DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 October 1929, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

CRECHE FOR BABIES. INNOVATION AT DUNEDIN THEATRE. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, October 18

A creche for babies has been treated by the Regent Theatre management in a portion of the vestibule, during the matinees. The creche is the first of its kind opened' in a New Zealand picture theatre, and a generous service is given free to mothers.; In charge is a fully qualified: Punket Society nurse and she is able to keep care and with toys provided by the management for the .entertainment of the babies. The creche is barricaded, and no harm can come to the children. The playground is an airy place, and mothers who wish to enjoy the pictures to the full without being disturbed by the tearful claims for attention by the babies, can rest in the theatre satisfied that the babies are safe. Moreover, the creche is far more beneficial to the health of the tots than their being in the theatre, a'nd more enjoyment- is given to other patrons. The creche is an admirable initiative step, and it has been given the endorsement of the Plunket Society. BARRISTER FINED.

AUCKLAND, October 18. Rfichard Arnold (Singer, a wellknown barrister, was charged on two information with failing to make returns of income. Defendant, who was represented by Mr Allen Moody, plead-ed-guilty to both charges. ■ Mr Ward, who prosecuted for the Commissioner of Taxes, said that default assessments had been made over two or three years. Mr Singer had failed to make returns although repeated requests had been made. “This had resulted in no end of trouble and a great deal of correspondence passed before essessments were made,” said Mr Ward; “I am not suggestion that these 'are- cases of deliberate evasion. It lias been more gross negligence on his part ” Mr‘ Moody said he was sure ? Ward had painted a blacker picture than be really intended. “Perhaps unfortunately Mr Singer has been a very busy man and has been working under considerable pressure this last few years” 1 said counsel. V‘There Is no suggestion that he has failed to pay.‘ He ought to have been more careful hut maybe Mr Singer was not as prompt-'ilk‘your Worship or I would be.” ‘

Defendant was fined £3 and costs 10s, plus solicitor’s; fee (£2 2s) on one charge, and £2 and costs 10s, and solicitor’s fee"’(£2 2s) on the other.

; A-SERIOUS LOSS; WANGANUI, October 21. The old Upokongaro Hotel, on the Wangamii (liver, about 7 miles fiom the city, and a new hotel alongside, not quite completed, were swept by fire early this Afternoon. The old building, which, was‘a two-storey wooden structure, and was recently condemned; made ready fuel, and burned fiercely before a south-east wind, which carried the flames across an intervening space of 50 feet to the new single-storey structure, the roof/and other wooden portions of'which were burned. The insurances on the old building are not available, but the new building was not insured, and the contractors, Messrs Walpole and Patterson, are losers to thV extent of about £2,000. / BOYS’ DEATH. AUCKLAND, October 18. J 'm M Niece, a boy, aged five, of G'-ecr.'ane, v".s crossing the Great S ' ath Road on liis way to school when he was knq-’w'l down by an Auckland to T’-amcs seivice car. He was taken to the Art bland Hospital by motor. He was suffering from a fractured thigh and he died subsequently. THE PRIME MINISTER. 'WELLINGTON. Oct. 26. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph "Ward) rested in his quarters at Parliament House over the week-end. It is officially announced that Sir Joseph expects to return to the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

FOUND DROWNED. PAHIATUA, October 22 Thomas Swan, 81, an old resident who lived alone and has been missing for some days was found drowned in the river near the town traffic bridge this morning. He leaves a wife and family residing elsewhere.