New Zealand News.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 February 1918, Page 6

New Zealand News.

THE RTJNANGA MURDER.

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 13

In the West Coast murder trial, other witnesses this morning were Harold William Webb, hotclkeeper, of Grey mouth; Arthur Percy Butt, ironmoulder and Anton Palkenbach, manager of motor garage, Hokitika. They gave evidence chiefly of identification

Detective Abbot detailed the arrest of the accused in Christchurch on November 15th. At the police station the accused was fumbling with something in the bag, which was found to be a revolver, Detective Connolly who was with witness, said, "You murderer, you're going to shoot us. Hold him." Accused was then handcuffed. Subsequently they went where accused was staying, and in a bag found notes and coin totalling £3451 19s Gd. Accused was acquainted with the find but made no reply. He was then charged with the crime. Witness gave the substance of a conversation between the accused and Mrs. McMahon, which was detailed by Mr. Raymond in his opening address

Detective Mellveney gave corroborative evidence.

The Court adjourned till to-morrow

PUBLICAN'S LICENSE CANCELLED

UNDER WAR REGULATIONS

DUNEDIN, Feb 13

At Queenstown to-day, J. G. Knowles, owner and licensee of the Glenorchy Hotel, was called on, at the instance of the Inspector of Police, to show cause under section 4 of the War Regulations Amendment Act, 1917. why his publican's license should not be cancelled on all or any of the following grounds: Keeping premises o~pen on Sunday (convicted and fined £10); permitting treating (fined £20); selling liquor to person already in a state of intoxication (£2C and endorsements). The magistrate ordered the license to be cancelled as from the next quarterly meeting on Marcn 9. Knowles will then have to submit the namo of an approved person to whom a license for the house may be issued. This is the first case of the kind in New Zealand under the War Regulations.

WEBB AND WAR. PREPARATIONS FOR A FIGHT. The threatened strike of coalminers of which the first reports have been heard, is not without its bearing on the Wellington North by-election (says a special correspondent). The only man who has any chance of beating Mayor Luke is the Labour candidate, H. Holland (editor of the Maoriland Worker) and if the strike comes while the election fight is in progress, HoiI land's ehances will be badly spoiled, He has much influence with the miners and their people, and he may be able to persuade them to go on working until the election is over.

understood that the Govern■gnt is not going to make the mis- , that it made last year, and that 'if the miners ask for battle, this time will have their wish. The demand is fo| increased wages and for the Release of P. C. Webb, M.P., from fthe clutches of the military.