DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1929, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

RACECOURSE TRAGEDY

[By Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, October 31

Martin Henry Jansen, who ,was taken to Brocklehurst Private Hospital, Rangiora, in an unconscious condition, on Monday, after having collapsed at Rangiora races, died to-day, never having regained consciousness. Jansen was employed on the commercial staff of the New Zealand “Referee.” He resided in Cuba Street, Wellington, and leaves a widow.

COURT NEWS

WEEDING TON, October 31

The trial of Filers and Thomas in the Supreme Court on the charges of forgery and of attempting the uttering of a motor driver’s license, ended abruptly, both withdrawing their defence and pleaded guilty. Counsel said that the facts outlined by the Crown were never intended to be denied by Filers, who had been moved to. defend the case, first in order that he might not lose his position with the City Council; and, second, that the stigma of common forger might not rest on him. His Honour said that the men .vere not criminals. No one was defrauded, Thomas’s idea being that the license should be so dated that lie could take it to the police and it would appear that it had been issued prior to his having been accosted by the constable. His Honour took the course of fining each £2, and ordering them to pay the costs of prosecution, £lO 6s. He said that, seeing that Filers’ offence was really a matter of good nature, the Corporation would he amply justified in not visiting the offence with the punishment of dismissal.

P. AND T. OFFICERS

A!ASS MEETING AT AUCKLAND

AUCKLAND. October 30

Feeling among the Auckland members of the P. and T. Service regardins salary cuts is still running high and officials of their Association declared this morning that the members are more than ever convinced after Saturday night’s reunion that it is the policy of the present Government to allow departmental heads to dictate the policy of the various Departments. They base their remarks on the declaration of the Hon. J. B. Donald (Postmaster-General) in the House, that the Post Office is out for service, quid not profit, whereas the secretary (Mr G. McNamara) is, according to them, carrying but a policy of service and profit. A mass meeting, is to be held shortly to consider the position regarding salaries.

DROUGHT IN OTAGO

DUNEDIN, Oct. 31

The rainfall recorded in Dunedin during October was exceptionally light, the total fall being less than a quarter of an inch. Very light rain fell on five days only, the month being marked by light* sunshine and light winds. The rainfall was the lightest experienced in Any calendar month for the past six years. The conditions during October were in striking contrast to those of October last year when the rainfall was nearly five inches.

The gardens and farm lands in most parts of Otago are very parched, and rain is badly needed.