NEWS TN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 271, 11 August 1943, Page 6

NEWS TN BRIEF

Storm Stops Locomotive

Due to the blowing-out of a fuse, the electric locomotive hauling the Limited express to Paeknkaraki on the first stage of its journey was held up for 20 minutes last uight. Tlie trouble was attributed to the (swinging of the overhead line under the force ot the heavy gale which was blowing.

Unusual Accident. An unusual accident bfefel Brian r urness, a schoolboy, of 32 Severn Street, Island Bay, yesterday. He fracturei. his right leg in a fall off a sent, and was conveyed to hospital by the Free Ambulance.

Balij Was Sick. . Instancing the nature of some of the ealls for service which bad to be answered, a Wellington taxi driver stated last night that, he received an urgent, call to an address where it was stated that a sick baby had to be taken away. When “baby” was brought, out. it was found to be a five-gallon beer jar and was solemnly pronounced tb be empty.

Savings Quota Successes. Last week National War Savings quota successes were achieved in 21.1 towns. All the principal centres were successful. An encouraging feature was Die attainment; of the quota amounts at a number of places which for some weeks past bad been falling short by comparatively small amounts. New National Savings accounts continue to be opened. The total number for the Dominion is now rapidly approaching 400,000.

Wellington Gas Supply. The southerly storm with which Wellington was afflicted on Monday night and yesterday increased Die difficulty which" the Wellington Gas Company has had to maintain the supply of gas. The cold weather has increased the demand for gas. but the company is asking consumers to economize strictly so that the supply may be maintained at at least the low pressure to which it has fallen recently. Election Candidates.

Approximately 250 candidates have so far announced their intention of contesting the general election on .September 25. From present indications, many more are likely to come forward, and it is very probable that, the total ot 265 in 1935, which was the highest number in recent years, will, be exceeded. The Labour and National parties have selected most of their candidates, but several of the other political organizations have stated that further names will be announced.

Valueless Cheques. Toni Stillingfleet Hamer, civil servant, aged 60. who pleaded guilty in the Magistrates’ Court, Wellington, on Friday last to 47 charge*? of issuing valueless cheques, involving £lBB/9/6, was this week admitted to probation for two years by Mr. Stilwell, S.M. The magistrate said lie reached this decision in view of accused's age and physical condition, and lie agreed with coiinsel for accuse/, Mr. A. IT. Macandrew.jthat it was little use making an order for restitution.

Soldiers and Gentlemen. • “No matter in what country, the British soldier —and that, of course, includes the New Zealand soldier —has in all circumstances been kind and gentlemanly to the people,” said Mr. R. A. Wright, patron of tlie Kaiori U.S.A. Auxiliary, in welcoming returned servicemen of the district at a gathering in their honour at the parish hall. It was not only in the tiring line that the New Zealand servicemen had made a name for them-selves,-but wherever else they bad been. Jammed Under Tramcar. Knocked down by a tramcar. which was proceeding in a westerly direction along Manners Street, just past the Cuba Street intersection, at 7.45 o'clock last night, an American serviceman was fortunate to escape serious injury. When the tramcar was brought to a standstill he was jammed firmly under the forward platform, but the wheels had not reached him. The tramcar had to be jacked up before he could be dragged clear, and he was. assisted away, suffering from minor injuries.