DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1927, Page 1

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph— Per Pr css Association.) RAILWAY CROSSING SMASH. PA IT! HRs. IG.X X.. Dee. 7. Another ol the accidents for which Mast Street Railway Crossing is becoming notorious occurred at len o'clock this morning, when a mixed train from Pnokakariki struck a motor lorry, driven by \\ . 11. Strange. Heavy rain was falling at the lima. Ihe driver of the lorry stated that he neither heard nor saw the -oncoming train. Strange had a remarkable escape ironi death, remaining in the cab of the motor, which aas thrown across the road. The front part, including the driver's seat, was a complete wreck.

SAI OF PRACTICE DISPUTED. AUCKLAND, Dec. 7. A dispute between two medical men over the sale of a practice at Takapuna was the basis of an action heard in tho Supreme Court to-day Da W illiam Arthur Alexander (formerly of Tuakau) claimed £2(73) damages from Dr Ernest James Millar, on the grounds that the practice and the house which plaint iff had bought from defendant, for a total ci £.1.001) was mm as represented. The defence is a general denial.

11l his evidence. Dr Alexander asserted that. t‘he. average yearly income for lb roe years preceding the purchase was £llBB. instead of £'Mgß as represented. Midwifery cases were nearer 30 annually than 80 and that tho house cost £SOO less than stated by Dr Millar. Alexander also said that Millar’s reason for selling was false. Instead of going to England, the latter commenced practice at Royal Oak. near Onehunga. ESCAPE FROM GAOL. AUCKLAND, Dec. 7. Henry Grant, who escaped from Mount Eden jail this morning, is still

at large. It appears that Grant lmd greater flexibility of movement in prison, as his behaviour had been exemplary, and with another prisoner he was working in (he bakehouse. There are three nightwatehnien in the jail, but each has a considerable area to cover and only passes at given points at every half hour. The first indication that anything was amiss was tho finding of Warder Booth, in charge of the prison bakehouse, in a dazed condition, and the fact that Grant had disappeared.

The warder is as yet ,unable fo give any coherent account of what actually occurred. All lie knows is that when his hack was turned lie received u violent blow on the back of the head. It is possible that the wardin' was endeavouring to frustrate Grant’s escape, when he was assn idled. It is believed that Grant climbed on to a cross wall, and then reached the main wall, where he would have a drop oil about 18 feet before having bis freedom. The other prisoner, who was Grant's companion in the bakehouse, says he knew nothing of the assault o.i Warder Booth, or the escape, as at the time lie was lying down having a rest.

pr icio of soap reduced. UASTERTOX, Per. 7. It is reported hero to-day that the Xew Zealand Soap Manufacturers’ Association decided recently to di'-l>:tnd. Poliowing on this event, the wladosale price of soap 7ms been reduced by varying amounts in different parts of the Dominion. MISHAP TO GOODS TRAIN. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 7. Shortly after four o’clock this afteruoon the engine and eight trucks oi the Springfield goods train were derailed near Middleton Station, as the train was about to enter the new marshalling yards. Driver Ulrich, Fireman Boyce and Guard Nicholls escap'd unhurt.

The damaged waggons fouled the main line and the express from the south was delayed more than an hour. The derailment was caused by a B. engine jumping the points. The engine, after ploughing into ballast, came to rest, but remained upright. It was the momentum of the heavy train behind which derailed the waggons, which wore thrown about over the track. The breakdown gang were at work promptly, and it is expected that the line will he clear by midnight.

LADY DRIVER DROWNED. DUNEDIN, Dec. 7. A motoring fatality occurred at the Taieri Ferry Bridge at 10.30 this morning, resulting in the death of the driver, Airs Frank Steans, of 35, Albert Street, Gladstone, Invercargill. Deceased, with her husband and sister-in-law. was returning from a visit to Christ church in a Nash Sedan ear, and failed to negotiate a turn at the bridge. The car crossed from its correct side, first colliding with a car driven by Handel John Montgomery, of Lawrence, approaching from opposite direction. The Nash car plunged into the Taieri River, and Mr Steans was unable to extricate his wife, who was drowned. An inquest will be held to-morrow.