AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1928, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Australian Press Association.) WESTRALIAN HORROR. PERTH, June 24. A crime unparalleled in the history of the State of Westralia is reported from Wubin, north of Perth. A man named Clifford Hulme, who was employed by a farmer, named Harold Eaton Smith, near Wubin, reported to the po;lice thyit he killed Smith. The police investigated the matter, and found Smith in tho bush with a bullet wound in liis bead. The police also i'oupd that Smith’s wife and bis six-year-old daughter and liis baby aged twelve' months, bad been violated, tho daughter having been violated after having had her skull fractured by a blow from a piece of wood. Before the wife was assaulted, she was tied to a bed. Hulme is alleged to have stated that, immediately after having committed tho offences, he went to the police station and mado a confession. FURTHER, PARTICULARS. PERTH, June 25.

Another daughter, Elsie, aged 1 " years, states that Hulme tried fw strangle her when she attempted to intervene. Mrs Smith was released from the bed-post by Elsie and walked nine miles next morning to the nearest neighbour, where she collapsed. All tho victims are in the hospital in a very grave condition. Hulme, now under arrest, told the police that ho shot Smith while tho latter was driving a tractor, adding that his mind was blank after that, but he remembered changing his clothes and walking twenty-three miles to Wubin, and then entraining for Dalwallinu. Hulme was born on Lord Lascclles estate in. England and lias been in Australia fivo yoars. He does not appear to realise the gravity of the charge.

TWO WOMEN DROWNED. SYDNEY, June 24. Police at Hogarah suburb have been informed that a motor car with a man and two women overshot a punt at Tiren Point, George’s River, early in the morning and sank in deep water. Both women are reported to have been drowned, but tbe man scrambled to safety.

COOKS TO MAN ALL SHIPS. (Received this day at 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 24. Tbe marine cooks have given the owners an assurance that all cooks can be picked up wherever the owners require. Tbe recommissioning of idle ships commences on Monday.

CREWS FOR STEAMERS. Sydney, June 24. Crews are being selected for two large idle vessels which will be despatched to-night. Cargo received by the Ulimnroa is being transferred to the Marama, which sails on' Friday. The Ulimaroa will sail for Wellington two weeks later.

MALING INQUIRY. SYDNEY, June 24. Cabinet considers tbe Muling Com mission report on Tuesday, when il will decide what action, if any, is to bo taken.