DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) TRUSTEE’S STATEMENT. DANNEVIRKE, Jan. 4. A. McNic-01, trustee, states that the New Zealand airmen desire to thank Mr Coates for his action in securing permission for the flight from the Australian authorities. Lieut. .Moncrielf, loader of the expedition, holds that he has a better chance of making a crossing by a powerful aeroplane, than by a seaplane and this view is shared by (‘apt. Hood. The Aotcaroa was specially constructed for the Tasman flight by the Ryan Air Line on the lines of the machine in which Captain Lindbergh flew the Atlantic.

FATAL ACCIDENT. DUNEDIN. Jan. 4

Patrick McCann, aged 20, while riding a bicycle at fferiot at nine last night, collided with a motor car, receiving injuries to the base of his skull, death being instantaneous. WATER SUPPLY. AUCKLAND. Jan. 4. An emergency meeting of the city Water Committee this afternoon discussed the shortage in the water supply, which, with the dry summer, would he extremely serious. If rain does not fall in Wnitnkero Ranges for another three months the dams will ho dry. At the existing consumption there is just enough water to satisfy the public’s demand for about sixty days

BLOCK OK FLATS BURNT. AUCKLAND. Jan. 3,

Shortly after mid-day to-day ail outbreak of fire almost destroyed a block of flats at 9 Victoria Avenue, Remuern.

The flats were occupied hv four separate families—only one of which was at home. The occupants of the flats were: Mrs J. Pickering and her sister, Miss Batchelar. Mr and Mrs J. Raynor, .Mr and Airs Heigh way. Air and Airs T. 10. Hoolev.

The right wing of the building was almost demolished, and the left wing gutted. The losses of the occupants will he severe. The outbreak occurred in the. flat which was occupied by Air and ATrs Heiglnvny on tho ground floor, and was discovered by ATrs Pickering, who lived on the first floor. By the time it was discovered, the fire had a firm hold, and when assistance arrived the bottom floor was burning fiercely. A good deal of furniture and effects from both floors was saved, hut a large quantity was destroyed, and damaged by fire and water. A bundle of notes belonging to Afr Hooloy, which had been locked in a dressing table was saved.

Tho fiats were owned by Afr A. Petrie, of 6 Clonhurn Road, Remuera. The building was insured with the A.P.A. Insurance Coy for £3500. The policies on the contents were unavailable.

GIG OVERTURNS. DANNEVIRKE. Jan. 3. Airs Alary Blooi*. widow. 65. died at tho hospital last night, as the result of injuries received in an accident yesterday. She was driving in a gig. with her daughter, Airs Hill, when tho horse in turning a bond in Raunniti Road, took flight, at a stationary motor and overturned the vehicle down nil embankment. Airs Hill escaped with a few scratches. PETONE MYSTERY. WELLINGTON. Jan. 3. At the inquest, on JolTn Herman Holt, who was found in the water at Pot one, after cries were heard at night, the verdict was found drowned, there being no evidence to show how deceased came to be in tbe water. SHOOTING. CHRISTCHURCH. Jan. 3.

The South. Island Rifle Association’s Championship AReting was concluded to-day in fine hut windy weather. The champion grand aggregate results are as follows:—Rifleman A'. Tims (Christchurch Railway flub) 298. Rifleman AY. R. Barrett. (Sydenham Club) 293. Rifleman li. Piper (Christchurch Club) 292. Rifleman D. Kiel- (Ashburton Club) 292. The Tvro Aggregate was won by Rifleman' I’. Pope (bake Brunner) with a score of 277; and tlie champion teams match by the Sydenham Club with a. score of 449.