DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1927, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

t Hy Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

GREY SUPREME COURT. GREYMOUTH, June 15. I'ho Supreme Court sittings were hold to-day before Justice 'Adams. There were no criminal eases, and a pair of white gloves were presented to His Honour, who congratulated the district on its freedom from crime. In divorce—Meldrum v. Meldrum. a decree nisi was made absolute. There were five minor civil eases. The sitting concluded within two hours.

THE TIMA lit; TRAIN ACCIDENT CHRISTCHURCH, June 15.

“A mere eyewash’’ was the description applied hy an engine-driver of over forty years experience, t» the finding of the Railway Court of Inquiry that the Timarii derailment was caused hy stones on the line.

“This is not the first time,” he said, “at the same spot, that a derailment has oeeurerd with the same class of engine. A stone eoukl not cause it even once, let alone twice. Tf a stone was big enough to put a 75 ton engine off the road and could get under the cow-catcher, the wheels would knock it off the line. T think the cow-catcher is only .fin. above the rail.”

MA XXLAT'GHTFR XL NT EX 0 L NELSON, June 15

The hearing of charges against Edward Carl Smith, of negligently driving a motor ear at Mntuekn on Ist. April last, therein-'causing the death of Yolnnde Murphy, was concluded at the Supreme Court last night, before Justice MacGregor. After three hours’ retirement, the Jury returned with a vediet of guilty, with a sirong recommendation to mercy on the grounds that owing to his long and strenuous day, the accused was not able to exercise the care necessary for a person driving a ear, and that he was not recklessly negligent. Tn sentencing accused to six months’ reformative detention to-day, his Honour said he agreed with the Jury recommendation that accused was not in a fit state to exercise due care, owing to a long and strenuous day. lie considered, however. that accused would have been more mentally alert had he not stopped at a wayside hotel and taken liquor. Continuing, his Honour said human life was becoming to ho held too cheap oil the part of certain motorists. Human life must he protected. A line or probation "as out of the question. FORGERY CHARGES. PALMERSTON N., June 15. At the Police Court this morning, Hector Vernon Penwardcn, 2i, a e.arpented pleach'd guilty and was committed for sentence to Wellington on two charges of forging and issuing valueless cheques at WoodviHe on April IHh. and 1 IHh. Accused is already waiting sentence on other charges, stated Senior Detective Quirk.

ELECTORAL BOUNDARY. STRATFORD. June 15. Following the meeting of protest on Monday a deputation from the West Riding of Stratford County waited on the Progress League last night. '1 he League decided to support the objection to the Riding being included in the Egmoul Electorate instead of Stratford as at present, on the ground that community of interest is with the Stratford electorate.

HOSPITAL MATRONS’ CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, June 15. A conference of hospital matrons decided to form a New Zealand Council of Hospital Matrons, of which Miss Stott v.as elected President and provisional Secretary and Misses Davis (Palmerston North) and Kenny 'Dunedin ■ Vice-Presidents. A discussion on hours of duty ior nurses and sisters proved indecisive, as it is impossible to obtain uniformity. owing to varying conditions. It was decided to suggest a minimum of two days off per month for nurses. Further recommendations adopted were that after passing their final examination, nurses should compulsorily he exchanged to enable them to enlarge their experience; that private nurses lie. nl lowed, niter two yen is practice, to enter hospitals lor a refresher course of six months, as fourth year nurses; that short courses ol domestic science and civic economy be combined with hygiene now taught during prohationership.

NAVAL COMMANDER. M’ELLINGTON, June 15

The Minister of Delence (Hon. L J. Rolleston) has received advice that Commander L. M’. Wells, D. 5.0., R.X.. has been selected hy the Admiralty to succeed Commander J. S. M. Ritchie. 11. X., whose term as Commander ol HALS. Diadem expires in October.

FUNERAL OBSEQUIES. WELLINGTON, June Yesterday morning the funeral of the late Archdeacon Devov took place. The funeral cortege was a long one, and many people lined the streets, hare-headed as it passed. Requiem (Mass was celebrated by Archbishop O’Shea, Monsignor McKenna assisting. There was an overflowing congregation. The musical part of the ceremony was carried out hy St. 1 utricle's choir. An eloquent funeral oration was delivered hy Archbishop Redwood.