DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[lli TELKGKAI’II—PKK PIIESS ASSOCIATION,

KILLED BY FALLING TRIM

NAPIER, Aug. 19.

Bertram .Johnston, aged thirty, a well-known Central Hawke’s Bay Rugby footballer, was killed while hushfalling near Wallingford. Apparently the tree he was working at fell in the direction he did not expect, and pinned him down. His mate released the body, hut was. unable to move the tree from an arm, which was badly crushed. Johnston succumbed from shock before assistance could release him. At an inquest a verdict of accidentnly death was returned.

RADIO WITH CHICAGO. DANNEVJRKE, Aug. 10. Arrangements have bopu made by the. Stewart Warner Radio Station, WEBM, Chicago, with Mr S. Speedy, of Pipi Bank, Southern Hawke’s Bay, whereby they will broadcast a special programme for New Zealand listeners oil Monday, August 30th, commencing at 5.30 p.m., New Zealand time. Their wave-length is 22G metres. 'Last ytur WBBM. held a most successful test with New Zealand, and was picked lip in many localities. Thoss with four-valve set and over should have no difficulty in hearing it under favourable conditions.

TWO FIRES INVERCARGILL, Aug. 20. A most unusual incident occurred this morning, when two alarms lor fire in different parts of the town were given practically simultaneously. Hit Brigade, had hardly left the station to attend n dangerous hedge fire when a further call was, received to a more serious outbreak in a residence belonging to Charits Gilbertson. Practically the full Brigade left for the first blaze and only two men wero available to manipulate the engine and horses for the second outbreak. Gilbertson’s residence, which was insured for £750, was completely destroyed. A collection of Italian ware, Turkish tapestries and carpets and other objects valued at £1,500 v.r.s also badly damaged by lire, and water. A portion was saved. Tho origin of the fire is unknown.

AN APPEAL ALLOWED. AUCKLAND, Aug. 19. In dismissing an appeal against a magisterial decision allowing 219 damages for wrongful dismissal, Mr Justice Stringer in his judgment dwelt oi, ambiquity" in the use of the term encumbrances” in regard to children. Damages representing wages for three calendar months were awarded to Charles H. Harvey in consequence of his dismissal by the Southern Cross Terminating Building Society from the poston of caretaker. The grounds of dismissal were stated to be that it was discovered that Harvey, who had declared he had “no encumbrances” had a daughter aged fifteen. It was contended that there was evidence to show that she intended to sleep in the quarters provided for man and u ife only.

The Judge said that he was satisfied that the appeal was without merits. The argument that there had been misrepresentation was quite untenable. The society had invited applications tor the position of caretaker, making no stipulation whatever as to the applicants having any children or encumbrances, and there was no condition on the point. Harvey wrote: “I am married, but have no encumbrances.” Counsel for the society had submitted that meant the man had no children, and was misrepresentation. In the Judge’s opinion, the contention that encumbrances meant children was preposterous. The word “encumbrance” must bo given its ordinary meaning, namely something that was a burden orclog.