DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association

A COLONIAL INQUIRY

PALMERSTON N., Jan. 25

The fatal railway accident at the Loiighiirn-Rongotoa Road crossing on January 16th, when a motor-car drive:-, by Rev. Treiimin, Anglican Minister ol Rongotoa. was struck by the northhound New Plymouth express, resulting in fatal injuries to the ear driver, was the subject for a colonial inquiry to-day. Evidence was tendered by the driver and the fireman that the crossing was a had one. because a holt of trees obscured the view both of enginedrivers and road traffic. The trees are now being removed.*

This was the second fatal accident at this crossing within a fortnight. The Coroner expressed a hope that the Department would endeavour to have trees removed from all crossings and thereby minimise the danger of collisions.

TEACHERS OF MUSIC.

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 25

About forty delegates attended the annual conference to-day of the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music. R. Parker presided. In his address. Professor Shelley said if he had the choice of turning to either music or mathematics out of the primary schools lie certainly would turn out mathematics.

CONCILIATION COUNCIL. DUNEDIN, Jan. 25. Although the Commissioner endeavoured to reach a settlement, the Otago Timber Workers Union refused to discuss the. employers claims filed for the Conciliation Council hearing, the reason being that a Dominion award is to he sought. The dispute was referred to the Court, the Commissioner stating it would he sent •hack to the Dominion silting of the Conciliation Council.

A EIRE. GISBORNE, Jan. 25. A house owned by Preddy and occupied by O’Connell was gutted by lire this morning whilst the occupants were away at a picnic, this being the third lire within four days in the same block.

A. and P. SHOW. LEVIN, Jan. 25. The Horowhcnmi A. and P. Assn s Annual Show is being held in perfect weather. The out-standing feature is the exhibition of pedigree Jerseys, some classes having up to 27 entries. The leading championships are as follows: Milking Shorthorns —Bull, R. V Brown; cow, J. S. Lack. jerseys—Bull, Mrs J. AY. Spears, “Kului Nnpper”; cow. R. L. Horns, “Kuku Brood let.” Friesans—Bull and cow. C. D. Farm. Eerkshrc —Sow, J. A. Russell (Pal merston North); boar, C. D. harm. Tam worths—Boar and sow. J. A. Russell. Large white boar and sow—Lc\in Dairv Coy. Romney Marsh unr Voss Bros Longburn; ewe. J. H. Mungavin (Oban). Sotithdowns —Ram, At. Kilsliy (Levin); ewe, Airs F. Al. Slack (Mann ku). ADMINISTRATOR DEAD. AUCKLAND, Jan. 25. Capt. McDonald, of the steamer lliiiemoa, advised the Collector of Customs, that General SiHheini (Administrator or Norfolk Island) passed away there this morning, from heart failure.

FIRE IN STAGE COSTUMES. •DUNEDIN, Jan. 25. A fire in T. Do Spong's theatrical studio. Lower Stuart St. last evening destroyed sets of theatrical costumes valued a many thousands and reputed the most valuable set in Australia or New Zealand. One set destroyed was the original costumes purchased by the late Mr Tom Pollard for the production of “Forty Thieves.” All the Shako.sporcun costumes were destroyed also. The insurances are only one thousand sterling. De Spong’s stock had a wide reputation and was used all over New Zealand. Struetunlly, little damage was done.

HOUSE DESTROYED. AUCKLAND, Jan. 24. Awakening to find .the house on flic at two this morning, W. Kilmac. ot Kitirawa Street, Remuera. just had time to rush his sick wife from the blazing five-roomed building. THE WRONG BOTTLE. TAIHAPE, Jan. 21. Last evening Pat McLnuglilan, an elderly resident of Moa Street, consumed a portion of the contents of a bottle of iodine in mistake For medicine, necessitating his admittance to Inihape Public Hospital for medical attention. He is progressing satisfactorily.

LIMESTONE CAVES. HAMILTON, Jan. 21. The discovery is reported of two large caves, which are said to compaie favourably with those at Waitomo. The new caves are near the Glen Murray Road, near Woodleigh, about 20 miles from Rangiriri. They are of limestone formation, with stalactites, and have a single entrance, which forks off in two directions TO yards trom the entrance. The floors of the caves are covered with two or three inches of water. The entrance is ten or fifteen chains from the road, and it was accidentally discovered by the farmer on whose property the caves are situated.