DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1923, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

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THE DROAIORE MURDER

ACCUSED BEFORE COURT.

ASHBURTON, Sept. 28

Thomas Jamieson, the afflicted man, charged with the murder of the four months’ old child of his sister at Droniore, came before the Magistrate for trial in conjunction with the inquest. The evidence corresponded to previous reports. It was further testified that accused had been taken from a mental hospital, because he appeared better ami his mother was fond of him, and wanted him home. Ho was usually inoffensive. During ihe trial the accused was rpiite listless but suddenly leaned over the dock and punched a constable's head. DIED FROM INJURIES. TIM ARE, Sent. 28. H. T. Butler, aged 00, died this morning as a result of injuries received through falling from a truck on the wharf. AIA VO RA L HONOR ARIA. HASTINGS. Sept. 28. The Borough Council decided to ask the Municipal Association to cite a ease for decision by tho Supreme Court as to whether the power of voting mayors’ honorariums is vested ill the outgoing council, as well as, or solely in the incoming Council. There is a divergence of opinion between the Municipal Association’s solicitor and tho Audit Department on tlie question, in which practically all the cities and lmrouglis in the Dominion are interested. V.D. AND SECRECY. DUNEDIN, Sept. 28.

At a meeting of the Hospital Board, Doctor Falconer, medical superintendent. wrote:—There is a doubt in the minds of members and staff in regard to communications made by a patient to a physician or surgeon in a professional capacity. In my evidence, liefore the Venereal Diseases Committee. 1 recommended absolute security for patients in Court so that evidence of venereal disease cannot he obtained from his'" own private medical attendant. medical officer, V.D. clinic or from records for the purpose of any civil action pending against the patient except for the purpose of enforcement of the Health Act itself. Recently, a plea for privilege in regard to a patient's condition was made by a memlier of the honorary staff of the hospital in a civil Court proceeding, and such privilege was disallowed by the judge. If a similar judgment were given in regard to records ol the venereal diseases clinic at the Dunedin Hospital, our boasted secrecy, as part of the campaign against venereal disease, would be without a l“gal basis. Apart from the merits ol the question that any such privilege should exist, it is obvious that it is wrong if we should invite patients to come to the clinic under false pretence of assurance of

secrecy. It was resolved to ask the Department to have the law amended.

NEED OF EXTRA JUDGE

CHRISTCHURCH, Sen. 28. The civil sittings of the Supreme Court here, which has been taken by Mr Justice Reed, concluded to-day, and this morning the President of tho ,anterhury Law Society \(Air l'. At . Johnston') paid a tribute to the work Hi? Honour had done. He said there had been something in the air about tlm appointment of a second judge in ' hristchtirch, and if that were done, nothing would please the Bar better than to have Justice Reed in that position. In reply, His Honour said lie appreciated the remarks made, and in his turn ho could say that his relations with tlie Christchurch Bar had been most agreeable. He did not think there would be an additional Judge in Christchurch because there was not- sufficient accommodation in the Court buildings for two judges. He could say, however, that Justice Adams would have much more assistance in the future than he had had in the past from visiting judges. CURES CLATAIEI) BEFORE THE HICKSON AITSSIOX. , AUCKLAND, Sep. 28. Reports are being received daily of benefit being derived by many people attending intercessory services preparing for the Hickson Mission. Rev. H. Af. Smyth (Vicar of St Peter’s Anglican, Onehunga), received a letter from his father, the Rev. Jasper Smyth that his sight had been completely restored after suffering from a cataract over the right eye for eighteen months. Air. Smyth, who is 83, says he was preparing candidates for the mission. It. was suggested that lie should be a candidale. lie and his circle made it a matter of prayer at intercessory services, ami at last meeting he found tho affected eye was running all the time. At tho close of the service ho discovered that the cataract had altogether dissolved and his sight was restored. ADMITTED TO PROBATION. CHRISTCHURCH, Sep. 28. At the Supreme Court, Rona'd Charles Brown, JO, married, with three children, who pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of L‘97 8s 3d belonging to his employers, Archibald Bros., was admitted to probation and ordered tio make restitution. Afr Justice Reed said that he was doubtful about granting probation /‘‘l cases of systematic theft.

TWO YEARS' PRISON. DUNEDIN, Sep. 28. At the Supreme Court, James Nicholas Bordon Hoskin, for breaking, entering and theft (IP charges), of rabbitskins, valued at £1,311, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. FOPXD DROWNED. XrOKLAXD, Sep. 28. The body of Daniel ITngerty, a retired farmer, aged 62, was found floating in the Harbour. He was a native of Ireland, and unmarried, with no relatives in New Zealand. Deceased possessed considerable property, and he had arranged for a trip to Europe, blithe cancelled this owing to ill health. YESTEYS AND POVERTY BAY .MEAT WORKS. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. The report that Vestcy Bros, propose to purchase the Poverty Bay Farmers’ Freezing Company, Gisborne, is continued by inquiries in commercial circles in Wellington, and it is expected that the matter will be submitted to the company’s shareholders for decision at an early date. A Palmerston North newspaper, commenting on the original publication of the rumoured offer, declares “The A feat Control Board showed determined opposition to a five figure offer of assistance by an English organisation to a meat concern in that locality, whose directors are bristling with righteous wrath and are only waiting confirmation of the Poverty Bay transaction to ask awkward questions.