DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

(DY TELECRArn—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

A CONSTABLE KILLED. AUCKLAND, Feb. 23,

Two Australians, Thomas Smith and .Moyne, were being taken to Rotorua this morning to answer charges of theft of benzine and whim the express was travelling through a tunnel just outside the Auckland station Smith jumped through the carriage window and escaped. A. search part of police was organised consisting of Sergeant Angland and Constables Adam, Begg and Audlcy. While they were searching in the tunnel two trains passed in opposite directions and one struck Constable Begg, severely injuring his bead, and breaking li is wrist. Me was taken to the hospital immediately hut died at 1 p.m., an hour and a ludf after tbe accident.

There is no sign of the missing prisoner. A SERIOUS CHARGE. AUCKLAND. Eeb. 23. At the Police Court Frederick George M ayes, 22. was charged with al templed murder of bis wife. Ague.-, Mayes, and was remanded on bail till Monday next. Tt is alleged that V 1 a\<\s after an argument, discharged a pea rifle at bis wife who was not injured, but the neighbours called the police and Mayes was amested. OBITUARY. AUCKLAND, Feb. 23. Obituary—Mr William I’nendou Parsons, the maunger of the Auckland Branch of the Colonial Sugar Relining Coy. It oeeiirred yesterday morning while be was on a visit to Chelsea. He bad just boarded the ferry boat for the return journey to the city when he collapsed and died. Me was .1,1 veals of age.

INQUEST ON CONSTABLE BF.G( AUCKLAND. Feb. 2!.

The Coroiy.'r. Mr Hunt.. S.AL. held ;m inquest Ibis morning into the cireunistances concerning the death of Constable Hogg, who was killed in the Parnell Tunnel yesterday, while engaged in a search for an escaped prisoner. Sergt Angland said that when five men of (be search party entered the tunnel it was quite clear. There weie two sets of rails. When the party was ahoiil two-thirds of the way through a train from the eitv entered on the 'eft hand rails, and while this train was passing, l-he men another train entered from the Newmarket end. Witness shouted a warning to the others and lay Hat on his stomach in the water channel till the train passed. Il was then found that one of the trains had knocked down Begg. v.lio was seriously injured, and unconscious. lie "as taken to the hospital where lie died. Constable Hook said lie saw Begg standing and called him to stand back. Witness jumped close to the wall. Deceased was throw'll against him by the engine. The Coroner returned a vordirt of accidental death while in the execution of his duty. MOTORIST’S .MIRACULOUS ESCAPE PALMERSTON NORTH. Fob. 21. A miraculous escape from fatal injury was (lie fortunate lot of the sole occupant of a motor-ear which struck this morning’s in-coming Auckland express at the level crossing at Terrace End. Tbe motorist's view of the line was obscured by a passenger bus and when iust mi tbe metals lie glimpsed the express rushing on him a few yards away. He opened the throttle to the full in an endeavour to clear the line, but tlm ear was struck just behind the hood, the ear being swung round, the rear ball being pulverised and cut away as if bv an axe. Tbe occupant. T. Richardson, employed by llodder and Tolley, seed merchants, escaped without tlm slightest injury, climbing out of the ear after tbe smash.

SEVEN DAYS FOR ID'S DRIVER HAMILTON, Eeh. 21.

At Hamilton to-day seven days imprisonment was imposed mi an omnibus driver. Sydney James Thomas. tor stealing a steering wheel and bonnet from a motor truck lelt lying on the roadside. The accused firmly denied the offence, hut admitted Ins guilt in ;i subsequent statement to the police. ENGINE DRIVER’S TRIAL. NAPIER, Feh. 21. Frederick bavin, driver of the expiesi train which jumped the rails at To Auto Mill on Scot. 22nd., as the result of which three passengers died, pleaded not guilty at Ihe Supreme Court to the charge of manslaughter. The evidence to be offered is similar to that at the Lower Court, hut new expert opinion may he offered in evidence' which will he called for the defence. The case is expected to last all the week.