DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

(by telegraph—per press association.]

UNIQUE CLAIM FOR DAMAGES "WELLINGTON, May 17.

A case, believed to he tbo first of its kind ill regard to a motor car, came before Mr Justice Reed to-day. Antonio Mazzola, market gardener, claimed £4OO, including £350 damages, from Turnbull and Jones for injuries caused by being thrown out of his express. the result of being run into by a motor car, in which an employee of the firm, Alfred Robert. Oldham, vos returning to Wellington, after completing some electrical work at Horetaunga. Counsel stated that Oldham explained the accident by saying lie had run into the express to avoid another car, hut he had been fined in the Lower Court for negligent driving. Die chief point in the issue was whether the firm was liable for the damage done by its employee: in the circumstances of the ease. Counsel stated the linn was unaware, that. Oldham was using the ear. On the other hand, Oldham was not using the car for his own business or pleasure, and aas being paid for travelling time. The case is proceeding.

GLEN AFTON STIKE. AUCKLAND, May 17. There is no change in the Glen Alton coal strike situation. Both sides are standing firm. The strikers evidently anticipate a struggle of some length, as they have appointed strike committees, and also have decided to circulate a manifesto among the company’s shareholders, giving the men’s point of view. The conduct of the miners is rcIKilled to lie most exemplary, and there is very little evidence of bitterness. THIEF ENTERS AN HOTEL. WELLINGTON, May IS. Early on Sunday morning a masked limn gained an entrance into the Provincial Hotel. Upper Tlutt. by climbing the fire escape. He cleaned out 1 he pockets of several sleeping inmates HR he obtained a watch and £ll > n money. The thief’s work was checked when he attempted to pull the trousers of a hoarder named Fothcrgill from beneath his pillow, thus awakening Fothcrgill. who at once grappled with the intruder. The latter had a handkerchief over the lower part of his face. He struggled violently and managed to get clear and partially realising that a further opportunity for the pursuit of his peculiar industry had gone for that night made his way down to the street and a few moments later a motor car was heard to depart. It is surmised therefore that, the thief’s exploit was carefully planned and that judging from the manner in which the sleepers pockets wore ransacked lie was no amateur at the game. Fothergill had a considerable amount of cash in his trousers pockets and that was the reason why lie had placed the garment under his pillow. Tie is congratulating himself on wakening in time to save his money. CAPTAIN DTF.S AT SEA. GREYMOUTH, May 18. Captain D. Harkness, in command of the Karori, which left Grcymouth on Sunday afternoon for Wellington, died of heart, failure when the vessel was off Westport at 4 p.m. on Sunday. A doctor went off in a tug from Westport in answer to the signals and gavo a certificate that death was due to heart failure. Harkness was 40 years old and married to a sister of Justice TTcrdman. He spent many years service in the Union Company. He had l,pcn master of the steamers Ngnkutn, Poolt and Karori and previously Chief Officer of the ferry steamer Waliino.