DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TEI.EGRARH —CRESS ASSN., ('Ul'YltlßltT.

N.Z. RACING CONFERENCE. WELLIN'! iTON. July ID. The New Zealand Racing Conference opened to-day. Sir Gen. Olilb-rd presiding. Mr ('. I’. iSkerielt moved that it he a representation to the Prime Minister that the load of taxation direct and indirect upon Racing Clubs is such ns to imperil tin* continued existence of the sport of racing in all its branches, and that he be urged to give such relief as is possible Lo flic whole racing organisation in New Zealand, without any

distinction between ( Itihs. which now bear proportionately a burden which was placed upon them primarily for war purposes, and from which they are entitled to relief in view of the understanding under which they acquiesced in its position. Mr SkeiTclt said a serious problem had now arisen for clubs in healing the heavy burden ol taxation. It wall source of anxiety to make ends meet. There was an undoubted understanding that the increased taxation would ho” revised, but that revision only resulted in a slight reduction of owners' tax.

Mr ,T. Grigg seconded the motion which was carried.

METHODIST MINISTER SUED. CHRISTCHURCH, July 10

Henry Robert Wilkinson, a Methodist Minister was sued at the Magistrates’ Court .this morning by Maude Evil Noble, a widow, for £SO

damages cau-ed by assault. It was staled the couple met. as the result of a ttcwspn | cr advertisement and became engaged. \ dispute occurred anil "lien plaintiff refused to give a gramophone back it is alleged the defendant assaulted her. The ease is proceeding.

TRAIN DERAILED. 1 TAUT A PE. July ID. A goods train which left Oliakune hist night at about II o’clock was derailed just south of l Ltrilnor's mill sul-j iltg. Four loaded trucks and two empties left tho rails and one of the trucks toppled over the hank into the Iliiutapu river which is elo-e to the railway at this point. Relief gangs were set to work immediately to clear tho wreckage, but tho line ".is not cleared till after eight this morning. The passenger train which leaves Taihnpe for the north at 5.40 in t’>e morning was delayed for over three hours, and the express from Auckland was delaved just over three hours. The cause of the derailment ot the trucks is unknown. The line is now dear and ordinary traffic has been resumed. This is the second time in a short period that the trucks on the goods trains lelt the rails on the main line, the first occurring between Knikarnngi and lllinierville some weeks ago.

The express was In 'I bore 35 mint! les so the passengers had breaktast.