DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1929, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

BOOKMAKER FINED.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, September 23,

Described on the charge sheet as a traveller, Donald Campbell, aged 62 years, whose office at Oliphants Building was raided on Saturday by detectives, appeared at the Police Court today, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of having carried on the business of a bookmaker.

“ I’ve not long arrived here from Canada,” he said. “1 did not want to infringe the laws of this beautiful little country.” •• You are liable to a fine of £SOO or six months’ imprisonment, you know,” said Magistrate Hunt. Chief Detective Hammond said that a few weens ago Campbell conceived the idea of sending circulars to farmers, asking them to interest themselves m what he termed “The Sport of Kings,” and to take a “ double ” on the Avondale ltace Meeting. One man who had received a circular had complained to the police, with the result that on Saturday a search warrant was obtained, and Campbell’s office was visited, a quantity of betting material being found. “ He is only in a small way of business, and had £ls on him when arrested,” added Detective Hammond. . . Campbell was fined £lo.'

SUICIDE IN DRAIN

NEW BRIGHTON TRAGEDY

CHIUSTCHURC-H, September 23

A verdict off suicide by drowning Wi.-.e in a depressed state of mind was returned by Coroner H. P. Lowry at the inquest into the death of Martha Wright, aged 45 years, a married woman, found drowned in a flooded drain near her home at New Brighton this morning.

There was evidence that Mrs Wright had been in a nervous and depressed condition, for which' she had been receiving medical attention. 4

WANGANUI TRAMS,

STAFF REDUCTIONS

WANGANUI, September 23

The Wanganui tramway problem was again discussed at a special meeting of tile City Council to-night, when the question of dispensing with the Engi-neer-Manager’s services was debated. The suggestion was to employ a Traffic Superintendent, and to centralise the tramway clerical work under the Town Clerk. The curtailment of services and the advent of hydro were advanced as reasons 'for making a change, and the ■ competence of the engineer,; as an engineer, was. not at stake. The matter was referred to a Committee for a full report.

THE INSURANCES.

BLENHEIM, Sept. 23.

The Palace Theatre fire insurances are as follows:—On Theatre £1500; on the seats £150; on the machines £100; on the piano £50;.0n the shop in front £3OO. All are. In the Home Insurance Office. TEe. shop stocks and fittings were .insured in the .Standard Office for £I3OO. .The general damage is very heavy’. It will not be met by the insurances.

SETTLER BURNT OUT

HAMILTON, Sept. 23

The homestead of Robert Grant, a well-known settler on the Ngaruawa-hia-Taupiri Road, was burned to the ground last night. Tiio family decamped in their night attire. The insurances are £7OO on the house and £3OO on the furniture.

MOTOR ACCIDENTS.

NELSON, Sept. 23

A motor car driven by George Pascoe struck the second truck of a train at Saltwater Bridge, Nelson, and was hurled through the protecting railing on to a mud flat below. The driver was the only occupant. Ho miraculously escaped injury.

A young man, Victor Grooby, was fatally injured near Pokororo last evening as the result of a fall fiom a motor cycle.