander away from his home in Greenlane, Auckland. Counsel said his client went to Hamilton during such a turn, and had not the faintest idea of his movements, or how he got there, except that he called on Dr Spencer. Dr Spencer gave evidence, and described the ease as one of loss of memory. The magistrate said the evidence indicated that accused wandered to Hamilton in something in the nature of a trance, and was therefore, not responsible for his actions. The ease was dismissed. TAKING TT OUT. RLENHEDr, Sept. 19 The defendant in a by-law ease at the Magistrate’s Court to-day must now he sorry that he allowed his sense of injury to overcome his discretion. He was convicted and Magistrate Maunsel let him off with the payment of costs.

The defendant tartly asked what if he did not pay. His Worship said that he could go to gaol for a month. Defendant replied that he would “take it out.”

The Magistrate then said lie would reconsider his decision, and lie inflicted a fine of £1 in addition to costs.