DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1925, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

UY TKLKGRAPH —rSEHS AIIBXT , COPYRIGHT. YOUNG GIRL'S PLIGHT. CHRISTCHURCH. July 21. F. Butt, a young girl, fell over a dill' at Sumner yesterday, Dut was saved by a ledge of rock. There she lay for two hours unable to move. A passer-by saw her and with police assistance raised her to the top, by a rope, uninjured, but prostrate.

SEAMAN SENTENCED. NELSON.- Julv 21

Bertram. Glover, a seaman on the Waimera, pleaded guilty to the theft of a otilb cask of zinc from the steamer. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

GELIGNITE EXPLOSION FATALITY DUNEDIN. July 23.

A distressing accident occurred at Kaka Point, near Port Molyneaux, about 12.30 p.m. to-day, when a mail named Frederick Oliver Bates, was killed almost instantaneously through an explosion ol gelignite. He was employed as a surfaceman by Clutlia County Council, and was working on the road at Kaka Point. There is a small quarry nearby, and during the lunch hour, while other workmen were absent, deceased collected a quantity of gelignite, which had frozen hard, through the cold weather, and was warming it over a lire in the open when the explosion occurred. He was badly mutilated about the head and shoulders, and his right hand was practically blown right off. No onewitnessed the aeiident. 11 is son. aged about 111, was with him previous to the adjournment lor lunch, hut was working further along the road when the explosion actuallv occurred. The unfortunate man died 2d minutes a tierwards.

Drs Stcnhou-e and Radelifl'e went from Balclutlui immediately alter the accident bail been, reported, hut on their arrival, the found Bates had expired some tilin' previously, lie was at years of age.

FREE TRAM RIDES. AUCKLAND. July 24

The City Council lias divided to allow the men of the American Fleet to use the city tramways free of charge, while their vessels are at Auckland. When the matter was under discussion it was suggested that exception be made in the case ot the two race days when usually heavy crowds have to be carried to the courses, but it was finally agreed that there lo no restrictions to the concessions. TECHNICAL SCHOOL WORKSHOP DESTROYED. TIM ARC. July 21. Shortly after four*this morning the Fire Brigade received a call to the Technical School where it was found the woodwork department, owned by the Education Board, and in which was much valuable machinery and timber, was in Haines. Till* fire bad a strong bold and as it was impossible to save the building tho brigade concentrated its elforts in preventing the flames spreading to the adjoining premises siluated close by. In this the brigade was completely successful. The outbreak resulted in the total destruction of the building where it originated. The loss nlill be severo and will interrupt the activities of the school in that department. It is understood there are no insurances.

DEATH FROM INJURIES. WA'IHI. July 24. Wangell. a married man, employed at the Waihi G. M. Company's smithy, who was struck down by a beam falling from overhead on Wednesday died last night front injuries. OLD AGE PENSIONERS AND HOSPITAL FEES. WELLINGTON, July 21. The Hospital Board yesterday discussed the payment of fees by old age pensioners. Mr E. Vine stated that when old age pensioners received treatment their pensions were confiscated by the local authorities. No class < ; f community was less able to pay than this, and he moved the Board take the matter into consideration.

The Secretary said lie was compelled bv law to collect the pensions. Any pensioner who did not remain in tho hospital a whole month received his pension back for all of the period. The Rev. .1. Ijocbore pointed out that hardship might arise where a me with a pension was in the hospital leaving a wife who had no pension, outside. Mr K. Windley said it was altogether over the odds that a pensioner should be compelled to pay for treatment. The matter was referred to a committee. VENDORS OF TOBACCO. NAPIER. July 22. Napier tobacconists and other vendors of tobacco and cigarettes met tonight and discussed a proposal to request the Government to afford them protection through legislation against people who sell tobacco when legitimate traders’ shops are closed. \ resolution similar to that missed in other centres was carried. NATIONAL PARTY CANDIDATE. WELLINGTON, July 24. Mr T. M. W'ilford announces that at meeting of the executive of the National Party to-day the candidature for ’Wellington South of Mr A. B. Sievwriglit, of Wellington, on behalf of the National Party was approved. Mr Sievwright is a young New Zealander, a returned soldier and lie holds the rank of Major in the forces.