LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 19614, 21 July 1927, Page 11

LOCAL AND GENERAL

At tho Magistrate’s Court George Edward Welch was charged with escaping from the AYaikuue prison. The accused was arrested last week under tho name of Clarence Clancy, and was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon on charges of issuing valueless cheques. The police later discovered that the accused had escaped from An'ison, and he was again arrested and remanded to appear at AVellington on Wednesday. The Canterbury farmers’ party arrived at Groymouth from Hokitika yesterday, and was welcomed by Air J. Mulearo (president of tho AVc.it Coast Farmers’ Union) and,others. The visitors speak warmly of the hospitality already received A civic reception was held later at the Town Hall, where short addresses were given by the mayor <AIr Grceuslado), Mr J. Mulearo, Air Joseph APLean (chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr D. Robertson Whaimun of tho Progress League), and Air J. P. Irvine (Grey County Council). The speakers stressed the mutual benefits obtainable by an exchange of visits and opinions between fanners. Messrs B. Withell (president _of the Mid-Canterbury Farmers’ Union), A. Horsey, P. Shearer, ami J. Carr replied. At tlie conclusion of the function the party left by motor for Punakaiki. In tho evening Hd* were entertained at a social under the auspices of tlie AA r est Coast A. and P. Association.

Subsequent to a collision between a Ford ear and a big Hupniobilc car on the Main North road, Papanni (Christchurch), the latter ear was totally destroyed by tire through the carelessness of a bystander, who threw a lighted match into a pool of petrol. The Hnpmobile was badly smashed in the collision, and ended its career on its side in tho middle of the road. The lire travelled rapidly along the gutter to Hi© ear, and all eilorts to suppress it were unavailing. Mr J. 1). Myllic, oi Set ton, was the owner ol the car, which was insured with the London, Liverpool, and Globe Company. The passengers in both ears were thrown out, but escaped serious injury. Gilbert Michael Joseph M'Grath, exsenior railway clerk at Obakuno, pleaded guilty in the court at Wanganui to the theft of £126 3s lid while in the employ of the Hallway Department. Tho aensed was in the district engineer’s office, and _tho money was stolen at various periods between December, 1924, and July, 1926. The method was to lake the time-sheets, pay-sheets, etc., and to draw wages purporting to be for casual workers employed on the Obakuno section. Tho defalcations were discovered by sonic officers from Wellington who wore inquiring into another matter. The accused exonerated other railway servants from blame. Tie said the reason he stole tho money was that ho was short of cash at the time. Ho was committed to Hie Supreme Court for sentence.

Quite an enjoyable entertainment was given in the Mosgiel Presbyterian Bible Class Hall, the Bov. C. Kennedy presiding. The Ontram Male Choir rendered several part songs, Mr J. Logan and Mr Congiilan a. cornet duet, Miss B. Williams and Mr C. Logan a vocal duet, while songs were given by Misses Shaw, B. Williams. Southgate, and Doherty. Messrs Bathgate (2), Jackson, and Murray. Misses Logan and Harrison played the accompaniments. There was a fair attendance at tho Coronation Hall, Mosgiel, last night, on the occasion of a concert arranged by the local Baptist Bible Classes in aid of missionary funds. The Bev. It. Robertson was in the chair. The programme was lengthy, hut every item was good. All the entertainers were from Dunedin, and. treated their Mosgiel friends to a very enjoyable evening. _ Songs wore given by Mrs Scott and Miss Bawst.ron, Messrs White, W. Hißiker, J. Paterson, J. Simpson, and Lambert; recitations by Mrs and Mr Gordon Hendry: and musical monologues by Rev. P Crnmpton One of the gems of the evening was Miss Eva. Judd’s violin solos. Mr O. Judd played a cornet solo, and later ’oiimd in a duet (cornet and virdin) with Miss Judd. The accompaniments were placed by Miss Logan, Mrs Brown, Mrs Barnes, and Miss E. Stokes.