DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION." LIBEL ACTION. EX-AIAYOIt TAKES PROCEEDINGS. HAMILTON, Alnreh 11. At the Supreme Court, Percy Watts, a former .Mayor, sued Henry Tristam, a former Councillor, and Charles Barton, President, and Councillor, for two hundred pounds each for alleged libel. The case arose out of letters published in the “Waikato Times”, and signed by defendants, which plaintiff alleged wcie false and malicious. They dealt with municipal matters of three years a pro. After certain evidence had been taken His Honor suggested a conference. Subsequently the actions were withdrawn. The defendants stated they did not intend in the letters to attribute any improper conduct, or personal misconduct to Watts. DRIVER SUSPENDED. CHRISTCHURCH. .March 10. The Trotting Board decided to suspend AlcLellnfii’s riders and drivers license for three months. BODY FOUND. DAROAVILLE, March 10. The body of a young married man. W. Rainham. who was drowned whilst, fishing on the West Const three weeks ago, was found by Alaoris, thirty miles from the scene of the accident. The country is very rough, and the body which was found on Saturday, is not expected to arrive here till this evening. INQUEST VERDICT. TIAIARU. Alareh 11. An inquest was held to-day on the holly of Stanley R. R. Wills, found hanging from the roof of a wash-house last night. Evidence at the inquest showed that deeeaseil had been drinking and was under the influence when he committed the deed. A verdict ol suicide by hanging was returned. TROTTING ENQUIRY. CHRISTCHURCH, Alareh 11. The Board of the New Zealand Trotting Association met to-day. The first case taken was that of John McLennan of Oamaru, charged with using objectionable language regarding J. Al. Samson, member of the Board at the last meeting of the Gore Racing Club. Defendant admitted being very annoyed when the Stipendiary examined his horse in public alter the race. He denied using the language complained 01. He said he bail been subjected to insults and jeers for two days as a result of the examination and believed at the time, Imt not now, that the Stipendiary’s action was prompted by Samson.

QUARRY ACCIDENT. DUNEDIN. Alareh 11 David MeAl.illan. William Cox, and William Mclntosh, employed at the Dunbaek lime kilns were injured by mi explosion of powder in the quarry llii- mottling. They had set a charge and were passing in trout when the Mew out. Oil them. The men had to tie transported Itv motor ambulance lit miles to the Dunedin Hospital. Iho extent ot their injuries is not known. SIN MONTHS FOR FALSE PRETENCES. AUCKLAND. .March 11. tlie Police Court. Henry E. Philip,-. a young man. "fin teprcseiited himself as agent for an immigration scheme among memheis of the Royal Irish Constabulary was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. (I !M )CL RS’ CON FE R EN CE. AUCKLAND. Mareh 11. \l the N-Z. Grocers Conterenee Mr McCrostie. I ini'iva rgill, read a paper on coupons and prize schemes. He said it was better for everyone concerned if the goods depended tor tliei sal. mi merit alone. The best thing to stimulate trade was to bring down priees. Mi Henderson. President, said tho -astem that was eating its way into ttailo was pernicious a- the consumers Inn! to pay in the end. \L the speakers condemned the practice The Conference resolved to make a si ong protest against the whole system ami urge grocers fit refuse to sell goodie here the side involves the use ot coupons: also to ascertain whether the system is a fireaeii ef the Trade Consumers Act and if it is not to endeavi nr to make ii so by legislation. FLOODS IN HAWKE’S BAY. NAPIER. March 11. Heavy rain, falling throughout Northern llawkes Bay, has caused Hoods in the 'fungoid and Kaiwaka 'soldiers) .settlements. A lint is reported as being washed away and the owner, Thomas Hill, drowned, hut owing to a complete break down of the telephone service no confirmation is to baud.

It is reported five inches ol rain fell overnight. main nor 111 road is blocked to all Tell miles of the Northern Napier traffic. The rain continues, hut the larger rivers are not unduly Hooded.