DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] LEVEL CROSSINGS. “MOTORISTS MUST USE CARE.” • WELLINGTON. June 30. Speaking of the elimination of level railway crossings at the Rotary Club luncheon. Air A. Tyndall, chief engineer of the Alain Highways Board, agreed that the question wins one of some seriousness, but was convinced that it was no] nearly so serious as most users of the roads would make out. “To do away with railway crossings is not the job of the Railway Department,” ho said. “It is the duty of the Highways Board. The Railway Department has met us fairly in .the matter of the elimination of about twelve of the most dangerous of the crossings. Motorists, however, have still gnt to use their heads and not butt into the- trains.”

Regarding the maintenance of the rolids. lie said that there was an appalling amount of ignorance among those employed in the work. “AVe have to educate them to their jobs and the Highways Board is trying to do it. I consider the maintenance of our roads is far more important than construction—thirty times more important. AVe must improve our maintenance. AVe can make a big difference by concentrating on this point. Alost motorists would like to see us put concrete roads all over the country. Tt would cost about £00,000,000 at least, which is £10,000,000 more than (ho railways have ever spent in construction.” The first tiling the board had to do was not to build a few miles of boulevards near the cities, Iml to build up good service roads •all through the country.

FR ACTURED COLLAR BONE. INVERCARGILL, June 30. At a meet of the Birehwood hounds at AVallacctown this afternoon F. J. ADKav, a well-known trainer and jockey, suffered a fractured collarbone as a result of liis mount (Mngliera) falling when negotiating a gorse hedge. TRADE POLICY. WELLINGTON, July 1. A deputation representative of the builders and iron masters of Dunedin, of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation and also the emplpyees in the engineering and carpentering trades of the. Domiion waited on Air Coates (Prime .Minister and Alinister of Railways) to-day to urge that separate tenders instead of combined ones, should he called for the supply of steel girders, etc., for the erection of the Addington and Hillside railway workshops. The specifications at present provide that separate tenders will not be considered. The deputation contended if tliis clause was altered in the direction desired, an opportunity would he given to several Dunedin engineering linns to tender, thus stimulating trade, which, at present, is slack. Air Contes suggested that the firms interested should amalgamate in the matter of tendering.

CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT. AUCKLAND, July 1. Frank Garnsey, aged 29, was charged in the Police Court on two charges of failing to account for £77 10s, to W. R. llcllnby. Ltd. He was committed to the Supremo Court for trial. BURGLARY CASE. AUCKLAND, July 1. James Fleming, aged 24, at present serving four months for theft at Wellington, was charged with breaking, entering and theft- of money and goods valued at £35 5s Sd, the property of If. J. Walter, storekeeper, Blockhouse Bay. C. M. Francis, finger print expert, gave evidence that he had compared the finger prints at the Terrace gaol and was perfectly satisfied they were Fleming’s. Accused was sentenced to six months’ hard labour for theft, to be cumulative with 'the present sentence. and was committed for trial oil the more serious charges.

LICENSEE FINED. DUNEDIN, June 30. At Lite City Police Court this afternoon Henry James Mulquccn "as ■barged with having permitted drtm<onness ia the Shamrock Hotel, and ilsr> with having sold liquor when the a remises should have been closed. He was lined £5 and 7s costs on eUeh •barge, and the license was ordered to jo endorsed.

Referring to the first information Iho Magistrate said that if the case had merely rested on the licensee foolishly allowing a painter named Abernethy, who was working on the premises, to take his turn at shouting, he would have boon inclined to deal with the matter leniently. He could not. however, overlook the tact that an attempt had been made to mould Abernethy into (a satisfactory witness, which had involved a serious allegation against the police.

ELECTION EXPENSES. WELLINGTON, July I

At the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Stringer was asked to issue a writ instructing Frank Bird, Returning Officer. to take proceedings against \\ illinm Jones. Member of Parliament for Miarsden, on charges of having failed to render a complete return of expenses. Tho statement of claim set out that, on January 11, tho defendant filed a statement. lie was asked for further particulars on February 17th and on March 3th statements were filed that did not complv wtih the Act. No Luther ' action was taken by the plaintiffs at this stage, as the defendant asked them to await a roily from t.io Chief Electoral Officer. Wellington, to whom the defendant had written for instructions. On May 3rd. a final demand was made on the defendant, >\ >o refused to comply.

The claim was that Jones transmitted an account that was false, in that he omitted to include, or concealed, items amounting to over ninety pounds, including hire of halls and advertising and printing during his campaign. The defence was that the phnnti.F, Melnnes. on May 24th. accepted an explanation by Jones that it there had been non-compliance with the P 1 si,ms of the Act, the defence held that this suit was one of a technical and trivial nature, and not due to ««} « faith on tho part of Jones, and tlmt the defendant had exercised proper discretion in the matter.