DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1925, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PEE PEESB ASSOCIATION.]

LIBEL SUIT FAILS

COSTLY FOR PLAINTIFF

WKLILIXGTOX, Nov. 11

In the ease Ward v. “Truth” claim of £IO,OOO for alleged libel, the jury answered “yes ' to all the following

questions: Are the words complained of defama-

tory ? Was the report fair and accurate? Were the words true in stibstanc-e and fact? Was the comment fair and reasonable comment on matters of public interest? Plaintiff was ordered to pay £l5O costs.

OBITUARY. WELLINGTON, November 11. Mr Richard D. Hanlon, a very wellknown Wellington chemist, and brother of Mr A. C. Hanlon, Crown Prosecutor, Dunedin, died suddenly here last night, lie had been in business in M.olesworth street for 2 b years. He was (55 years of age. and apparently in good health, so that his death came as a shock to a large circle of friends. Ho had taken a keen interest in sport, and was a member of tilt Thorndon Rowling Club, and the Wellington Racing Club. He also played no small part in bringing the Commercial Travellers’ Association into existence, remaining n member of that body until tlie time of his death. Mr Hanlon was a Justice of the Peace, and held the office of president of the Wellington Branch of the Justices of the Peace Association. Up to last year he was president of the New Zealand Association. The late Mr Hanlon is survived by a widow and one daughter (Mrs S. K. Siddells, of Pahiatua).

FOUND GUILTY. PALMERSTON X., Nov. 12. Cyril Henry Osborn Lane, aged 30, married, with 'three- children, was tniind guilty in the Supremo Court today on charges id stealing £1 I lbs 10d. the property of the Daunevirke Borough Council, failing to account for cash received, and falsifying the gas consumers’ ledger. On another count, theft of a small sum. lie was found net guilty. The evidence showed that- Lane was emploved as a hook-keeper and gas department. salesman with the Council, and manipulated the hooks to suit himself. The jury strongly recommended him to mercy, remarking that the Council by its laxity, left- avenues for Lane io gel into the position be did. Sentence was deferred.

EXHIBITION CUPS LOST AND RECOVERED. WELLINGTON. November 13. When the Suffolk arrived at Auckland a fortnight ago it was found that cargo pillagers had been at work and two gold and three silver cups, worth L'JtHl. were missing. They are intended for trophic.- at the exhibition. A search was made without success but it was renewed on Ihe vessel’s arrival here. It was .suspected that they might he concealed in the hunkers and after removing many tons of coal the cups were found in a linen bag. The only damage was a slight dent in one which can he easily removed. No arrest has been made. It is believed the theft occurred before the steamer reached Auckland.

MUSIC IN SCHOOLS. WELLINGTON. November Li. Mr E. D. Taylor, of Lancaster. England. has been appointed in supervise and direct instruction in vocal music in the New Zealand schools. Applications were invited both in New Zealand and England. Those in England were examined by several well-known musical authorities.. Mr Taylor has had considerable experiences as a teacher and examiner and is also a composer of some note.

A member ol the Education Roald considers we are behind England and Wales in the attention given to music in schools and that, its introduction will improve in many ways such a country as New Zealand. He says we should breed a nation of young singers. FATALITIES. WELLINGTON. Nov. 12.

Tim sudden death of a young unmarried woman, Mauri ( rowel, residing with her uncle at Titiakovi Road, lias boon reported to ilk* police. The deceased was found dead in lied at an early hour this morning. There was no medical certificate. An inquest has been ordered. CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 12. Rowland Mulliolland. aged 5 years, son of Mr W. W. Mulliolland. a wellknown Darfield farmer was killed yesterday as the result of llm frame of a dray falling on him.

PAPAROA COAL COY., CHRISTCHURCH. November 12. The directors of the Raparoa Coal Co submit the following report for the year ended August 31st last:— Balance to credit of trading account, after providing for depreciation, taxation. writing off one-third oi preliminnrv expense-. £3163 0s -d, add halala nee carried forward from last year C 1124 5s bd. making a total for distribution of £4287. Out of this, the directors recommended that a divided of I per cent lie paid, absorbing C 2552 16s. leaving a balance io carry forward of £1734 10s.

The coal trade was relatively dull during the trading year. The output of the past 12 months was approximately 5000 tons larger than in the preceding period. During the year .it was not possible to work full time at the mine, due to the shortage of business and the bad condition of the Grcymouth bar. which at times seriouslv delayed shipments, and the interruptions due to labour disputes at the mine. The outlook for the coal trade, unfortunately is not very bright. The demand for coal for steam-raising purposes, the principal class of business for which this company is in a position to compete, has been adversely affected by the increasing use of oil fuel by steamers, and the development of hydro-electric power schemes on tin nd.

Tn accordance with the articles of association, the retiring director is Mr Sbniler Weston, who offers himself for re-election. Messrs Clarke, Menzies. Griffin and Ross offer themselves for re-election as auditors.