DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TEL KG BATH—PEB TRESS ASSOCIATION,

DOGS, NOT WEASELS.

WELLINGTON, November 3.

Investigation into the losses of sheep and lambs in Ohakune district, put down to stoats and weasels, shows it was the work of dogs. This conclusion has lieoii c-omc to by the officers of the Agricultural Department, aiid others concur.

MOVIE FIRE. AUCKLAND, November 3. A fire in the Grand Theatre operating box destroyed nearly n complete programme of film, and damaged the projector. No other damage occurred, nor any panic.

AUCKLAND HOTEL TRAGEDY. AUCKLAND, November 3. Tho 'trial of Benjamin llarriscin &nutes, the American seaman, for the murder of Reginald Louis Short at Auckland, was commenced at the Supreme before Mr Justice Ilcrdman. After outlining the case, Mr Meredith (Crown Prosecutor) said that but two defences could be raised. Accused could plead that he committed the act when overmastered by passions and worried up to such a pitch that he was not responsible for his actions, or that he had done in in self defence. Counsel analysed these pleas to show that neither would, as lie submitted, commend themselves to ibe jury.

Evidence was beard on the lines of tin* proceedings at the Police Court on October 13 and 23. and the hearing was adjourned.

FIRE AT BRIGHTON. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 3

A fire at North New Brighton destroyed two shops tenanted by E. Bush, bootmaker, and E. A. Lever, House agent. Bush also kept the post office, hut no mails were destroyed. ’I lie nett loss is CtlOO.

STRAWBERRIES AND CHERRIES DUNEDIN, November 1.

The first of the season’s strawberries from Central Otago were sold to-day at 3s Id per bottle. Roxburgh and Central Otago-grown cherries realised from Is 3d to 2s 10',d per lb.

TROUBLE ON LINER. WELLINGTON, November I. The Shaw Seville liner Mahana, which left tlie wharf yesterday, had to come back owing to tin* firemen refusing duty. It was claimed that three men were absent and that the vessel was undermanned. The captain anchored in the stream and two of the missing men wore found. Another account says that only one in all was absent and it also staled that the chief engineer, who remonstrated with the men, was badly knocked about. In the end the police were sent for and tin* tug 'lorawbiti was sent out early this morning to stand hv the steamer.

INSURANCE COY’S DIVIDEND DUNEDIN. Nov. I

The Directors of the National In--iuraiK-e Coy. have declared a dividend if two shillings per share, which, with the interim dividend of one shilling mil three pence, paid in May, makes Is 3d for tiie year.

MAORI WOMAN’S DEATH. BLENHEIM. Nov. I

An old Maori woman named Mara Karera Watson, aged Bti. who ims bet'll in failing health for some time, died Glddciily at Oiumku, Picton Sounds.

ANOTHER LITTLE UNWANTED. BABY AS WASTE PAPER. AUCKLAND. Nov. I. The body of a prematurely born wellleveloped baby was found in the wire waste-paper receptacle attached to a telephone pole near the ( l:' , *l P'--*t I lllice.

TRAFFIC It ESI'.WES

DA.VNEVIRK K. November 1

Tlie .slip on the railway line near Ornondvillo was cleared during the forenoon and through trafiie was resumed ifter an interruption of a day and a Half.

A I'PI.K'ATION BATI.S. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. I

When an application for ti Land Agents’ license by licit Alnnns, a private enquiry agent, again came before the Court this morning, the agent of the Association still opposed and Ilium said he would not proceed. The Police Superintendent then rep.ted to the illlegation that the polite had heen bribed ill this case, lie said the author of the sT.egatious was a contemptible liar, and tin "assassin of men’s characters.”

The Magistrate said the allegations were not worth noticing, and gave tosts against Mmins.

HAZARDS CHEQUE CASE. AUCKLAND, November I

At the L'olite Court, Mr Hunt. S.M., gave judgment lor the delendaut, William it. Kobinscni, Labourer, in an action by John Rakalich, to recover on two cheques dishonoured on presentation. When the cheques were given to the plaintiff he was the proprietor of a gaming saloon which was subsequently raided by the police. Hazards were being played and he cashed tlie cheques for defendant as a eustomci. Defendant stated in evidence that he lest £lO to it mail named Jackson and £■>.-> to the plaintiff. He accused Jackson of putting his hand over the card pack and passing a card io Bakalich. ■Re never promised or intended to meet the cheques. FIRST ROYAL SHOW. PALMERSTON N., November I.

The first Royal Show in New Zealand was opened to-day in fine hut windy weather. The attendance from the early morning was most liberal and has increased during the afteriloon. There is a fine display of cattle and sheep ami a high standard of merit in the exhibits in the Royal classes. Judging to-dav was restricted to home industries, •.needlework, photography and art sections. Stock judging commen cos to-morrow.

The Governor-General arrives tomorrow and lays the foundation stone of the soldiers war memorial and opens the show officially. Next day he visits Flock House and later will he farewclled bv the. residents of lVlmerstun North.