DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

(BT TELEGRAPH —PEE PP.ESS ASSOCIATION.] ONE-ARMED MOTORIST. AUCKLAND. Aug. 7. At the Police Court, Roy Bateup, a one-armed motor car salesman, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment on three charges of being intoxicated while driving a car. His license was cancelled for three years FEMALE FORGER. PALMERSTON X.. Aug. 7. At I lie Supreme Court Justice Reed sentenced Edith Ros’ina Smith for forgery of a Post Office Savings Bank withdrawal slip, to probation for two years. Hector Mark Preenu, aged 18, for receiving stolen property, was committed to the Borstal Institute for three years. . MAX ROBBED. AUCKLAND, Aug. 7. A resident of Henderson, named IlasRtt. reported to the police that at nlxiut seven o’clock last night, when he was standing in Queen St., two men, who said they wore detectives, ordered him into a side street, where they hit him over the head and took £25 from his pockets.

N. Z.RADIO. AUCKLAND, August 7. A new era in wireless broadcasting in New Zealand commenced at Auckland on Saturday night, when “ p } .A., the first of the. big broadcasting stations that 'are being erected throughout tho Dominion bv tho Radio Broadcasting Cov., was opened, and achieved such a success that the Dominion may now justly claim ail important place on the radio map of the world.

A special programme was given, and during the evening messages were received front listeners-in as far south as Dunedin, and from Rarotonga , SuPa, and Sydeny.

There was a large attendance at the openihg function, which was preformed by the Hon. Mr Xosworthy, Postmas-ter-General.

Mr Xosworthy defended the Government’s policy with regard to the fees charged to iisteners-in. He said lie hoped that the Christchurch plant would be in operation within a few weeks. He emphasised the fact that the greater —the number of licenses that were ■issued, the better would be the service, which the company would be able to provide with the increased funds at its disposal. . NELSON FIRE. NELSON, August 8. Tho premises of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-op. Association, of Canterbury, Ltd., including the offices,motor ear, showrooms, and general stores, and also Mr.T. P. Vnnsett’s men’s outfitters shop and Mr. L. Kitt’s boot importer’s shop were all totally destroyed by fire shortly after nine last evening. The Farmers’ Co-op Association premises, where it is believed that the fire originated, had not been entered since they closed at midday on Saturday. The fire had a strong hold when it was discovered. Tho lire brigade confined most of their attention to preventing tho spread of the flames towinrds the petrol depots adjoining, at the rear of the Farmers’ Co-op. Tho Farmers’ Co-op insurances are: £3OOO on the premises; £1.500 on the merchandise and stock. £2,500 on the motor cars and accessories. All are in tho Farmers’ Co-op. office. Three new motor ears and three second hand cars were destroyed.

AUCKLAND BItOADCASTING. WELLINGTON, August 9. The opening of the Auckland broadcasting station was disappointing ti Wellington listeners. Until about 8.45 the reception was fairly strung, but at no time was it equal in strength to Brisbane. Hon. Xosworthy’s speech was distinctly heard except when the cruiser Dunedin at the wharf here broke in with Morse signals, but as the evening went on, Auckland station began to fade and often became inaudible. There is great complaint about interference by HALS. Dunedin, since she berthed here and subscribers consider she could defer signals to a more suitable time.

DROWNED. INVERCARGILL, August 9. At an inquest on William lan Kane, drowned at Kawarau River, Francis Higgle said they were skylarking on a ledge when Kane overbalanced. W itness tried to save him and both fell in. He caught a wire and pulled himself ashore, but deceased was carried down and when the body was recovered life was extinct. A verdict was returned of accidental death.

A MAN HURT. INVERCARGILL, August 9. While the steamer Port Campbell was mooring at Bluff on Sunday afternorm a hawser carried away and struck Daniel McQuarrie, a harbour board employee, fracturing bis leg and lacoiting his head. His condition is critical.

THEFT OF LINEN. GREYAIOUTH, August 9. Constance Maud MeGurk, a married woman, pleaded guilty to theft of linen from the Greymot'k Old People's Home and was fined £4. The articles were returned.

BUTTER. DOWN. , AUCKLAND, August 9. The wholesale price of butter is reduced bv cue penny per pound. The retail price- will lie reduced on AAediicsday to —superfine Is Bd, first grade Is 7d, second grade Is 6d.

ALLEGED SLANDER CASE. AUCKLAND, August 9. The Supreme Court is hearing the action of alleged slander and claim for £2.000 damages by John Paterson Donald, acting-medical officer of Cook Island in 1925, against Trevor Lewis, of Tapu. Thames settler. Mr Treadwell of Wellington represents plaintiff and Mr G. P. Finlay the defendant. The statement of claim alleges that on or about September 28th, 1925. defendant falsely and maliciously spoke and published concerning plaintiff the f°l lowing words: “A boy developing tetanus was callously treated by Dr Donald. who gave him no injection and made no further effort to relieve him. Doctor Donald lias been found in an intoxicated condition and lie habitually indulges in bush beer drinking.” These words, it is alleged, were published at Hie offices of the Secretary of Cook Islands Department. Wellington. They were heard by the Minister in Charge of Cook Islands and by Stephon John Smith, a civil servant. Plaintiff alleges lie was injured in his credit and reputation in his profession and as actingchief medical officer. The defence is a denial of the statement and that if it was made it was privileged, tliH tbej statement was made to plaintiff s superior officers who bad an interestin the efficient discharge of the duties bv subordinate officers, of whom plaintiff was one.