DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1924, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH rEll PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WHIRLWIND STRIKES RIVER. AUCKLAND, March 9. Preceding an unusually heavy thunderstorm at Wharehine, in Rodney County, an unusual sight was witnessed. A whirlwind travelled in a north-westerly direction across a farm and on reselling Oruawharo River, became a miniature waterspout. A column of spray rose vertically into the air for fully 1000 ft, while around its base whirled clouds of spray. As the column moved forward the water behind it resembled the wake of a steamer at full speed. By the, time the waterspout reached the middle of the river its force had been spent and it was soon lost to sight. WOMAN COLLECTOR’S ACT. AUCKLAND, March 8 "It is a very mean and despicable thing to steal money from hospital funds collected for poor families,” said Mr Poynton, S.M., in commenting on a charge against Kate Macpherson, aged fiO, of having stolen los from it collecting box. Accused was on a Queen Street corner yesterday, and in consequence of information given to the police a watch was set on her. A .sergeant saw her shake 27 coins out of her box. The Magistrate first imposed a sentence of seven days’ imprisonment, I .pi on representation by counsel that his client was an old woman of peculiar temperament it was reduced to two tlavs.”

Atiit' INLAND'S - ‘MUNICIPAL RECORD.” AUCKLAND, March 9. The new “Municipal Record” which Auckland City Council has resolved to publish every three months, will make its first appearance next week. The first issue will consist of twenty pages, in cl tiding many fine illustrations of Auckland’s commerce and attractions and also a number of informative articles on municipal activities and achievements. It. has been decided to publish 20,000 copies for free distribution among municipal authorities and kindred circles, while supplies will also he available for citizens who take a keen interest in civic affairs. Subsequent numbers will be on a smaller scale than the first issue. A large number of the first issue will be sent to the Empire Exhibition for publicity purposes. PAPUAN OILFIELDS. AUCKLAND, March 9. There left Auckland by the Mamina en route to the unexplored cannibal territory of Papua (New Guinea), the field manager of the first British development company to receive an oilfield concession under the League of Nations mandate.

Mr .1. A. Spencer, who is proceeding to the Dutch border of the mandated territory to explore and manage the contemplated oilfield, has been closely associated with this dangerous region for the past twelve years, lit 1921 lie ((inducted a party nf eight geologists of the Anglo-I’crsiaii Oil Company fifty miles inland over totally unexplored territory.

Th- site et the proposed field. Mi Gpem-er stated, is in the neighbourhood (A the Setnip River, where cases of cannibalism were recently reported. Petroleum already has been located in the vicinity and if is confidently expected that the first consignment of (rude ('ii, obtained under control ol the Commonwealth Govornmonl. will he on its way io the Syndicate s Mel-

liininie refinery inside lour months. Special interest to Aucklanders is attached to Mr Spencer's mission in view nf thi' fact that- he b the hearer ol a letter from the Mayor. Air •!. 11. Gunson, io the Administrator of Ralia.nl. asking for permission in secure live birds of paradise and other latum tor the Auckland Zoo.

FOUR Y EAR 8. WESTPORT. March 11. ('hallos Dchenham Mas sentenced io fair years for an unnatural offence. THE GOVERNOR. WESTPORT. March 11. 1 1 i.s Excellency, the Governor-General 1-il for Roefton at 9 a.m. to-ilay. TROTTING ENQUIRY. CHRISTCHURCH. March 10 There is great interest in the meeting ol the Trotting Association being held to-morrow. A month ago the following resolution was carried:— "That the Inst registered owner or owners of the horses Prince Berlin, Tamarisk. Child’s Dale, Mnorilnnd, Bribery, Proud Spring, Flake Cut. Saleomhe, Parole, Dillon Wood, Granger, Joan of Arc, Lord Clan, Navarre, Play Boy, General Wilkes, Treasure Seeker. Billy Ilectorata, High Admiral, Muon Patch. Tradesman, Loch Nagar, Fore, Overrate, The Dingo. Schnapps, Capprieio, and any other horses that may ho decided upon, he called upon to state where his or their horses may he inspected by the Association representative, or. if sold, to satisfactorily explain to the representative its present whereabouts or, if dead, or killed, to explain to its satisfaction when and where buried, and by whom, and that such owner or owners he notified that if he or they fail to supply satisfactory information as to his or their horse, not later than March -Itlt. 1921, the registration of any horse which he or they are interested in, will he cancelled at the meeting of the Board, to lie held ott March 11th, 1921.

It is exported that information trill he forthcoming to-morrow about the horses in tiie list. The Association has power to ask information anil impose a penalty if it is not forthcoming. Another list of horses is expected to he issued shortly.

A BANKRUPT. WELLINGTON, March 10 Creditors in the estate of F. .T. Fanning. land agent, met again yesterday, and were informed the bankrupt had been committed to the mental hospital. After discussing the position, it was decided to defer the question as to whether the wife’s claim to the house should be attacked.