INTERPROVINCIAL

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 469, 3 August 1899, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Lest Night. The Council of the Evangelical Churches in the City has affirmed the princ ; ple of providing counter attractions to the hotels by establishing pubic temperance clubs for the healthy social recreation of the masses. It has also asked the associated churches to instruct their members to strike out the top line at the coming -local option poll. The remaining charges arising out of the Hairing-street gambling raid were heard to-day. An Englishman, named Olliver, who was found among the " fan tan " school, was fined £l. Ming Shang, the keeper of the house, in which the packapoo school were playing, has been fined £25. The Counsel, tor the defence contended that " paskapoo " was a game of skill ; but Mr Haseklen, S.M., ruled that it was an unlawful game. At the inquest on Mrs Watson this morning, the Hon. Mr Jenkinson, M.L.C., who saw the whole of the circumstances of the accident, stated that the ladies had nearly reached the footpath at the corner when they hesitated and then ran back. Mrs Watson appeared to trip on her skirt and staggered. This so delayed her that the pole struck her, knocking her down. The bus was not travelling at a dangerous speed ; in tact the speed was very little quicker than walking. He said emphatically the accident was not the driver's fault. It could not have been avoided by any driver under the circumstances. The women were to blame themselves for turning back. The inquest was adjourned to Friday.