DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1927, Page 1

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. FIRE ON LINER. WELLINGTON, Aug. 24. Slight damage by fire and water was done to the gallery of the .s.s. Moeraki this afternoon The Brigade received the call at 5.2 and on arrival at the patent slip at Evan’s Bay, where the vessel is berthed, dense clouds of smoke were seen issuing forth from the ship. After a few minutes the brigade subdued the outbreak the origin of which is so far unknown. DAIRY OUTLOOK. HAMILTON. Aug. 24. An excellent tone pervaded the animal meeting of the New Zealand Cooperative Dairy Coy. suppliers to-day when about 500 were present. There was an atmosphere of complete confidence in the company, and generally a. more optimistic feeling as to the future abroad, and there was evident also a realisation of the powerful influences that are confronting the farmers. Mr Dynes Fulton (chairman of directors), Mr H. Sterling (general manager). and Air IV. Goodfellow (managing director), reviewed the progress of the past season in addresses to the suppliers.

JURY DISAGREE. INVERCARGILL, Aug. 24. At the Supremo Court, before Mr Justice Sim, George Scaiulrott, formerly senior sergeant of police at Invercargill, appeared on a charge of perjury, in that on January 28th. during the course of a case in which Annie Seandrett proceeded against Patrick Cairns for monies lent., he denied having any share in a gold-mining claim held hy Cairns prior to December 192.1. The jury after a retiremnt of four hours, failed to agree. A new trial " as ordered for to-morrow. Anthony McHale, a. .seaman, convicted of causing actual bodily harm to a fireman named Powell, during a drunken brawl, was fined £2O. Robert Raird, for stealing a- cheque for £ll and for forgery, by signing an endorsement, was released on probation for three years. COUP ENS ATI ON AWARDED. GISBORNE, Aug. 24. Jn the Compensation Court, before Mr Justice Ostler, Alice Frances Stebhing Moore claimed £1350 compensation from the Hawke's Ray Education Board for one rood eight point fourteen perches of land, and two cottages, taken fov the extension of Gisborne Main School. The claimant was awarded £990 and CIO costs. MOTOR COLLISION. WANGANUI, Aug. 24. A ear driven l.v ,1. W. G. Bourne, of Okoia, collided with a motor cycle ridden hy Alfred Randall, of Aramoho. at five o’clock to-night. The latter was badly injured. Flo was taken to the hospital with severe severe head injuries, and his condition is serious. Lawrence Whiteside, on the pillion, sustained cut knee and abrasions only. Bourne was unhurt. ATTEMPTED SUICT DEL CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 24. A man named Sullivan, of Kaiapoi, was found in Moorliouse Avenue late to-night with his throat cut,. He was taken to the hospital for an operation. “RABBIT GAME’’ NOT ILLEGAL. WELLINGTON, Aug. 2.1. Mr Page.. S.M.. has decided that the “Rabbit Game,” as played at the Winter Show, is not a game of chance and has dismissed the charges against Jessie M’Corkindnlo and others, hi regard to conducting the game. .Mr Pago viewed the game and says that, having due regard to the conditions under which it. is played, and the age and character of the competitors, lie is satisiied it is not a game of chance. The proprietor was not concerned with the issue of the game. There was no turn of fortune and no degree of skill had any effect, on his position. In regard to pubic morals, Mr Pago said that though there was a similarity to “roll-down,” the latter was in premises opening on to a. busy street, and visible to passers-by. The “Rabbit Game” was confined to the amusement portion of a recognised show, to which the public bad to pay admission. As far back as Ills memory went, such games had been a recognised diversion at fairs and shows. MA YORLESS COU NCI L. . AUCKLAND, Aug. 25. Last night four members of Avondale Borough gathered around the bedside of a fifth member in a private hospital to transact business created hy exceptional circumstances in which the Council was placed, hy the sudden resignation of the Mayor and remaining three members. Application was made to the Minister of Internal Affairs for sanction to fill the vacancies until the Borough amalgamated with the City, or if this is impracticable until an election is held on September 15th. The meeting lasted half an hour. Several resolutions wore passed relating to the essential work and confirmation of payments previously an thorised bv the minority.