DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[bt teleobatu —I'F.n ritEss Assoctmivs,

THE ILL-FATED RIPPLE-

A SUPPOSED M ESS AG I-

WAIROA. Sept. 3.

Captain Knight, the harbourmaster, this morning found on the beach tit the Wairoa heads, what he considers a genuine message from the ill-fated Ripple. It was contained in a four pound tin with a close fitting lid. On the lid was scratched in large letters

“Look inside.” The letters are somewhat rusty, the tin having evidently been in the water some time. On opening it Captain Knight found wet tm advertising leaflet, hut after drying it made oilt the words: “In boat with sail. Sinking.” The rest of the message is undecipherable and is written in a scrawling hand. The message is being sent to the Richardson ('(initially at Napier. Captain Knight believes it genuine.

GISBORNE 11A I! lit II! IMPROVEMENTS. GISBORNE Sept. 3. The Gisborne Harbour Board has completed the purchase from the Commonwealth Government of the l-Tin-dcr. na'al bav dredging unit, comprising dredger, tug and three barges, the price being L IT. tilt). It is expected tin- vessels will leave for Gisborne about the end of 1 he month. PFlif'l I ASK OF A COAL JUNE. PER.H RY ON ONE SIDE OR OTHER. AI'CKI.AND. Sept. 3. Alter being before the Supieliie Cum t for four davs. an action, between two groups of llikorangi coal miners was adjourned by Mr Justice Reed for the purpose ol a practical test ol the area ill dispute. His Honour remarked Dial there seemed to be perjury on one side in the other.

The plaintiff- are John Mclntyre. Thomas Morley Cook. Andrew llosie Wilson, and Joseph Neil, who proceeded against Alfred .Lillies Duel and Charles John Duel, seeking the rei-isinn ol an agreement for the purchase of a coal mine al llikurangi. on the ground of alleged misrepresentation. Alternatively the amount of the purchase price, (MIL) was sought as dam-

T'lie defendants denied that the plaintili's wen- induced to purchase by their representations. Tlicv submitted also, that- the price paid included not only t.lie rights of the lease. !mt the tramwav, skips and plant on tinland.

The Judge adjourned the case for Departi.•- to unmask four holes ; one l,v the plaintili's and three by tin- dcte.'idnnts. an inde|K-mb-nt person to bo appointed by tin* parties to report to the court.

Argument will be resumed about the 22nd. September.

INCOME TAX FINES

CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. 3

Alfred Frederick William Jones, a (milling contractor, was lined £7l this morning on three charges of failing to make income tax retains.