DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1931, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS

ACCOUNTANT’S THEFT.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 1

By nn involved system of manipulating books over a period of three years. Albert Kellawov, an accountant, turned the sum of £1,129. belonging to his employers, the Australian Mutual Provident Society, to his own -use.

Kellaway, who pleaded guilty to a el large of thelt before Air'Page, S.M., at the Alagistrate’s Court, was committed to the (supreme Court for sentence.

Accused said, in a statement to the police, that he had been in tbe employ of the Society for the past 21 years. In 1921 he got into fina.ntial difficulties and was threatened by a money lender witli bankruptcy unless be could find monev. Bail was refused.

FIRE ON STEAMER

DA RGA VJ.LLE, April ’2

A fire was discovered in a coal bunker of the Kaipara Shipping Company’s steamer Wairatu at 10.39 hist night. The fire brigade was called out, but not till 2.30 this morning was the fire finally subdued, a large quantity of coal having to be ■shifted before the seat of the fire was reached. No structural damage was clone, but a fairly large hole was burnt, in the wall of the. hunker. It was a close call and only the .strenuous work of the fire brig, ade and crew prevented considerable damage. The vessel will he able to resume as usual, running to-night. MAX IMPRISONED. DUNEDIN. April 2. Allan Edwards was sentenced in the police court to a month’s imprisonment on a charge of being illegally found in the enclosed yard of the Vacuum Oil Company. According to the police accused made a suggestion to the night watchman. “what about tickling the Pet Pr.” which meant opening the safe.’

It was explained that the safe in the office was never locked owin'* to the danger of the oil tanks being set alight if explosives were used, and the police said accused had been previously employed by the Company and knew this. The Alagistrate, in sentencing accused. said the explanation that he went, to see the watchman wasn’t convincing. Accused was shown to be wearing gloves and carrying 2 large stones which be said bo intended throwing on tbe roof to attract the watchman’s attention RELIEF WORKERS. WELLINGTON. April 2. Over two hundred relief workers, two three and four day men, were t(>-nay induced by a procession, which went round the various jobs to leave off Us a. protest against the red nod wages.

i lie following resolution is being sent to the .Minister of Labour, by the Executive of the Wellington Citizens’ Unemployment committee: —“Ihe Executive expresses its regret at the decision of tnR Prime -Minister to reduce the wages of workers employed upon relief works, knowing full well that the amount of money allowed tor the work done is insufficient to keep body and soul together. The committee also strongly urges the Government to increase the number of 'days allowed to each worker in order that a reasonable amount of money be paid.

AN INQUEST. NAPIER. April 2. At the inquest on Andrew Whillins, a verdict of death through misadventure' was returned. The jury’s evidence showed that deceased took a Unament in mistake for medicine. NO DISEASE IN NAPIER. NAPIER. April 2. it is officially stated there is no disease in Napier to cause anxiety. Four cases of scarlet fever are. reported since the quake., but the position is well in hand.