DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

GOLD PRODUCTION. AN INCREASED QUANTITY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) DUNEDIN, December 13. The increased price commanded by gold at the present time, combined with the unemployment situation, have so stimulated gold production in Otago that one Dunedin bank has had to double its assaying staff. The manager of this bank informed a reporter that numerous parcels were being brought in, and the fact that many of them were small indicated that a large number of prospectors were fossicking for gold. In, some instances, the .amount of gold sent in to the bank was as small as 2dwt or 3dwt.

INQUEST VERDICT. ’ DUNEDIN, December 15. At the inquest on Thomas Galand Mac Lean, 22, who died suddenly while working at a motor-car, the medical evidence was that death was caused by heart failure due to toxic charges resulting from influenza, and aggravated by exertion after a heavy meal. A verdict was returned accordingly. CHURCH APPOINTMENT. NELSON, Dec. 14. The Rev. Donald Haultain, Dean of Bendigo, has accepted the position of vicar of All Saints, Nelson in succession to Archdeacon Dart, who has retired. ' PENSION FRAUDS. WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. John Overton Smith, a returned soldier, with over live years service, pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court to three charges, involving false statements to the Pensions Department and obtaining £lO4, to whicli he was not entitled. Accused was lined £25 on one charge and convicted and ordered to pay costs on the other two. MINISTER OF CUSTOMS. AUCKLAND. Dec. 14. Hon. W. Downie Stewart, with Iris sister, Miss Stewart, his secretary, and the Controller of Customs (Dr Craig), leave for Honolulu to-morrow horning. He received a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce in private. Interviewed,, Mr Stewart declined 'to comment on the cablegram from Ottawa, saying it would be improper to speak now on questions that would J?^.4he M basis, of. negqfmtjpns,., Mr Stewart and bis party are due to return to Auckland on January 25 th. SHOOTING ACCIDENT MASTER TON, Dec. 14. , Oswald McAlpine, 18 years of age, of Martinborough, was accidentally shot at Whatarangi on Sunday evenin, while out shooting, lie was conveyed to a. private hospital in Mnrtinborougt, where an operation was iterformed. The bullet penetrated the abdomen. His condition is serious. DEATH OF HUSBAND AND WIFE. DUNEDIN, December 15. Robert Joseph Norman and his wife were found dead in bed this morning, at their residence in Fingah Street, [ ■South Dunedin, with the gas iturned on. Robert Joseph Norman was 62 and his wife, Lydie, about the same age. Norman was a taxi driver. They were found dead in bed by a constable, with a gas jet turned on, and the doors and windows locked.