MAYOR'S SUDDEN DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 45, 22 February 1910, Page 5

MAYOR'S SUDDEN DEATH.

C____3_C__llß'C_[, Monday. Mr. J. Hayes, Mayor of Wooiston, died suddenly while presiding over a meeting of the Woolston Borough Council to-night. Deceased was subject to heart trouble. A certificate of death will be given by the doctor, who was called in. Deceased was .formerly a police constable, but was retired some years ago on superannuation.

I GOVERNOR'S FAREWELL TOUR. NELSON, Monday. The town was en 'fete to-day on the occasion of the farewell visit of the Governor. The prestation of an address of welcome to Lord Plunket took place during the forenoon, when a procession of friendly societies and citizens was held, the principal streets being draped with flags. The vice-regal party were entertained at luncheon, and an inspection of public institutions took place during the afternoon. Lord Plunket is being entertained at a Masonic function to-night. His Excellency will be taken to Oaible Bay to-morrow. A citizens' conversazione will be - held -morrow evening, and the visitors will depart on Wednesday. BUSH FIRE IN SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, Monday. The worst bush fire in the history of Cola-c Bay raged on Saturday, a strong westerly gale driving the flames towards ■the township, which for a time was in peril. A change of wind saved the situation, but as it was two houses were burnt and the danger is not yet past, as another change of wind may bring the fire back on the town. Men and women ■have been fighting gamely against the conflagration.

SLANDER ACTION SETTLED.

PALMERSTON NORTH, Monday. j The civil action, Walsh v. Turner, claim for £501 damages for .alleged slander, has been settled out of Court. The defendant declared that he never intended to accuse the plaintiff ot cheating at a teams' poker tournament between club 3 from Pahiatua and Eketahuna, as had been alleged, and he denied ever having done so.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. PALMERSTON NORTH, Monday. . At the criminal sessions of the Supreme Court to-day, W. V. B. Pearce was found not guilty of the theft of cattle. The jury were three and a-quarter hours coming to a decision. NAPIER, this day. The Supreme Court calendar comprises 17 charges against 13 prisoners, none being of a very serious character, and Judge Cooper offered congratulations to the district on the absence of serious crime. Thomas Francis Hunt, for theft from a dwelling, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment.