NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3622, 8 November 1920, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

THE HENDERSON TRAGEDY. , AUCKLAND, Nov. (3. Mrs. Norah Spierpoint, of Henderson, who was admitted to the Auckland Hospital on Wednesday suffering from a dangerous head wound, alleged to have been the result of a blow struck by her sou Frederick, has not since recovered consciousness, and is still in a very critical condition. TAUTO TRAMWAY COMMISSION. M'OKAI, Nov. (5. The Taupo Railway Commissioners yesterday inspected the route of the Timber Company’s tramway, which it is be taken over by the Government. Re’sideuts at Te Korea hospitably entertained the commissioners, who visited the new cheese factory, which last season won the grading competition for the province. The commissioners are to-day hearing evidence of Mokai residents in favour of the Government taking over the tramway.

RACEHORSE STOLEN. AUCKLAND, Nov. (3. Some surprise was occasioned when it was made public that the racehorse Tama a Roa had been withdrawn from all engagements at the Auckland R.C. Spring meeting. It is now stated that the scratching of the horse was due to the son of Penury Having been stolen from his stable at Te Aroha. Particulars are not yet available,, but it is understood that those concerned have a pretty good idea of the facts concerning the disappearance of the horse, and the matter will probably be ventilated in the Court shortly. CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. WELLINGTON, This Day. William Arthur Webb, driver of a taxi, was convicted of manslaughter by knocking down and killing Alfred Maile on September 29, The jury recommended leniency, and Webb was sentenced to three months'’ imprisonment.

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. A SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE. AUCKLAND, Nov. 6. A remarkable experience befel a family named Slope at Te Koroa, a dairying settlement, 13 miles from Putaruru on tbe Taupo Timber Company’s line. During a gale and thunderstorm the bouse was struck by lightning and several rooms were 'wrecked. The family were having music one evening about nine o ’’clock, when a deafening thunderclap was followed by an explosion,' apparently down the chimney. Mrs Slope was thrown from her seat in front of the piano, and her daughter knocked down. The lightning wrecked the piano, tore throughthe rooms, then bifurcated the wrecked walls, and came out at the back of the house. The lightning scattered burning ashes from the hearth, but children sitting close to the fire mir-

aculously, escaped. The chimney was demolished, bricks being thrown twenty yards away. The wall papers were wrecked, and a brass plug in. the kitchen sink was crumpled up and the kitchen range was so twisted as to be useless. Marvellous to relate, no one was seriously hurt, but the family got a great shock. THE HOUSING PROBLEM. BUILDING FEDERATION’S OFFER. WELLINGTON, This Day. An offer was recently made by the Building Trades Federation guaranteeing labour for the Government’s housing scheme. Mr. - Herries has replied that 600 dwellings are to be erected, besides those now under construction. The cooperation of the Federation is desirable, and the Department will be pleased to have its assistance, either by the employment of workers on wages or contract. The latter method is con- ! side.rcd the more satisfactory. The ] Minister hopes that the Federation’s! offer will facilitate the erection of a largo number of houses. j