DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

YOUNG MAN DROWNED

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association J

HAMILTON, Mav 23

Unable to swim, Tasman Stepneusou. .19, was drowned m Waikato river near Huntly yesterday when be fell from a launch in which li e was duck shooting. Stephenson w»s a youth of line physique, employed in the coal mines. With another man about the same age, Leslie Harris, Stephenson set out by a launch and proceeded down the river. About two miles north of Huntly, the boat struck a submerged snag, causing it to lurch suddenly. Both youths were standing in the well at the stern of the launch. Stephenson lost his balance an ( | fell into the river, but Harris who was steering was able to steady himself. Stephenson was unable to swim and before his companion could right the launch he disappeared. A strong (airrent was running, the river being very deep at the place where the fatality occurred.

BO DIES UNR ECO YE RED

HAMILTON, May 23

The bodies of W. R. Lomas, 19, and Arnold, 8, who are thought to b« drowned, as the result of a small boat capsizing in the upper reaches of Raglan harbour, yesterday, have not yet been recovered. In the afternoor they were seen drifting round the. lower reaches of the harbour, ami pippartnely were caught in a strong ebb tide drifting over the liar. The three left Raglan at 10 o’clock yesterday morning in a small hired boat, to fish. The body of Percy Nelson, a third victim was washed, ashore. LEVY DEFAULTERS. AUCKLAND, M«y 24. It has been stated that large numbers are evading the payment of the unemployment levy. Speaking at Papaboe.toe fast night, Hon. Mr Smith, Minister of Labour, said that the facts were that 465,000 males were registered under the Act-, and in December, 1930, 398,500 of these bad paid the levy that was then due. From the number registered, the Minister said, there must be deducted the soldiers on full pensions, the. old age pensioners, )the, •prisoners pi id others who arc -exempted from the levy. He added: We know, almost to a .mail, who has shirked his responsibility. and We shall rope all of the defaulters in.’’ OAR CAPSIZES. "WATROA, May 25. A five seater ear late on Saturday afternoon, containing H. Brown and a lad, proceeding tq .Wai.kokppu.. capsized at a corner on the road between Whiikaki and Tahnenui. Roth were injured and liospitalled. REBUILDING AT WAIKOA. EARTH TREMOR#" STILL FELT. WATROA, May 25. Hardly a day has passed since the memorable February 3 without earth tremors and sharp 'shakes occurring, but people here now take little notice. Rebuilding is going on rapidly and in another two months all damaged buildings, except- about hall a dozen, will be completely re-built.