SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 249, 17 October 1908, Page 6

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.* JAPANESE DESERTER ARRESTED. CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. K. Sando, a Japanese seaman, who deserted from the tramp steamer Mortlake, was arrested by Constable Allen, of Sydenham, to-day. As the alien had not paid the £ 100 poll tax, the captain of the steamer (which seiled yesterday) was compelled to give a bond for that amount. Constable Allen has earned the £ 10 reward offered by the owners of the Mortlake. Sando was taken to Lyttelton, where he will appear before the Court. BAPTIST CONFERENCE. NELSON, Friday. At the Baptist Conference to-day a hearty welcome was given to Dr. E. W. Howard, formerly a minister. A deputation from the Nelson Ministers' Associa tion was received, and the Rev. K. Kempton feelingly responded to the good wishes conveyed by the deputation. The Rev. J. J. North reported regarding the Australasian Baptist Congress, and a resolution was passed favouring the federation of the Baptist Church and the weekly Baptist paper. The Sunday schools' report showed 55 schools, 5973 scholars, 68C officers and teachers, there being an unprecedented increase of 666 scholars last year. The Rev. liwen H >bday and Mr Gilbert Carson addressed a large open-air No-license meeting this evening. DAMAGES AWARDED. WESTPORT. Friday. In the District Court to-day J«3eie Howard, a member of the Howard Vernon Company at the time of the accident on the Buller river, on Mβ}' 10, when the Nine-mile punt was carried away and swept down the river, brought an action against the Crown to recover £ 450 general damages, £28 18/5 special damages, and £10 10/ medical expenses. The jury found a verdict for £200, counsel's feo £13 3/ and Court witness' expenses. Several other claims are pending. FIRE IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Friday. As the result of an outbreak of fire, a bicycle shop on Lambton Quay, occupied by Matterson and Fitzgerald, was gutted this morning. The stock was insured for £600. Mr E. G. B. Moss desires to meet any electors willing to join his committees, at his central committee rooms, opposite Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell, at 7.30 p.m. to-night. He also announces that he will address the electors in St. Mark's Hall, Remuera, next Tuesday evening.