BRIEF ITEMS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 184, 7 May 1928, Page 10

BRIEF ITEMS

FROM FAR AND NEAR

Repairs to the Steelmaker. —A Pres# Association message from Suva states that the Steelmaker was afloat at 3.45 a;m. yesterday, and anchored in the les of Mitchell Reef, while effecting temporary repairs.

Historic Farm Given to Nation.—Mr. John Williamson, of Edinburgh, has bequeathed to the British nation his Ellisland farm in Dumfriesliire, wher' Burns wrote many famous poems,' it eluding “Tain-o’-Si'.anter.” —A.l’.A.

Progressing Favourably.—The latest reports from the hospital concerning the two senior grade Rugby players, G. Nicholls (I’oneke) and R. E. Hickling (Selwyn), who were injured while playing on April 28, are that both men axe progressing satisfactorily.

Sentences on New Guinea Murderers. —lt was announced in the Federal House of Representatives that of six natives sentenced to death for murders at Nauaki, New Guinea, one died- in prison, one had sentence commuted to seven years, and the remainder to fourteen years in gaol.—Press Assn.

Fatal Explosion.—The “Petit Parisien” states that a message from Rabat reports that a motor-lorry laden With ISOO kilograms of high explosives, exploded, killing eight, four of whom wero soldiers.—Australian Press Assn.

Unemployed in Melbourne.—A Melbourne Trades Hall Council return shows that 15,600 unionists are without work. The largest section consists of carpenters and builders’ labourers, with 2500. The total is the biggest the city has known for many years.—Press Assn.

Pangalos to Stand Trial.—An Australian Press Association message from Athens states that a Parliamentary Commission, after a long-drawn inquiry into the charges against General Pangalos, decided that he must formally stand his trial.

United States Merchant Marine.— An Australian Press Association-United Service message from Washington states that- the House of Representatives passed the Jones-White Shipping Bill, designed to develop the privately-owned United States merchant marine. The Bill now returns to the Senate.

Octogenarian Wins Ankle Competition. —A United Service message says the octogenarian postmistress in the little Leicestershire village of Aylestone won the village ankle competition, despite the opposition of thirty flappers. She says: "Old, young or middle-aged, let ’em all come. I will show my ankle against anybody. I don’t feel mv age, and I am ready for a bit of fun, whether ankles or anything else.”

Collapse of Grandstand. —The collapse of a portion of the grandstand at the Rosebery (N.S.W.) races on Saturday afternoon caused a stampede among the occupants, many of whom suffered injuries. A police ambulance and doctors present rendered first aid to nearly a hundred cases, but the hurts were mostly of a minor nature. —Press Assn.

Stole Pair of Shoes.—Dennis William Quill, a labourer, aged 31, admitted in the Magistrate's Court on Saturday stealing a pair of shoes valued at 15s. from a shop in Adelaide Road. Sub-Inspec-tor Lander stated that accused, who took the shoes while under the influence of liquor, had a long list of previous convictions. The Magistrate (Mr. E. Page, S.M.) sentenced Quill to one month’s imprisonment.

Cotton Spinners’ Wages.—An Australian Press Association message from London states that a sequel to the rupture of the cotton conference is that the Cotton Spinners’ Association is taking a ballot of its members on the question whether to serve notices on the employees demanding a 121 per cent, reduction in wages. The cotton spinners and the Manufacturers’ Association is recommending the districts to press.for a 4Shout" week as weil as a reduction in wages.

New Guinea Goldfields. —Tire Morobe Miners’ Association of Edie Crce.c, New Guinea, has petitioned the Federal Government against the continual granting of new alluvial leases, which they allege deprive the claim workers of their livelihood ; also against the 5 per cent, tax on gold. The petitioners add that much payable ground is now tied up under lease, the applications for which warranted investigation because of improper procedure.—Press Assn.

Motor .Collision, in .Melbourne.—A loaded motor-bus collided with a market gardener's motor-lorry at a street, intersection in Melbourne near Parliament House. The bus was overturned, and three men and sixteen women injured, mostly not seriously. The bus had the roof wrenched off, and its plate-glass windows smashed. The occupants were spilled on the roadway. The wonder is that the casualties were not more serious.—Press Assn.