DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1918, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

•DR. THACKER'S CHARGES:. Cliristcliurch, Jan. 11. Dr. Tliacker addressed a letter to the Premier asking the Government to set up a Royal Commission to take evidence as to the methods and complaints thereon of the -Medical Boards' examinations of reservists and medical treatment of soldiers in camp or on leave, and treatment when given extended leave without pay. He says absolutely impossible reservists are -being sent into camp, retained a few days, and then given extended leave without pay. These men have still an uncertain military future. This is an enormous waste of publitraoney. Mr. Massey says this is a matter for the consideration of Cabinet. BREACH OF WAR REGULATIONS. Cliristcliurch, Jan. 11. At the Magistrate's' Court this morning George Beilby, Kenneth Connor, Eric Sester, Harold Sinclair, Viva Young and Fred. Nevin were charged with breaches of thenar Regulations by taking photos, of overseas vessels at Lyttelton.' The prosecution stated that the cases were brought as a warning. Each defendant was fined 5s without costs, with the exception of Young, against whom a conviction only was recorded. EXPLOSION ON A SHIP. Napier, Jan. 11. An explosion of gasoline vapor occurred aboard the coaster Echo at the port litis morning. The ship was undamaged. Among the cargo for Wairoa were soma I leaking eases of gasoline and ii. is presumed that the spirit got into the bilge and was ignited by a light in the enginecoom. SOFT DRINKS ON SUNDAY. 1 Wellington, .Tan. 11. It was argued in the Police Court today that tlie sale of soft drinks, ice cream, strawberries and cream, etc., was not an offence against the law, but in satisfaction by the vendors of a public necessity. Mr. Young, S.M., pleaded that not being a "light meal," the supply of those articles bv themselves was not a work of necessity. The specific matters before tlie court were three charges against Edward Seale of keeping the Bodega American Bar open for the purpose of trading on Sunday. Defendant wag fined £ 1 and costs on each information.

WANCtANUI HARBOR REVENUE. Wanganui, Last Night. i The Wflnganui Harbor Board's revenue [for the past year was a record, the figures being £20,463, as compared with £17,522 in 1916. The arrivals numbered 007 vessels as compared with'7s6 in 1916, and 15 Home steamers loaded in the roadstead 1 as compared with Mi duriiig the previous year. SOFT DRINK VENDORS. AVellington, Last Night, A nuwil)er of keepers of establishments where soft drinks and ices are vended tt'ere charged at the Magistrate's Court with Sunday trading. Most of the defendants were fined, but three cases concerned premises !. seaside resorts, and the Magistrate said that in his opinion businesses of tlie kind were in a different category from similar businesses in town. The cases were dismissed,