DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] PREMIER. AND SPORT. WELLINGTON, Aug. 11. Replying to a deputation from the New Zealand Olympic Association asking him to be president, Hon J. G. Coates said he had pleasure in accepting. He referred to the increase in the number of nations participating in the games, and stressed the international importance of the four yearly encounters. New Zealand’s participation so far had been on a small scale. They should aim to increase it. Tho talent available to-day was such that if funds were available, we could in 1928 ill proportion to population be a strong opponent for other nations. He. had no fear that the games would result in our giving undue attention to sport. In regard to the enlargement of the Association’s activities he suggested a special effort he made to include not only all amateur sporting bodies in tho Dominion but also individual sportsmen, who whatever their particular affiliation might l>e, were generally interested in the welfare of New Zealand sport generally. Tt could bo done as in England without in any way interfering with the autonomy of any one sport in its own sphere of influence. KAWARAU DAM. DUNEDIN, August 10. In order to satisfy the conditions laid down lay tho Government in connexion with the license to construct tho Ivawarau dam, the Kawarau Company’s directors have decided to call a meeting of shareholders with a view to authorising an increase to / £15,000 of the capital of the company by tho issue of a further 100,000 shares at 3s each. Of the above sum, £IO,OOO will, as required by the Government, he deposited with tho Public Trustee at Wellington, and will be interest-bearing. Tho remaining £SOOO will be required by the company in the carrying on of its business.

Tile company and Public Works Engineers Ihavo already reached a satisfactory agreement regarding tho abutments required at No, 1 pier of the dam. A definite proposition as to compliance with certain other important provisions of the dam license has now been put by the Government to the company, and the directors hope to be able to finalise these matters in time to close the gates on tho completion of the dam.

SCHOONER ON REEF. AUCKLAND, August 10. When, the Teine Vincula, ah auxiliary schooner, formerly the War Lord, which was stranded on the east coast for fourteen months, recently went ashore on her maiden trip from Apia to Nukumono Island, the American warship Ontario was dispatched. On her return to Pago Pago, the captain reported that it would he impossible to get the vessel off the reef by towing, as she was almost high and dry, lmt lie expressed the opinion that it would be possible to refloat her by launching gear and skids. The general ’opinion is that" she is doomed. All the cargo was saved, and there were no casualties. There is much concern at Samoa over this disastrous start of a sadly-needed connection with the Tekelau Group, the natives of which arc isolatted except for the visit of a passing warship or the mission vaeht John Williams.

MAGISTRATE’S JUBILEE. INVERCARGILL, Aug. 11. Prior to the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court to-day a representative gathering of members of the Southland Bar assembled to congratulate Mr Cruieksbaiiks, S.M., on the completion of a. term of 25 years on the bench. Warm tributes wore paid by counsel and police to the Magistrate’s sound work and the courtesy and helpfulness be showed towards all.

-MANSLAUGIITER CHARGE. WANGANUI, August 11

Frederick John Hawkins, taxi driver,

was arrested to-dav, following an inquest on John William McDougall, and was charged with manslaughter. McDougall was picked up dying at 3 o’clock on Sunday. His skull was shattered. Subsequently blood, bone, and’ pieces of skin were found on the side of Hawkins’ car. Both men had been to the same party, but left by different routes. McDougall was cycling and Hawkins driving. According to the evidence at the inquest, both had had drink. Hawkins was charged with manslaughter and remanded. Bail was allowed in a personal surety of £IOO. ARREST FOR. MURDER.. TISIARU, August 11. As the sequel to an inquest held at Waimate yesterday regarding the death of Duval Earle England, which resulted from a gunshot wound, Owen Joseph Francis McKee has been arrested on a charge of murder, and has been lodged in the Timaru lock-up. INJURED JOCKEY. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 11. The cross-country jockey. A. Tricklebank, who felil from Ranui at the first fence in the Grand National yesterday, regained consciousness last night. He is suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull and severe bruises, but is progressing satisfactorily. STRIKE TN SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, Aug. 11. The Black Diamond miners are still on strike. Ten miners who left the mine on Monday have so far not resumed work. With the aid of the permanent staff, however, tho management are able to mine sufficient coal to moot all their requirements. DRUNKEN DRIVER FINED. CHRISTCHURCH, August 11. George Price Williams, carrier, for for being intoxicated while in charge of a car. was fined £lO, and his license was suspended for seven days. Defendant, had crashed into a verandah post, and a cyclist, and had then attempted to crank up his engine. •THEFT OF CARS. INVERCARGILL, August 11. Tho sequel to one of a series of theft of cars was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. when Janies McIntosh pleaded guilty to a charge of converting to his own use a car valued at £IOO. The theft of a number of articles valued at £2l ISs 3d was also admitted. The accused was remanded for a report by the probation officer. NOTED BOTANIST DIES. THAMES, "August 12.

Obituary.—William "Townson, 71, a chemist, died of double pneumonia. He was noted throughout the Dominion for his knowledge of. botany and New Zealand flora of which He was considered by world-wide botanists to be a great authority.'

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK. BLENHEIM, August 12. The report on the South Island Main trunk Railway which was included in the recently issued railway’s statement has been thoroughly checked and a representative of the “Marlborough Express,” who denounces it as stale and absolutely valueless. He points out that the report was prepared on August 4th, 1925, and presented to Mr Coates on August 19th, tile day before the great South Island deputation waited on the Minister to push the claims of the line. Mr Coates promised the deputation that a survey would be carried out, but there is nothing in this year’s Statement to Show that the promise has been kept, and the conclusions reached by Messrs Fay and Casey are based not on such survey but upon guesswork of the estimates as to the cost of the construction of the line. The writer also points out. that the Fay-Casey report was written not after the investigation on the report but in the Wellington Office and lie points out that at the time Sir Sam Fay, at any rate, had no knowledge of the local conditions, having been in the Dominion only a week or two.