DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 89, 22 April 1913, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

THE PUPOXGA OUTRAGE. [Per Press Association.] Nelson, April 21. A sequel to the recent strike oi miners at Puponga and the burning of the dwelling of a mine deputy named Walker took place at the Collingwood Magistrate’s Court to-day, when five men—William Bromilaw, Robert Grace, Daniel Bannon, Robert Ross and James Byers—were charged that on or about April 8, with intent to intimidate one Samuel Walker, they did injure the dwelling of the said Walker. Tiie cases were conducted by Detective Rawle, and occupied the Court the whole day. All the accused were committed for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court at Nelson, bail being allowed each in £6O and one surety of £IOO. Bail was not immediately forthcoming in all cases, but it is stated that the Federation of Labor will furnish the funds for all the accused.

DARING MOTORISTS

Marton, April 19. Are some motor cyclists and motorcar drivers touched with insanity ? According to the engine-driver of the New Plymouth-Wellington express, many of them are mad, judging by the tremendous risks they run. When giving evidence at an enquiry to-day, Mr Meachin said that the greatest hurdle engine-drivers had on the track was that arising from motor traffic. Throughout the country trains frequently had to be stopped because of motorists, and, speaking for himself, he had seen some of the most daring tricks performed, particularly on the run from Feilding to Palmciston. It was not unusual to see motorists race the train when the road was running parallel with the track, and then take the crossing in front of the engine with less than 20 yards to spare between them and probably certain death. A GILDED SIXPENCE. Invercargill, April 21. A married woman named Dixon, wife of a Nightcaps miner, was to-day committed for trial on a charge of uttering a counterfeit half-sovereign. Evidence was given alleging that the accused, had tried to pass a gilded sixpence as a half-sovereign in two shops at Nightcaps at Christmas and New Year. Accused reserved her defence.

THE AKAROA SENSATION; nib Christchurch, April 21. John Hitchcock,'- who" hiMS -k-' derous attack on his sister at Graham Valley, Ak,aroa, ( ye»b^rday,, a.aet then a t temptid to commit ispibidie, h| now conscious and progressing favourably, in police custody. Considering the injuries he sustained, he does not look bad. Hitchcock shows no disinclination to answer questions put to him concerning the assault, and was able to give a coherent report ‘of the circumstances as they happened. When asked what impelled him to commit the assault, he stated that he had been worried in his business for some time, and that he had been unable to sleep. He set out for a walk.with his sister, with no intention of at-; tacking her. It came to him suddenly, and without any premeditation he committed the assault.

WHEAT YIELD ABOUT TIMARU. Timaru, April 20. Mr J. Talbot, chairman of the Timaru branch of the Farmers’ Union, in the annual statement, puts the average wheat yield in this district at not more than 22 to 24 bushels, and the total at not more than two-thirds of that of last year. Other branches of farming are considered satisfactory. It is considered probable that wheatgrowing will be largely given up, owing to (1) the cost pf labour, and the difficffiulty of getting it at harvest time; (2) the low prices, which. . are kept down by possible Australian imports under the low tariff; (3) high wheat freights to Britain; (4) the working of the Defence Board, taking men away to camp and leaving the teams idle.

A SUCCESSFUL WHALING TRIP,

Invercargill, April 21. The Australian Whaling Company’s fleet, under the management of Captain Egeness, which has been carrying on operations in Foveaux Strait for the past four months, with headquarters at Chalky Inlet, is now on its way to the Australian coast. Mr E. Wug, Norwegian Vice-Consul, stated that despite the unfavourable weather which had prevailed almost continuously since the fleet started operations, they had captured twenty fine whales, all of the sperm variety. They had also obtained, about two weeks ago, a lump of ambergris valued at £4OOO, and this, with the products of the whales treated by uiem since their arrival, would make the season a successful one financially. The fleet is at present making a prospecting visit along the West Coast, and will afterwards proceed to Jervois Bay, on the coast of New South Wales, where headquarters will be established. The fleet will remain in Australian waters for four months, and future movements will depend entirely on the result of their season there. If successful they may return to Foveaux Strait.