NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 February 1919, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

TOWN PLANNING CONFERENSE

CHANGE OF DATES

WELLINGTON, this day.

Owing to the dates fixed for the New Zealand Town Planning Conference and Exhibition clashing with the installations and swearing in ceremony in connection with the municipalities Conference, the exhibition will now be held from 19th to 24th May.

A MOTOR ACCIDENT.

FARMER LOSES HIS LIFI

AUCKLAND, this day.

Jlames CatanaelV, ttgcd 75. a retired farmer, died at the hospital from injuries caused by the capsizing of a motor car on February 10th.

AUCKLAND TRAMWAY DISPUTE.

SATISFA CTORY SETT] /EMENT REACHED.

.VUCKLAND. this day

As a result of a conference between the Mayor and parties to the tramway dispute cars resumed their normal running to-day. The company has conceded the men's demands in main points, and increased rates to operate as soon as the City Council is in a legal position to complete the proposed agreement with the Council that will enable the Company to increase tram fares. This agreement is subject to eon'fft'mation by the City Council and by the Tramway Union. A special meeting of Council eventuates to-dav.

EXTRAORDINARY CASE.

THREATENING LETTERS AND

POISONED CHOCOLATES

WELINGTON February 15

A case surrounded by many peculiar circumstances was mentioned at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Eiehard William Martin, a wellknown resident of Welington, was charged with sending a threatening letter to Alexander Collins.

Mr. Wilis, who appeared for the defence, said ho understood that the police would agree to a remand. In that case he would apply for bail. Martin had been a resident of Wellington for 25 years, and during the past nine years had held a responsible position with the firm of Robert Martin, Ltd. Counsel asked His Worship to make hail as low as possible. There were reasons fcr that action quite apart, from the allegation's made against the accused. "I am given to understnd," said Mr. Willis. "(hat Martin and Collins are on the very best terms, and they esteem each other mutually. There is no possible chance of a ny danger to Colins if Martin is allowed his liberty. T think it will be seen that there has been some mistake."

I Detect!ve 7 8»ergeant Cox stated Ms was a very serious charge, and it is a question whether any hail at all should be allowed. In any case he asked that the bail should be maueHsubstantial. Collins had received a series of threatening letters, which sugge'stj that some day his body might be I found on Brooklyn Heights. The last i letter received W as in the form of a I final note. Collins was warned to exj pect 'something on the- 13th." On the 13th inst Collins received through the | post a box «of chocolates and the conI tents were found to be saturated j with nitric acid.,- A bottle containing j nitric acid had been found in accus- | ed's office. Mr Willis told the Court i that the letters were unsigned and j not in the handwriting of tho accused. : His Worship: Is there any doubt j as to accused's mental condition? ! Detective-Sergt. Cox: I cannot say. I Accused agreed to keep away from > Collins, and on that condition bail j was fixed at £IOO, and the case was | adjourned until Friday next. i GERMAN SUBMARINES SUNK LONDON, February 15. ! The Germans sank two of three submarines proceeding to Harwich on February 7th, and pretended that the sinking was due to accident, i LORD JELLICOE'S BOOK LONDON, February 15 Lord Jellicoe, in a brief reply to critics, says that when he was at the Admiralty prior to the war he constantly informed the Government of the Navy's needs. It was a question I jOf money. Germany had a superior armour piercing shell because she ! had the necessary steel.