DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1927, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS.

[EI TELEGRAPH—FEB FIIESS ASSOCIATION-] SCENE IN COURT. AUCKLAND, .May 6. A scene was created in the Supreme Court by William -Murray Aicken, charged with using obscene language. When the case was brought in the lower court ho had taken advantage of the right to he tried by a jury instead of by a Magistrate. Mr Justice Herdman said: It is high time the legislature determined that such cases as this should be heard by a Magistrate and that the time of this court and the jury should not be occupied with cases that are really trifling.

Accused made rambling statements extending over two hours.and paid little attention when the Judge pulled him up for talking about irrelevant matters. His Honor threatened once to have accused removed and to continue the case in his absence. Eventually accused became violent in the clock and was removed by force. Lend shouts and screams were afterwards heard.

'|]he jury without leaving the box found accused guilty, the foreman stating there appeared to he something wrong with him, although doctors had not found him insane.

“It may interest you to know this man has a list of fourteen convictions against him, including three of obsqcne language,” said his Honor.

There was a further scene when Aiektn was brought back and informed of the verdict. Sentence was postponed until Monday.

PREFERENCE TO IMMIGRANTS ALLEGED. AUCKLAND. .May G.

Strong objection to a notice stated to have been exhibited in the doorway of the head office ot the Tramways Department for the past three years was made at a. meeting ot the New Zealand Natives’ Association last evening. The notice is as lolloiis;

“To those seeking employment: Positively no vacancies in any department of the Auckland City Traui-

Mr F. Harris said that in spite of this notice he knew that the majority of those employed by the tramways department during those three years were immigrants.

A voice: Yes, the only New Zealanders wanted are “crack” soccer players. IMF Harris said In* considered that the notice should bo withdrawn and

iiniem led to read “except immigrants, ’ or the employment officer instructed to give sympathetic hearing to the applications of New Zealanders and ratepayers

It was decided to draw the attention of the City Council to the matter.

A. DENTAL. AUCKLAND, May ~

A denial that preference was given to immigrants among those who applied for positions at the office of the Tramways Department was made yesterday by the general manager, Air A. F. Ford.

APPOINTMENT CRITICISED. WELLINGTON. -May <>.

Correspondents are writing to the local papers expressing the utmost .surprise at the news of Mr Kidsoii’s appointment as head of tlie Meteorological Department, and asking what Mr Pates has done. after twenty-five years’ excellent service, to be superseded in favour of a newcomer without special experience. The point is stressec 1 that a. far higher salary is

being paid than was ever allowed be lore.

MOTOR LORRY SMASH. WESTPORT, .May <i

The Kentucky Four Operatic ( oiupany wore journeying from Murchison to Westport in a lorry, when it went over u bank between Newton Flat and 3.ye1l and dropped about twenty feet. It turned a complete somersault, but a tree stopped it Horn going ioi'Ly or ii ft v feet further.

The party of six had a miraculous escape, suffering only bruises and scratches.

While the- lorry was endeavouring to pass service cars at the top'of the bill the brake refused to act, and consequently the van went over the bank. The occupants were conveyed to I .yell in Newman's tars, and arrangements were made to have the lorry hauled up. Those in the conveyance were : Mr George Yeatman, 32, Y\ iuclsoi Terrace, Richmond. Mrs George Yeatman. Miss Thelma Martin. Miss Beatrice Inglewood.

Mr Cyril Yates. IMr Huntley Spencer. Of the party, Mrs Yeatman was the most severely hurt.

Mr Yeatman and his party have been giving picture shows and vaudeville entertainments in various centres.

MORE IMMIGRANTS ARIUVIi

AUCKLAND, May 8

The liner Arawa arrived from Southampton to-(lay with 299 immigrants aboard.

MAN FOUND HANGED

DUNEDIN, May 8

The body of David Ritchie, aged 57 years, was found hanging in an outhouse at South Dunedin yesterday morning. Decease was married, and resided at Lome Street, South Dunedin. At the inquest held in the evening a verdict of suicide whilst in a depressed frame of mind was returned.

A PLUCKY WOMAN. WANGANUI, May 8.

About 8.30 last evening a young woman, Betty Faur, was walking across Dublin Street Bridge, when she noticed a man jump off the bridge into the river. She discarded some of her clothing. jumped into the water and after a 'struggle with the man she pulled him ashore. The man declared that he was down in his luck, with no friends. She gave him a pound to help him on his way.

SUPREME COURT SENTENCES AUCKLAND, May 7

At the Supreme Court. George Edward Diekman, Alfred Richard Dickman, Henry James Diekman and Darcy Robert McDevitt who all pleaded guilty to several charges of breaking, entering and .theft, came up for sentence. McDevitt was sentenced to two years’ and was declared an habitual criminal. Henry Diekman, to two yers, Alfred Diekman to one year and George Diekman to two yeai*s. Albert Henry Parrish, for indecent assault- on a female to five years’ preventive detention.

SETTLER DEAD. PAHIATRA, May 7

Obituary —John Clulow, 73, owner of Ranged ale Estate, Pori, and a wellknown settler.

The S.M. said that, in view of accused’s previous convictions, he could not he admitted to probation. He would be convicted and fined £lO, and ordered to pay £7, the value of tiltbelting, in default two months’ barn labour. In response to a request for time in which to pay, the warrant is to be suspended sp Ippg as accused pays at the rate of £-5 per month.