AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SALE OF SHIPS. WASHINGTON, Sept. 25. The Shipping Board concluded a eon tract for the sale of seven combination passenger vessels to the Dollar Line, which plans to use a majority of them in tho Pacific service. The chairman refused to disclose the selling price this time. QUEER YANKEE CULT. NEW YORK, Sept. 26. A message from Lansing, in Michigan, states: The State AttorneyGeneral. Mr Dougherty, has confirmed a report from Melbourne that tho Michigan authorities have not requested tho Australian authorities to apprehend Purnell, of “The House of David.” Colonel Coytm. the State Safety Director, has declared his belief that Purnell is hiding, probably, within 200 miles of the colony at Benton Harbour. Purnell has been a fugitive since last spring, when two civil suits were lodged which attempted to collect personal damages aggregating 200,000 dollars. Later, when more serious charges wore alleged, he disappeared. The State has since brought proceedings alleging the colony was “a kingdom within a State,” and was incompatible with State sovereignty, and asking for the disbandfmenlt of the cult. Nevertheless there has yet been no actual prosecution thereunder, although otto will shortly he undertaken. Meanwhile the colony’s membership has been reduced from 1000 to 700. It is not generally expected to break up the cult, but to reduce it to virtual impotence, by compelling it to sell its real estate. The colony meanwhile is enjoying great prosperity in view of its large holdings of rich agricultural tracts, which bring large annual profits. KU KLUN KLAX. 'Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) NEW YORK, Sep. 26. A telegram from Oklahoma City says the State legislators were dispersed bv the military at noon when they attempted to convene a special session of the Lower House to seek the impeaeement of Governor Walton, who has taken a determined stand against the Ku Klux Klan. There was no violence or bloodshed.