DOMINION NEWS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10106, 7 May 1924, Page 7

DOMINION NEWS

WATCHMAN'S TRIP.

A TRYING EXPERIENCE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 6.. An ambitious attempt to travel in a small open boat from the steamer Takapuna, which for years has been moored in the stream off Kaiwarra to the Thorndon breastwork, proved an exciting experience for the watchman this morning. A moderate southerly gale was m progress at 8.15 a.m., when F. watchman on the Takapuna, put oft from the vessel in the hulk boat, before any great distance had been covered the inevitable happened. Caught in the teeth of the gale the small craft overturned and its occupant was precipitated into the water. The mans plight was observed from the shore at Kaiwarra, and later, the harbour mastier ireceived telephonic advice that two heads could be seen bobbing in the water. The launch Uta set out for the spot described and no time was last in launching a steam pinnace from H - M.S. Hood' and the Union Company s launch Prince left a minute later. The Harbour Board office was advised over the telephone that cries for help could be heard from the water. In the meantime a valiant attempt at rescue had been made unsuccessfully by Bonner, of the hulk Prince of Wales. He set sail for the scene of the disaster in the hulk's dinghy, but the wind diverted his course to leeward. In a desperate endeavour to reach the unfortunate man, who was able to keep himself afloat, Bonner proceeded to throw a rope towards him in the hope that he might secure the end of it. Again the elements nullified the rescuer's efforts and the position gave promise of assuming desperate proportions when a boat from the bulk Helen, sailed by Denny C. Middleditch, arrived. Hobbs had just been dragged to safety when the Wellington launches made their appearance. They had made a fast journey. The man was attended by Dr. .Luke and was able to return to the Takapuna. He, is a married man with a i'amily.

SLY-GROG SELLER.

TWO FINES OF £SO

AUCKLAND, May 6. Yvliat is considered by the Auckland police to be the most daring and extensive case of sly-grog selling yet revealed in the city was brought into nrominence at the Police Court, when Tony Baito (Mr R. Singer) pleaded guilty; to two charges of selling liquor without a license.

Accused, who appeared on summons, was the proprietor of a restaurant and confectionery shop in Victoria Street. When the shop was raided on Monday night 15 dozen bottles of ale and two doSen bottles of stout were seized. There was also a huge collection of empty bottles, and it was apparent chat he had been operating on a laa-ge scale. The police noticed that the premises were suspiciously popular in the evenings. On one occasion, when constables were watching, 36 men visited the shop in two hours, and a •lumber of women also made visits in suspicious circumstances. Sergeant Mclntyre and Constable Watkins were detailed to keep Baito's premises under observation. Last Saturday and Sunday evenings these two officers entered the shop in plain clothes and purchased several bottles ol stout.

"The case was a flagrant one," said Senior-Sergeant Rawle. "It was understood that, since January, accused had made £SOO from the illegal business. Since January a local tirm had supplied accused with 154 dozen bottles of ale, 61 dozen bottles of stout, bottles of wine, and a variety of other uquors and spirits." Leniency was sought by Mr Singer on the grounds of accused's previous good character. Baito had suffered from ill-health, and had not profited financially by sly-grog selling.

Baito was fined £SO on each of the charges. Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., ordered that the liquor seized be confiscated.

MINISTER'S HEALTH.

SIR HEATON RHODES TAKING A REST.

CABINET CONSTRUCTION

WELLINGTON, May 6.

It is reported that the health of Sir Heaton Rhodes, Minister of Defence, is giving him some cause for concern, and he finds it necessary to take at least one month's rest from Ministerial duties. It is hoped 1 that Sir Heaton will be able to resume before the session commences.

The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, is still far from completely restored to health, although he continues to deal with official business. There has been some ' discussion regarding the possibility of Ministerial reconstruction. Some Government members who have visited Wellington consider it is likely to eventuate during the coming sesision, but that the Prime Minister is not likely to make any announcement until he has an opportunity of meeting his supporters.

DEPOSITIONS TA.KEN.

WELLINGTON, May 6.

A party consisting of Mr B. Page, S.M., Chief-Detective Kemp, and the Court Clerk yisited the Wellington Hospital to-day to take depositions in the case in which .Julia Ruddlesden is charged with unlawfully using an instrument on a single woman, Lucy Josephine Pope, and a young man, Rory Pinny is charged with procuring Ruddlesden to commit the crime.

Lucy Pope, in evidence, stated that accused Pinny was responsible for her condition. Pinny mad© the arrangements and witnesa visited Ruddlesden, who performed the operation. She Inter became ill, and on the advice of Pinny, admitted everything to Doctor Luke, wliQ' ordered her removal to the hospital. After witness had completed her evidence, the hearing was adjourned, and the accused remanded.