DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1932, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

FIRE AT GISBORNE. (Per Press Association — Copyright.) '‘•GISBORNE, August 1. A fire gutted the premises of W. R Clarkson, men’s outfitter, and Coronation Hotel. The brigade made a splendid sgve. The' hotel property was insured for £I7OO.

STRATFORD RAILWAY

STRATFORD, JULY 30

The last tunnel on the StratfordMain Trunk line was pierced this morning, this marking a signal step towards’ the early completion of the line. There now remains only 2-t chains of concrete lining to complete the construction work. It is anticipated that public works trains will be running over the line in the very near future. >

POSTMASTER RETIRES. WANGANUI, August 1. Mr A. Dawson, chief postmaster, retires’ to-day on superannuation after 37-1 years' service in the department. UNEMPLOYMENT STAMPS. WANGANUI, August 1. The first case in the district, of failing to affix unemployment stamps to documents wher e wages had been paid, wa, s dealt with before Magistrate iSadrnon. The defendant, E. G. Clark, explained that he had left the matter to his partner to attend to, but it was pointed out that under a partnership he was equally liable. The Magistrate said -this was an offence against revenue which was always regarded as. a more serious matter. A fine of £2 was imposed.

LARGE HOMESTEAD DESTROYED.

BLENHEIM, August 1. Blythfield homestead, one of the oldest residences in Marlborough, was totally destroyed' by fire at midnight on Saturday. It was a wooden two-storey structure of twenty rooms, owned and occupied by Horgan Brothers. The origin of the outbreak is unknown. Two men upstairs narrowly escaped. One, Con Horgan was overcome by smoke and could not reach the ladder. Vincent Horgan wrapped a cloth about his head, mounted a ladder and rescued him only just in time. The house was insured‘for £IOOO and contents for £3OO, both in the Commercial Union.