DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1927, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH PEIt PRESS ASSOCIATION.! A RECEIVER. GAOLED. WELLINGTON, May 18. In tho case of Charles Ruddick, a confectioner, who was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to-day by Justice Alpers on a charge of receiving lo stolen hats knowing them to be stolen. Tho hats were stolen from a milliner’s shop, and in passing sentence Air Alpers said the accused had six previous convictions, three being for sly grog selling. Everything had been tried to bring him to his senses—reformative treatment, fines, and imprisonment with lull'd labour. A DIVORCE SUIT. AUCKLAND, May 17. A defended divorce action which occupied Mr Justice Herdman and a jury came to an unexpected end at mid-day, when the petition was withdrawn. The ground for divorce alleged in the action was misconduct. The petioncr was Neils Peeler Hjnlmar, Pederson, a carpenter, of Danish birth, employed in the cement works at Portland, near Wbnngnrei. The respondent was Violet Pederson, and two corespondents wore cited, George Rooke and Richard Hakarnia, a Maori. . Mr Leary appeared for petitioner. Air Allan Moody for respondent, and Mr Singer for the co-respondent Rooke. Mr Davis, on behalf of tlie co-respond-ent Hakaraia, stated the latter bad withdrawn bis defence.

Mr Leary said petitioner and respondent bad been married for about ten years, and there were no children. One night last year petitioner saw a man whom he identified as Rooke climbing out of the window of Ids wife’s bedroom. He went in pursuit, but did not catch the man. He met Rooke very shortly afterwards and a scuffle took place. As a result ho ordered bis wife out of the house forthwith. Subsequently TTaknraia admitted to him that some time before this incident lie had misconducted himself with respondent. Tfe signed a statement to this effect at the office of a solicitor. There would also he evidence of statements made at various times by Mrs Pedersen that she bad misconducted herself. The cross-examination of petitioner by Mr Moody had been in -progress a little while -when an adjournment was agreed to. When tlie bearing was resumed in the afternoon. Mr Leary asked leave to withdraw the petition. The other counsel agreed to this course, and Tlis Honour granted leave accordingly.

EIRE ON STEAMER. WELLINGTON. May 18

An outbreak of fire oil the Rakanoa on 'Wedncsdny last was extinguished, but owing to the coal being wet, it continued to beat. A further outbreak was discovered on Sunday. A ship’s hose licit! the lire in check till 4 yesterday morning. The Terawhiti towed the store-ship to the wharf, where unloading into the Koromiko liad been proceeding. Hoses are kept playing. After discharge is completed, the Rakanoa is again to be used as a storeship.