DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 86, 24 November 1911, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS.

POLITICAL CANDIDATE FINED FOR i )RUN K EN N ESS. (Per Press Association.) Christchurch, November 23. John McLachlan, of AsJiburton, a candidate for Parliament, did not appear whan Ids name was called in the’ Police Court this afternoon to answer to a charge of drunkenness. Too Magistrate (Mr Bishop) enquired if the offender was a justice of the peace, and tho Sub-Inspector replied in the affirmative. His Worship commented on the impropriety of a man yielding to drink when ho might have to punish, others for a similar offence. The accused did not appear and was fined 10s, in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. IN FURTHER TROUBLE. Christchurch, November 24. At tho Supreme Court tiiis morning Herbert Oscar Amos, storekeeper, sued John McLachlan,, ex-member of Parliament, for £250 damages in reSt of an alleged slander. The itiff said defendant entered his store and abused him in the presence of other people, calling him n thief and a rogue. McLachlan, in evidence, admitted having been annoyed with defendant when lie entered the store. Ho was irritated because be believed his signature was obtained to a guarantee bond improperly, defendant being the postmaster at Doyleston. The case is proceeding. AN UNUSUAL CASE. Christchurch, November 23. A somewhat unusual case bearing on gaol discipline was heard to-day at the Lyttelton Police Court, when a discharged prisoner, Charles Baker, was charged with having on November 22nd conveyed money to a prisoner in the Lyttelton gaol. Sergeant Ryan stated that the accused had been undergoing a sentence of seven days’ imprisonment, which expired yesterday. After leaving the gaoler’s office Baker proceeded along tho passage to the front, and on his way ho was observed to pass something to a fellow prisoner, an act contrary to the regulations. It was found out that the sum of five shillings had been handed over. The accused had been in gaol previously, and should have been fully aware ’ of the graveness of the offence. Baker, who pleaded guilty, stated that lie was unaware that he was breaking the regulations, and the money passed to the prisoner was in return for a favour in getting medicine for him. The Bench decided to convict and a fine of £5, in default one mouth’s imprisonment, was imposed. ALLEGED INCENDIARISM. Whangarei', November 24. Four outbreaks of lire were discovered within a few minutes of each other, from half-past ten hist night, in every instance at the rear of largo business places in the'centre of t!>e town, with a chance of a disaster. Another outbreak in stables behind the largest hotel was. detected at 4 a.m. There are many indications of deliberate intention. All the outbreaks wore quelled before they had time to spread. THE WANGANUI BAIL Wanganui, November 24. Soundings taken on the bar tins morning revealed a record minimum depth of 21ft. at average high water, which is 2ft. more than the last sounding six weeks ago. This is doomed highly satisfactory, in face of the recent very heavy weather, which was expected to cause a little silting. The improvement is held to show that Lie extension of the moles to full length provided by the present scheme has, as predicted by Dir. Leslie Reynolds (consulting engineer) and Mr. Howorth (resident engineer), resulted in holding tho outgoing current to its work in clearing the bar. As a matter of fact there is now practically no bar loft, the obstruction which previously existed having been almost completely removed. A PERSISTENT SLY-GROGGER. Yvellington, November 24. James Henry Hope, restaurant keeper, previously convicted fbr sly grog selling, was to-day sentenced to a month’s imprisonment for a repetition of the offence. BREACHES OF LICENSING LAWS. Masterton, November 24. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning Mathew Adams was fined £lO and costs for keeping liquor for sale. Nellie Cos tine was lined £2 and costs for delivering liquor to a person for a No-license district without tlie package being properly labelled. THE NELSON STORM. Nelson, November 24. Last night’s storm of hail, rain, thunder and lightning was the worst on record, but was curiously partial within the city and especially in Toi Toi Vallej 7 , where fruit trees and tomato plants were literally stripped of flowers and immature fruit, and all outdoor vegetables and the cucumber tribe wore ruined. Tho hail covered the streets and caves of houses to over six inches deep and lay ui) to eighteen inches. '1 hose are not yet melted in many places and some" of the hills were covered as with snow, while others adjoining them show none. 'Die rain flooded numerous dwellings and shops in the ground floor. At the nurses’ quarters at tho hospital the flood invaded all the rooms. The Wairnea Road generally also suffered severely from hail, several green houses having most of tiio glass broken. 'Die storm area seems limited to the city for it was not felt at Stoke or Motueka, so tho main orchards are safe. This morning is as cold ns midwinter, with sleety rain. BAND CONTEST AT DUNEDIN. Dunedin, November 21. It has lieon decided to hold a hand contest in Dunedin about October, 1912. Tho authority of tho South Island Bands Association has been asked for. 'Die prize money will ho: Grade “A”: First £2OO, second £IOO, third £SO, fourth £ls; grade “B”;

first £7O, second £35, third £2O, mirth £ls. Prizes are also provided or a quickstep competition, £125 bong divided between the two grades.