AUCKLAND

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 25

AUCKLAND

The Prime Minister sidled, in reply io ft Hamilton deputation, that the utilisation *>f water to mo-vide electiic powor foi thu railways was too costly, but that regulations -would be fi-aroed to permit its use for other purposes by private enterprise, [under certain conditions. Under the present regulations the winner of a scholarship or of a free place may choose to attend a secondary school, a district hi<rh school, or a technical college, i>u± lia-ving- oxicg l>een eniolled lie cannot transfer from one class to another, should this course be desired at the end of the first year. The Education Board has decided to recommend to the department the desirability of making facilities for transfers in this matter. William Scott and Thomas Townsend, who were committed from Whangarei for sentence on charges of robbery under arms and breaking and entering, were on the 19th inst. sentenced to 12 months' impriBonment on each offence, the sentences to be concurrent. A telegram from Hokiangra Heads states that Wi Ngakuru was killed by the capsizing of a timber waggon which he was driting. The Trades and Labour Council passed a. resolution urging the Government to deal •with the housing problem by passing a Fair j Kent Bill, or by providing better housing of the masses. The council also decided to ask the Prime Minister if he intends doing anything to lessen the ' cost of living by regulating the export of butter, meat, etc. The Sawmill 3ns' Association has advanced ihe price of boxes (fruit and gum), broom handle*, laths, and 6taves by 10 per cent. These lines were not raised recently when other timber was adavneed in price, 6O that this decision brings all into line. Judgment was given in the Supreme Court on the 20th, in lihe claim brought by Malcolm Fleming, mining engineer, against Andrew Farmer and Henry Thornton Smith for £3432 damages for alleged breach of agreement. Plaintiff's complaint was that the defendants, who were directors of the South Brunner Colliery Company, wound up the company in April, 1907, contrary to agreement and guarantee, whereby he had been temporarily ruined. After hearing, the plaintiff's case Mr Justice Edwards granted a nonsuit, with costs on the highest' scale. The Rotorua carnival has proved very successful so far. The Maori hakas and poi dances are the beet seen in the district Bince the royal visit. A large number of visitors are at Rotorua. A four-roomed bouse, owned by Mr F. H. Eyre and occupied by Mr Thomas Rodda, tvas totally destroyed by fire at Whitianga at about 10 o'clock last night. The occupants, who were all in bed, had a narrow escape. The fire is said to have originated an a defective oil heater which had l>een left, -alight in the kitchen for the- purpose of keeping hot some food for a sick childMrs Rodda, wiio was severely burnt in trying 1 to save- some of the effects, had to t»a taken to the hospital tnis morning for ■medical treatment. On Saturday night at Paeroa Constable Henry arrested a man named George "Allen. alia« Captain Melba. on a. warrant ! charging him -with false pretences a-t ' Waihi. While being searched the prisoner j put one hand in his waistcoat pocket, put something in his mouth, and fell to the ground unconscious. Emetics were administered, and medical aid was summoned. The doctor said the prisoner had not taken poison, but on his recovery the prisoner said he had done so, but the emetic bad counteracted its effects. He •would not 6ay what the poison was, or where he procured it. The first totaiisator meeting at Cam•bridge for many years was held on Saturday, on the occasion of the Rotorua races. The sum of £1000 was put through. There were 21 bookmakers on the course at £5.