DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.] LIBEL CASE. AUCKLAND. July 7. Tn the libel case, Mr Finlay asked tho plaintiff “How much money did you get, out- of this chaotic organisation (meaning the self-determination for Ireland League) ?” Plaintiff: “I think it came to about one thousand pounds.” Mr Finlay: “For what form of Government had the people of Ireland voted when you were addressing meetings'” Tho plaintiff replied be did not know. He bad not taken a great deal of interest in the history of Ireland subsequent to the War. He could not say he had read all the cables. In reply to the Judge, the plaintiff said that a man like Michael Collins had to placate the strong section of Republicans opposed to Jus views. Michael Collins bad told him that that was the attitude be adopted. His Honour: What was the definition of self-determination? Plaintiff: “It was to support the choice of a Government on the lines of A ustralin and New Zealand.” The Court adjourned until to-morrow. AUCKLAND, July 8. At the opening of the defence in the libel action Sir J. Findlay said however the case might look it was obviously a. political one. in which certan sectarian matters had been introduced. He suggested that the plaintiff had carried the political contest into the enemy camp. There were naturally., reprisals, and they were fair and natural reprisals. The worst statement Seabrook was alleged to have made was that plaintiff had killed his two children. There ws not a vestige of truth in that. Henry Hastings Seabrook, in evidence, denied ever having attacked Hall Skelton. He denied having accused him of killing his two ehilren. His Honour said this point need not be pressed. If such a tiling bad been saiil, there should have heen witnesses. He would instruct the jury that evidence on these lines was not to be taken note of.

Seabrook, continuing, said he had nothing to do with the publication ol tlie circular complained of. His association circulated the matter, and the circular bearing his name was issued by members of his group. He signed it as President.

The hearing of the action for alleged libel, Hall Skelton' versus H. IT. Seabrook was continued at the Supreme Court. Plaintiff answering Sir John Findlay said the Self Determination League was started in Auckland ill a small way. He became associated with it in the spring of 1921. He attended some meetings hut it did not seem to do much. About the end of November he was asked and attended a gathering at Wellington. He then had the first intimation that they wanted to send a delegate Home. It was then decided to form a Self Determination League for New Zealand, the title it being alleged making it quite clear the League was in favour of home rule as in New Zealand only, and had nothing to do with the Republic murders mentioned hv Mister Findlay yesterday, which were on both sides. I his closed the case for the plaintiff.

ARBITRATION COURT. AUCKLAND, July 8. At the Auckland Arbitration Court T. F. Anderson,' secretary of tho Seamen’s .Union appealed against the decision by Mr Gotten, S.M., on January Bth, fining appellant five pounds on charges of having incited or instigated a strike of the seamen on the steamer Whangape. Mr Grieve, lor the Inspector of Awards, submitted their were no grounds for an appeal. 'l’lie point was reserved. .Mr Jiohndeu, for appellant, said it could lie shown that Anderson was in no way connected with the alleged strike and•,hat lie had been wrongly convicted. I here was no evidence of contact between appellant and crew.

A DEPUTATION. WELLINGTON, July 8. A deputation from the Country Racing Clubs waited on the Internal Affairs Minister with regard to remit the carried conference, Mr Bollard said lie had every sympathy with the Countrv Clubs and was glad to assist them where lie could. With regard to £250 rebate the totalisator tax legislation was promoted hurriedly and was not final, some amendment was to be made, tlm matter being gone into. With regard to the publication of dividends and transmission money to clubs, Hon. Mitclielson was introducing a. bill and it was for the Cabinet to say whether it .would he taken lip r.s . a. government measure. The question r,f relief to owners in transport of horses was for the railways. Regarding points raised it was suggested minimum rate to clubs might be increased to £590; minimum to club's with one day £l3 •

THEFT CHARGE. WELLINGTON, July S. For the theft of two batteries from motor cars standing in the street, James Morton McGill, previously, admitted to probation for theft lor breakin- and entering got three months from the Magistrate this morning. MORE schools close. CHRISTCHURCH, July 8. Three more schools closed in Christchurch. to-day owing to influenza, leaving only three open. THEFT CHARGE. AUCKLAND, July 8 - George Albert Heaps, 21, pleaded guiltv at the police court with breaking and entering a confectionery store .-tTMilford on June 30th, and stealing (mods worth £l6. He was committed ! for sentence. He was traced by looti prints on a window which he evidently ’ broke with bis boot, and by the reoov--1 ery of the stolen property in his house. AN APPEAL ALLOWED. AUCKLAND, July u . Tn tho Whangape case His Honour said the Court had decided to uphold the appeal on the ground that the evidence given in the’ Magistrate s Court had been insufficient, and to some extent contradictory. Holmden’s application for costs was not allowed.