NEWS AND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1924, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

Sensational allegations ol intimidation wore made in the witness box at the Alagistrate’s Court Greymouth, yesterday, by a young man giving evidence for the prosecution in a series of charges against Arthur Hepburn and William Hepburn, two miners working at Waiuia. Arthur Hepburn ua> charged with that, on August 2, at AVainta. he did obstruct one Weslev Houston, a constable, in tlie execution of his duly, lie was also charged with on the same day, using indecent language in a public place—to wit. the .Miners’ Hall AA'aiuta. and witli being' drunk. William Hepburn was charged with, on the same date, resisting the constable in the execution ol his duty. Both accused pleaded not guilty. After hearing lengthy evidence the Alagistrate said there was not sufficient evidence to support the charges of drunkenness and obscene language and lie did not think the constable had grounds for arresting Hepburn. Ihe constable was a young man and. tlierefore. could not he expected to show the tael of a more experienced man. All charges would he dismissed.

Authorities who have made a long study of the life and habits of Hint interesting New Zealand bird the kea (nestor notahlis) have formed the opinion that it will he almost impossible to eradincte him from the mountain fastnesses where he lives in the Siutheni Alps. There is still lontrvcrsy as to whether he really kills many sheep, hut apparently the sheep owner anil the Government have no doubt on that point for they have put a price on his head. The price is live shillings for each kea destroyed, the beak being the token of destruction for which the money is exchanged. Bast year no fewer than -11121) beaks were paid fot. and since the subsidy was raised to 5i„ October, 1f,21). BL«I I keas were destroyed. For this the State paid £llOl.

The rai-ing of pigs is carried on by the borough of New Plymouth incidentally to the collection of household refuse. The growth of this department is shown hy the following report, made to the council hy the chief inspector (Air B. Day); “The receipts from the sale of pigs for the month (£sl) lbs 2d) is the Ingres! amount for any one month. I have had the pleasure ol tupping the market on two occasions, and I am pleased to say that the quality of the stock i- becoming known and appreciated. I have steadily sought to improve the quality ef the progeny by securing unregistered pedigree stock, and with this end in view I should like to gradually work into a registered pedigree herd. This can he done by purchasing at opportune limes stock, and in this way a good herd can bo I,red til a eotnparalively low ootlay. For a number of years mnv no has

During the past year 17i)t) cinenmtograph films ol a total length ol -B S-JO.DoO. have been censored. <>l these thirly-iwo were rejected and 1"* pas-e,l subject to excisions. In re--pri l to the icieeted films. five appeals were considered hy the Board ot Appeal, consisting of Airs lx. Brest,ni. Mr- K. Bight,ni. and .Mr IB -AI. (-ore. (chairman . In lour cases the decisions of the censor were upheld, while in the remaining ease the-censor's' dec- . .. -nhiuct to 1 w<» minis!,m W as IC'el'.'l. or excisions.