AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Rcr Press Association

.MILDER CHARGE. MELBOURNE, .March 7. Ihe trial of Griggs has commenced at Sale, accused pleading not guilty. The Crown Prosecutor, in opening the ease, said that the evidence would show that nrcusecPs wife died of arsenical poisoning, and that large quantities of arsenic were kept in places frequented by accused. The medical evidence would show that there were 15.} grains of arsenic in the body, and

three grains were enough to cause death. Further, it would he proved that at least two doses acre adminis- , tered. A COMING VISITOR. SYDNEY. Manh 8. The Minister of Customs (Mr Pratten) leaves for New Zealand by the Niagara to-day. lie will discuss with the New Zealand Government a reciprocal trade treaty between the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Mr Prntton said although the position was delicate owing to recent alt eratons in the tariff made by both New Zealand and the Coininonwealtli. lie hoped before returning to Australia to lie able by mutual goodwill to arrange the trade position between the two countries upon a basis more satisfactory to each. SERIOUS FIRE. SYDNEY. March 8. A lire broke out early this morning in Hudson's timber yard. Glebe, and is still burning. The damage will he extensive. FIRE IN TIMBER MILL. SYDNEY. March 8. What promised early to be one of the largest; fires in the history of Sydney was saved by the prompt action of the fire brigades. Ihe outbreak' was in Hudsons timber yards, one of the largest in Australia. It was discovered at four in the morning. The log mill was well alight when brigades from all parts of the city arrived. The firemen recognising there was no hope of saving the mill concentrated on saving the stacks of timber and the spread of flames. They were assisted in this by fire floats which pumped an immense quantity of water from the harbour. Two tiremen were injured and a number of high school hoys camped in a rowing shed had a narrow escape, Ihe (lames licking the building when they wore removed. The damage will amount to several thousands.