DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. COMPOSITOR SENTENCED. WELLINGTON, May 28. Four months’ imprisonment was imposed on Abraham Novak, compositor, in' connection with theft of three typewriters and £5 while employed on the “Dominion” .staff. HOSPITAL BOARD EXPENDITURE COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY REFUSED. PALMERSTON X.. May 29. Owing to the heavy expenditure proposed in the near future by the local Hospital Board and in the belief that a great deal of it is unwarranted, the Borough Council recently passed a resolution asking the Government to appoint an independent commission to enquire into the whole position. Tlie Council's attitude was placed before the Minister of Health last night by a deputation of tbe Council and the Mayor. The speakers pointed out that while the population during the last five years increased by 11.8 per cent, tbe hospital levies had increased by 5-1.1 per cent. A request for a commission was supported by a petition signed by leading business men.

Replying, tbe Minister said that tho proposed expenditure had been gone into by the Department and with the exception of an additional operating theatre had been approved. The Board's expenditure was necessary and he could not grant a commission. MATERNITY HOSPITAL OPENED. PALMERSTON X.. May 29. The Minister of Health (Hon. -T. A. Young) yesterday afternoon opened a maternity home erected by the Hospital Board from donations by the public and Government subsidy. Referring to 'hospital expenditure, Mr Young said the Department with the aid of expert officers criticised very carefully all applications for capital expenditure.. In regard to maternal mortality the Minister said he would not ho satisfied until it was reduced below three per thousand of live births.

WIRELESS NEWS. GISBORNE, May 29

In reference to the cabled message that wireless signals from the Italia were received in America, the message was broadcasted bv the Siberian Station Asraoc, Yladivostoek, on 39.5 metres, tbe object being to give the widest publicity to it in view of the general anxiety at the- disappearance of the airship. Ivan O’Meara picked up the signals last night and explains that it was merely a repetition of the “K. 0.5.” reported to have keen heard some time previously. San Francisco Examiner Station also re-transmitted the message, the operator adding that tho newspapers contain two columns about the message alone, but that there was really nothing new in it. Wireless advice has been received by O’Meara from San Francisco Examiner Station G ART) that Eingsford Smith’s “Southern Cross” is equipped with tho most efficient wireless plant for the Pacific flight next month. During a test flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the plane •maintained twnwnv communication with G ART), the tests being exceptionally satisfactory. The “Southern Cross” operates on a 40-mctre wave and the cede call is TCHOX.

BEQUESTS. DUNEDIN, May 29.

Under the will of the late Mary Jane Tait, bequests totalling £BCO are left to the Presbyterian Church for various purposes, chiefly mission work, including £IOO to the Maori mission. DISASTROUS FIRE. CHRISTCHURCH, May 29. A disastrous fire at Cheviot early this morning destroyed four shops and a picture theatre. No fire fighting plant was available and the residents had simply to stand by and watch the fire burn. The shops destroyed belonged to the Farmers’ Co-op. and wiare 'Glasison’s, fancy goods; Cone Bros’, butchery; T. West’s bootshop. The theatre was owned by -1. Pruden.

ALLEGED THEFT. ROTORUA, May 29

Leslie Vickers, a well known resident and secretary of various concerns was arrested on a (barge of failing to account for the sum of £ij )()s 4d. The police asked for and obtained a remand on the grounds that other sums, aggregating a large amount, were alleged to he involved. Rail was granted, self in ,6500 and two sureties of £250.

A THUNDERSTORM. ROTORUA. May

A heavy thunderstorm swept the town at 9 a.m. Two inches of rain fell in two hours.

COURT FINES. HMARU, May 29

At the Magistrate’s Court Leo Scott, pleaded guilty to selling liquor at a dance without being the holder of a license. He was fined £2 and costs. Austin Calling, licensee of the Mnkikihi Hotel, on a charge of selling liqum after hours, was fined £4 and costs.

For being on licensed premises after closing hours, David Stowell and Ernest Gladstone McCuni wore each fined £2 and costs.

A MAORI DROWNED. AUCKLAND, May 29

A Maori named Kaolio, aged 20, married, was drowned yesterday near Huntly. k

PETITION FOR, REPRIEVE AUCKLAND, May 29

A petition, signed by 1765 persons, praying for the reprieve of the New Lynn murderer, Norgrove, was handed to the Governor-General to-day ov Norgrove’s counsel. The petition will go on to Wellington for consideration liv the Executive.

To-day Norgrove was examined by Dr Grey, Inspector-General of Mental Hospital, Dr McTvillop. in charge of the Sunnyside Mental Hospital and Dr Beattie, formerly Supt. of the Auckland Mental Hospital. AN UNUSUAL CASE. AUCKLAND, May 29.

The mysterious disappearance ol Robert Charles Austin, the New Zealand boy, who left this country in 1879 and lias not been seen or board of more than fiftv years, was recalled at the Supreme Court to-day when Mr .Justice Blair granted to Lillian Mary Park, administrator of bis estate, authority for the presumption of Austin’s death without issue. The decision concerns an estate of a net value exceeding £II.OOO (and of which Robert Charles Austin, as next-of-kin was entitled to one-eighth share).