DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1929, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

CHIEF SCOUT. D Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright GISBORNE, Dec, 19. Colonel P. Oiennell Fenwick, C.AI.G., of Christchurch, has been appointed by Lord Baden Powell, ns Dominion Chief 'Commissioner of flic Boy Scouts, in succession to General Andrew, according to cable advice received by Mr Kirk, Chairman of the Dominion Council. GIRL SEVERELY BURNED. GISBORNE, December 19. AVliilst. using methylated spirits to assist in lighting a fire in a grate A'liss Rangi Bruce aged 17, the daughter of a AYhangara settler, sustained severe burns through a resultant explosion. She lies critically ill in a private hospital. Afiss Bruce was terribly burned over tlip whole body. DROWNING FATALITY. HAATILTON, December 19. A drowning accident occurred in the Waikato River, 37 miles above Arapuni dam on Tuesday afternoon, Hie victim being Jack Sainsburv, a Government Survey Cadet, who lost his life in attempting to recover a dinghy that had broken loose. Deceased and a mate, Alan Alills noticed the dinghy floating away, both stripped and attempted to recover it. The river in the vicinity is treacherous, with strong currents. Both were caught in the rapids. Mills was thrown on a rock and was able to make the shore but Sainsbury disappeared.

MILITARY (SERVICE EXEMPTION. AUCKLAND, Dec. 19. Mr Outten, S.AL, granted three applications by Presbyterians for exemption from military service on their agreeing to perform alternative service in a Presbyterian Orphanage. Two brothers, John and Neil Dougal refused this alternative. “•If you refuse the alternative service your applications will be refused,” said the Magistrate. ‘‘That settles the matter.” GISBORNE SHIPPING. GpsBORNE, Dec. 19. The first visit of an overseas liner to Tolaga Bay was made to-day when the steamer ‘‘Bencruachan’’ called to load 2509 bales for London. The loading of lighters is being facilitated by the new wharf recently opened by the Minister of Marine. An official welcome was tendered the Captain by the Chairman and members of the arbour Board. There were 200 men engaged. There was a shortage of labour on the waterfront at Gisborne to-day, with five coastal vessels and a Home liner loading and discharging. Members of the crew of some vessels and a number of school boys were employed to supplement the ordinary labour. YOUTH MISSING. GISBORNE, Dec. ID. A youth, Dick Vercoe, disappeared from. Stanley White’s station, Waingake, a week ago, and has not since been seen, though a search was made in the neighbouring country by police and friends. Further search parties are going out, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS WELLINGTON, Dec. 19. Overseas trade figures for New Zealand for the month of November, 1929, show exports totalled £2,868,804 and imports £4,049,512 compared with £3,349,533 and £4,748,374 respectively for November 1928. Exports from New Zealand for eleven months ended November 1929 totalled £51,012,893 and imports into New Zealand £44,813,738 compared with £51,805,163 and £41,463,657 respectively for the corresponding period last year. A £lO FINE. AUCKLAND, December 19. Mr Hunt S.AL, fined Cecil Hollings Green, 59, accountant, who recently arrived from Canada, £lO or the alternative of one month, on a charge of assaulting a girl aged six by kissing her. A charge of indecent assault against Green was withdrawn on application by the police. According to a Sub-Inspector, Green found some children playing on Devonport beach. He talked to one, bought her an ice cream and he kissed her. The mother of' the child said when her daughter returned to the house she had to bathe the child’s mouth, which was swollen. The child said a man had kissed her and put his hand upon her knee. Counsel for the defence urged that there was nothing; sinister in the man’s act. He had a witness who said there was nothing wrong.