DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1929, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

DOMINION’S BIG BILL. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, February 8. New Zealand must face a. rising bill for education. That is the considered opinion of the Minister tor Education (1.. c Hon. Mr Atmorc). This morning lie stated that the general cost of educate n in the Dominion was £4,(XX),000 but an increase could be expected. The replacement of schools was a big question involving heavy expenditure, said the Minister. “One now school a year in each of the four centres is the ideal to be aimed at,” said Air Atmore. “There are a great miunber of claims all over the country, but it will be kept in view.” Tile Minister promised to consider the question of providing more manual training centres in districts where such were required.

A YACHT’S VOYAGE. GISBORNE, February 9. The ocean yacht Wanderlust berthed this morning. The owner, P. S. Vassell states he left Los Angeles on August 7, 1927, and except for a period of four months during which they left tiic Wanderlust at Tahiti and returned to the States on business, they have been afloat ever since. He is accompanied by bis wile, two children, and a niece, and they live in comfort aboard the yacht. It lias been a wonderful experience, voyaging round the islands, stated Mr Vassell, and we look forward to see something of New Zealand. Whilst here we have no special mission and no schedule. Wo simply arrive and depart as we feel like and none of us are tired yet. During the voyage from Tahiti, the yacht passed through a 70-mile gale without the necessity to use a sea-anchor. After several days at Gisborne the yacht will make for. Auckland. About six weeks will be spent in the Dominion.

PECULIAR HAPPENING. PALMERSTON N., Feb. 9 “This is more like the evidence of an accomplice than anything else. In a civil action T would not- accept the girl’s-statement as evidence of repayment.” said Air Stout, S.AL. dismissing a charge of theft against Janies Leslie of Woodville, after evidence was heard. Accused was charged with receiving £2 10s on conditions requiring him to account for same to Yates’ Cash Btore,8 tore, but lie failed to do so, thereby committing theft. The ease was partially beard yesterday and adjourned. A former girl clerk at Yates’ Woodville store gave evidence that- accused bad contended lie bad paid in a die pie to flic firm’s account for tea, which be at first purchased from the firm’s money. Realising be bad no right to do this be acquired the tea on bis own h. 4 ;JL Doris Alay Gawitli. a former r»ei k stated Leslie bad paid in a cheque and cash. Dockets were not kept, wtness destroying them. Under cross-examination Gawith admitted staying with accused at hotels as man and wife, and also receiving

presents. Accused got the benefit of the dvint.i the Magistrate dismissing the charge, addiiig that the evidence to justify a grave suspicion had been destroyed b\ the pair who were not only working together. but living together. THREE YEARS FOR JEWEL THEFT. AUCKLAND. Feb. 10. At the Supreme Court. Mr Justice Blair sentenced Cecil Francis John Hunt, aged 24, to three years’ hard labour for theft of jewellery from the premises of Meltzer Brothers, pawnbrokers, on June 25t-h., and one year for receiving, the sentences to be eoncurrent. THREE -MEN INJURED. EXPLOSION IN TUNNEL.

TAI il 1 RUXUJ, February 9. A- the r< suit of an explosion in a E • blic• Wer'-- tunnel oii the Stratford • trunk line near Ohara, the details of which are meagre, three men—Janies Delaney, Michael Hennessy, and a man named Woods, were injured.Delaifey and Woods have suffered severe injuries, but Hennessy’s injuries are not serious. 'I lie injured men were brought to Okahukura by train, and thence by ambulance to Tauniarunui Hospital. LATER. 'The Ohura explosion was the result of tlie misfire of a shot in tin* Manga* Lima 'runnel, nine miles trom Ohura. Woods was badly cruised and cut about the face, and has one eye endangered. llcmiessy has similar injuries o'f a less serious nature. Delaney sustained cuts and bruises. GIRL FATALLY SHOT. W.-UROA, February 10. A girl, aged eleven, the daughter ol \ M Gray, storekeeper, Terapatiki, was accidentally shot with a rifle. She was removed to the Wairoa Hospital with extensive injuries. She died later oil Saturday afternoon. An inquest will bo hekj.