DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) NEARLY A COLLISION. BLENHEIM, Fob. 4. Passengers by the Tamabinc from Wellington last night report that a collision between the Tamabinc and the Maungnnui was narrowly avened in Cook Strait. Both vessels left Wellington at about the same time, the Tamabinc for Pieton and Maungnnui for Sydney. Off Karori Rock, the Maungnnui overhauled the Tnmahine. and it is stated, crossed her bows at a distance of 60 feet, without warning. The Tamabine was sent full speed astern and the wheel thrown over and narrowly missed a collision. Both vessels had a full complement of passengers. EL I Ml N AT ING C'(IMP ETITION. WITH MOTOR TRAFFIC. GISBORNE. Feb. 4. The Minister of Public Works has been investigating the railway route for the past few days. Speaking at Haiigaroa to-day, he said lie had made up his mind to recommend the Prime Minister to thoroughly investigate the whole position and to make another survey. He did not wish to delay matters. but the time taken with another survey would be well spent. His trip inland bad been the means of railway officers seeing much of the country that would be served by an inland railway. Even if the railway were constructed on the inland route they would need roads as well, but the Minister was of the opinion that the Government should classify the roads running parallel with the line, so that heavy loads should not be carried in them in competition with the railway.

SERIOUS FIRE. AUCKLAND, Feb. 6. Damage estimated at eight to ten thousand sterling was done by lire at 4.30 this morning at Konson Garrick’s furniture factory, Karangaliape Road All that remains of the ground floor is a mass of burned charred carpets, lino materials, furniture and three upturned safes. Tlie insurances are £19.000 (1.0. A. £B.OOO, Ocean £4,000, Lloyds £4,000, South British £3,000). AYARNING TO NON-SWI MM ERS. WANGANUI. Feb. 6. At an inquest this morning on the boy who could not swim, who was using inflated motor tyres in the Corporation llatlis, and who was drowned, both the Custodian of the baths and the Coroner commented upon the use ot inflated tyres and wings as being dangerous and only encouraged those who were unable to swim to take risks and get into deep water. BODY FOUND. IIOTORUA, Feb. 6. The body of Horace Humphreys, missing since January 27. was found in Lake Okareka by James Gordon. The body was naked, the clothes being found neatly bundled under a hedge nearby. CIIOQI7FT TOURNAIIKNT. PALMERSTON X., Feb. 6. The Dominion tourney ot the Non Zealand Croquet Council commenced to-day. entries constituting ft record, being a hundred more than last yeai. The President of the Council, .1. Murray, said this year’s tourney marked an epoch in New Zealand croquet because of the visit of the English team to whom he extended a hearty welcome. An official welcome was also extended by the Mayor.

A PLUCKY ATTEMPT. BLENHEIM, Fob. 5, After a plucky effort. Ronald John Webster, who essayed to swim tlm Cook Strait from Teruwhiti. in the North Island, to the Wellington Head in the South Island, was forced to desist. on Saturday by the cold, alter being in the water for two hours and a quarter and covering about eight miles.

SUPREME COURT SENTENCES AUCKLAND, Feb. (i.

At the -Supreme Court. Christian Hartoii, former secretary ot the le Kuiti Racing Club admitted misnppropiat ing £”3-2 of tlie Club’s funds and was sentenced to two years reformative detention. Robert Leonard Pickwort h. lorgcry at Thames, to three years reformative. Maurice Chapman, admitted forging a cheque for one hundred pounds, and was sentenced to twelve months hard labour. Francis William Swcetninn, 28. bigamy, to two years hard labour. Myra .McKenmn. a married woman, obtaining money by false pretences, at Whangaroi. to three years probation. on conditions of tortv pounds being repaid by instalments. Edward Russell Everett, theft, torgory and attempted uttering, probation for one year. MOTOR VEHICLES LOST. M A ETON, Feb. 6. A fire early on Sunday morning destroyed the stables of Chirk, a carrier. of Hnnterville. and severely damaged a tailor’s shop owned by V • Hodge and the offices of the farmers Distributing Coy. The flumes hud a strong hold when discovered. As the buildings were very old and dry as tinder, there was little chance of snvjnir the contents, which included two motor cars, a motor lorry, motor cycle, several gigs and stable equipment. The firemen were able to keep the tfanies in check. Apart from the damage to the premises named, there was no further loss, but the loss to Messrs dark, Hodge and the Farmers Cov is considerable, and is partly covered by insurance. The flames lit Hie country f„ r miles around. Despite the early hour large crowds gathered. 'I he tire raged for several hours. The total damage is estimated at £3OOO.

A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. AUCKLAND Feb nary 6. \ lire in the top floor of the Mining Chambers, Queen SC, near mid-night on Sunday, caused hundreds of pounds of damage by water to Hugh Wright i£d. drapery stock on the ground floor. Although part of the roof collapsed above the Belmont Tea Rooms o„ the 3rd storey, and the flour_ was well alight when the Brigade arrived, a noble save was made. Extensive damage was done to offices on the 2nd. floor. Smoke and water also poured into the other premises on the ground floor, Mrs Ansenue (florist), and Jameson’s (tobacconist).

CHILD FATALLY INJURED AUCKLAND. Feb. 6.

Allan Joseph Williams (9) while returning from Sunday School, was swinging on a gate chain hung between concrete pillars cm a Panmuro Road residence. One of the posts gave way and Williams was fatally injured when a piece of concrete fell on his head. CROSSING BELLS TAMPERED WITH. ■CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 6. The Railway Department was informed to-day that the warning bells have been tampered with at several suburban crossings, so as to stop them from sounding, thus making crossing Yory (jongorous for motoristsi