DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association

SCARLET FEVER

CHRISTCHURCH. Jan. 18. There are sixty-nine cases of scarlet fever in the infectious diseases hospital at llottlo Lake, most of the patients being children. The nursing staff has been increased. Doctor Dawson, of the Health Department, describes the cases as just mild seasonal ones, and states that there is nothing alarming in the position. BIG ARREARS. DUNEDIN. Jan. 18. Nino hundred pounds of arrears were indicated in a maintenance case at the Police Court, where James Edwin King, arrested at Christchurch on a warrant issued seven years ago. was charged with disobedience of an order to maintain his wife. Accused bad been living under an assumed name, and admitted that he had an obligation to another woman and three children, hut would do what he could if given a chance. He was sentenced to six months, the warrant to be suspended if be paid Cl (is 8d monthly.

A FIRE. PAIIfATUA. Jan. 18. A lire at Mangnniutii yesterday afternoon destroyed a box factory and two cottages, and Mangainutu Post Office, all adjacent. The outbreak started in the factory which with the contents was totally destroyed. Helpers managed to rescue all the contents from the cottages as well as mails and sale etc. from the Post Office before they were razed. No water was available. All the buildings were owned by D. Fraser. Full insurances are not available, but the following are known to be in Llie New Zealand Office: Box factory and part of machinery £495; five-roomed cottage £240; four-roomed cottage £220; Post Office of two rooms 0100.

HIGHWAYS FOR WHANGAREI

WHANG A RF.i. Jan. 11. The Wlmngarei County Council was yesterday asked to stiouhitc what roads in its jurisdiction should lie taken over by the Main Highways Board, in view of the allocation of petrol tax funds. A total of over 90 miles was asked for. BODY FOUND. AUCKLAND, Jan. 18. The dead body of Thomas Pickens, an elderly retired farmer, who resided at Avondale, was found on the beach at Blockhouse Bay this morning.

INQUEST VERDICT. PALMERSTON N.. Jan. 18. Circumstances, surrounding the death of Andrew Percival Guthrie, the victim of the railway collision at the Longburn-Rongatea crossing on Jan. 3rd. were held this morning. Evidence given by the engine-driver nf the train was to the effect that he noticed deceased’s van running on the mad parallel to the line. Three chains from Hie crossing witness sounded the •second alarm whistle. Deceased did not take any notice and then turned to cross the line. Deceased bad never given any indication of bis intention

to do that. The train then struck the van. Witness was of the opinion that deceased had a clear view of the line. Another witness said that deceased applied the brakes of the van and stopped on the' line and was struck by the

rain. Had the brakes not been aplieil a collision would imt have on nod.

A verdict that deceased was aevileutally killed through his van collidng with the train at a crossing was (.‘turned. The danger of railway crossngs amis commented »ii by Die coioner.