DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1928, Page 1

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) BREEZY EPISODE IN COURT. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 1. A short breeze between counsel disturbed the serenity of the Alagistrate’s Court yesterday. A civil ease was proceeding, the claim being one in which a sum of money was claimed for alleged damage to the furniture of a,rented house. Air J. H. Upharff, solicitor for the defendant, was cross-examining the plaintiff. Air 0. S. Thomas, opposing counsel, objected to a question relating to another witness. Air Uphani: “I am perfectly justified in asking this question. In accordance with yoiir usual tactics, Air Thomas, you are trying to side track me from tho issue in this case.” “You are far too long-winded,” replied Mr Thonias. .“You are like a terrier.” Air L'pliam: “I am here to conduct the case, not ko" enter into per serial remarks. Ybu, yourself, are wasting time.” “I like that, coming from, the solicitor who talks micro than! any lawyer in Christchurch,” replied Afr Thomas. “I thirik we had 1 fetter get on with tho case,” said tho Alagistrato (Mr H. A. Young), and the incident closed. REFORM CAUCUS. WELLINGTON, Aug. 2. A caucus of tho Reform Party was held to-day. Various Govern merit legislative measures were discussed aiid no reference was made to tlie Religious Exercises in Schools Bill, imong Government Bills to be brought down soon will be Amendment arid Consolidation of Public Works Act; also a measure dealing with tho Post Office. It is understood the latter Bill is a compilation. SWINDLER GETS CLEAR. AUCKLAND, August 1 In the Supreme Court, Erriek Charmers, aged 47, charged with obtaining money totalling £260, from three men by representing that be was the proprietor of a business which was a security for the amounts lie received, was acqnitted without the defence being called upon. Judge Reed directed this course, saying: “I think the jury will agree that this is a pretty bare-faced swindle, but I regret to say that the accused has not been brought within the provisions of the law.” Addressing tho accused, the Judge said: “I regret very much having to discharge you, as, of course, your swindle was a cruel arid heartless one in that you took money from men who were out of work. Tlie whole thing was a terrible swindle, hut I fear you have escaped the meshes of the law.” JURY ACQUITS BUT CENSURES. AUCKLAND, August 1. The trial of Philip Thomas Tucker; hairdresser, on charges of indecent assault arid assault on a girl, aged 17, was to-day concluded. Tho jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts, adding the following rider: — “ Tlie jury wishes to record a severe vote of censure against the accused in taking advantage of an Unsophisticated girl in such circumstances.”

OPIUM CATCH. WELLINGTON, August 1. Harry Thomas Downs, aged 38, a steward on the Afnrama, was fined £2OO, or in default six months, on the charge of importing prepared opium. Cecil AVallingford Brown, a taxidriver, aged 49, was fined £25, or in default one month, for being found in possession of prepared opium. Twelve tins, valued at £240, were seized by Customs, officials when they searched Downs and Biowri when leaving the ship. Downs pleaded guilty and Brown not guilty. Eight tins were found in Brown’s possession, and four in Downs’s possesion. The Customs Collector said they had suspected Downs for some time, Browfi had met him for a long time, his taxi being left generally outside the wharf gates. Through his counsel, Downs stated he was only ail agent on commission delivering to a man in Wellington for a man in Sydney. SEXUAL CIUAIE. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 31. At the Supremo Court to-day, Robert McCoiikey, carpenter, aged 53, was found guilty of indecent assault on bis step-daughter, aged 15 years. He was remanded for sentence. FALL OVER BANK. WELLINGTON, August 1. To-day a labourer, J. Logan, of 55 Britannia Street, Petone, lost his footing while working oil Tawa Flat tunnel job for the Public Works Department, and rolled down a bank 209 feet, l.ogan, who suffered severe head injuries and concussion of the brain, was taken to the hospital. Late to-night his condition was reported to have improved. „ .