DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1929, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

ASSAULT AND ROBBE

B Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright

DARGAVILLE, December 23

A brutal assault was perpetrated on Mrs C. E. Bernard of Pnrore Street by a person as yet not apprehended on Saturday evening between eight and nine. Mrs Bernard ’ had been out shopping and was taking a short cut along the railway line to her home when she was knocked down in Normanby street where the railway crosses the road. She was picked up by Mrs Thompson who found she was badly knocked about, her face bearing witness to the severe handling she had undergone. Robbery was evidently the object of the assault as a handbag containing money she was carrying is missing. Mrs Bernard was taken to a friend's house where medical aid was summoned. It will he some days before she is about again. At a late hour there was no clue to her assailant.

WEED PROBLEMS,

PALMERSTON N, December 23

J. W. Deen, Director of Fields division off ttye Department of Agriculture states the Division recently obtained from overseas a small consignment of sodium chlorate and calcium chlorate with a view to gathering first hand knowledge of the effectiveness of these chemicals as controllants of noxious weeds. Already a comprehensive series of experiments are in hand mainly in ragwot, caljifornian thistle, goa.tsrtue, and blackberry. The results of the applications are distinctly promising. The chemicals are non-poisonous to stock. If the present indications are realised

the division feels a sure end is in sight for many present day weed problems. FATAL COLLISION. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 22. A collision which took place between a motor cycle and motor car near Sockburn railway crossing early on Saturday evening, resulted in the death of Thomas Alexander Hardie, single, aged 21. Hardie who was driving the motor cycle, had with him as passengers, James White, aged 19, and Harold Edward Wright both of Templeton. White was injured and is at present in the hospital. The remaining passenger, Wright was knocked out but recovered consciousness shortly afterwards. His injuries are slight. The motor car was driven hy Peter William Toomey. The motor cycle was badly damaged, but the car escaped lightly, those in the car being uninjured.

MAG ISTRATE POSTPONES WEDDING. AUCKLAND, December 21. Phyllis Mary Hunt aged 25, a domestic was charged to-day with being idle and disorderly and with being found drunk. The police stated that the woman had been drinking in an hotel with other women. She got into a taxi with them accompanied lyy two sailors. All were under the influence of drink. “She’s to he married next week,” said counsel, “to a sailor coming up from Wellington.” “Well, we had better save the sailor,” remarked the Magistrate Air F. K. Hunt. “She’s had ample opportunities to go straight,” said the sub-inspector, “but it doesn’t'seem much good.” “Well, we’ll postpone the wedding for three months,” was -Mr Hunt’s final rejoinder. “Three months’ gaol. SWORD OF HONOUR. UN IQ UE PR ESENTATION AUCKLAND. Dec. 22. A special presentation believed to he unique in the history of the New Zealand Territorial Force, namely, a. sword of honour, was made on Friday evening to Major W. F Stillwell, M.C. who has relinquished command of tfie

Fourth Battery, New Zealand... Artillery (howitzer), on his appointment to the command of the hirst N.Z. Field Brigade. The sword was purchased by the Battery from the Defence Department, and was presented at a 1 parade of all ranks. A YACHT SAFE. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 23. The yacht Maim- is reported safe. She was moored at Kaiwarra during the night. POPULAR GJRL DIES. GISBORNE, Dec. 23. A distressing accident terminated fatally to-night, when the death occurred of Miss Isabel (Rangi) Bruce, the .seventeen year old daughter of Mr and Mrs F. 0. Bruce, of Whangara. The deceased was one of the most popular girls in the district, and a well |known cross-country \ .rider. She was lighting a fire on Wednesday morning, when a tin of mothaylated spirits exploded, causing her serious burns, from which she,, died. DRUNKEN WOMAN DRIVER. WELLINGTON. Dec. 23. A married woman, whose name was ordered to he suppressed, Was arrested hv the Lower Hutt police on Saturday on a charge of being drunk while in charge of motor car. She appeared before Mr Walter C. James, J.P., and Mr A. J. Gearing, J.P., this morning, and was fined £5. On a further charge of driving a car without a driver’s license she was convicted and uiociiarged. '