LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 20193, 5 June 1929, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Two prisoners—Richard Howie, aged twenty-two, and Harry Edward Frost, aged twcuty-oiic—escaped from the camp at Oio shortly after G o’clock on Monday evening. Parties were out searching in tho evening, but found no trace of the men. At tho annual meeting of the Wellington Licensing Committee, the chairman (Mr E. Page, S.M.) said tho report of the police regarding the conduct of hotels in the district was satisfactory. He referred to the necessity of adequate provision for lire escapes in hotels, especially in wooden buildings, and stated that a representative of tho building department of the City Council should accompany tho committee on its tours of inspection.—Press Association.

William Baker appeared before the Supreme Court at Napier for sentence on two charges of false pretences. In view of previous convictions, dating from 1903, the Chief Justice (tho Hon. M. Myers) said lie considered that the prisoner, who had already been declared an habitual criminal, could not be allowed to remain at large to be a menace to the public, and sentenced him to three years’ hard labour, again declaring him an habitual criminal. John Reginald Ellis, with a long list of previous convictions, was sentenced to two years’ hard labour for false pretences and declared an habitual criminal.

Tlie fortnightly gathering of tho Dunedin Orphans’ Club last night was presided over by the vice-president, Bro. C H. Russell, who welcomed to the meeting visitors from various parts of the South Island, including Bro. E. J. Mce, an ex-member of tho club and now great chief of the newly-formed Oamaru Savage Club, Reference was made to the illness of Bro. G. Boatb, the meeting expressing its sympathy. The president of the club (Bro. G. A. Wycherley) invested four new members with the club’s badge, and on enjoyable programme was then rendered, the orchestra giving several selections. Items were rendered by Bros. A Moore, G. IT. Eager, R B. Macdonald, AT. F. O’Sullivan, and C. Hawes (songs), J. B. Flynn and H. W. Hunter (recitations), J. Bonfell (character sketch), J. Flint M. Watson, and C. Savers (instrumental trio), and J. Wilson (violin solo).

“ That in view of the fact that the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, in common with other exservice men’s organisations throughout the world, is now working for the establishment of world peace, this executive of tho Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association dissociates itself from the resolution framed by a section of of its members at last Thursday evening’s social regarding the visit of the Emden, and regrets that publicity was given to the resolution as representing the official view of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association.” This motion was carried unanimously at a meeting of tlie executive of the (Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association last night. The resolution referred to voiced the objection to any civic function or entertainment being given to the crew of tho vessel.

The serious position in Blenheim in regard to unemployment was placed before the Minister of Labour (the Hon. W. A. Voitcli) by a deputation last week, and tiie Minister undertook to go into the matter with his colleague, the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. E. A. Ransom), with a view to providing work to relieve the position. In the meantime unemployment Ims grown steadily worse (says a Blenheim message), and though a number of men have been provided with work, there are still ninety-six on tho register at the Post Office, and many of them are breadwinners with large families. During the last few days the mayor (Mr M. APKemde) and the member for the district (Mr E. F. Healy) have been besieged by men anxious to secure work of any kind. Yesterday morning, with a view to hastening matters. Mr Healy despatched a telegram to Air Ransom urging him to take immediate measures to cope with the situation. Air Healy added that the local unemployed felt resentment at outsiders being sent by the department to works in this district while there were so many bona fide residents idle.

Though Us first meeting was convened only a month ago the Orkney and Shetland Association has quickly become a flourishing body, and at its first social gathering held in Kroon’s Hall last night no fewer than 2UO natives of tho islands ami their scendants were present, the natives being easily in tho majority. In their efforts to create an atmosphere which would remind those present of their former home tho members of tho executive were successful. A spinning wheel occupied a. prominent place in the hall, and for decorative purposes good use was made of curios from tho islands. By the joining up of twenty-eight new members the adult membership of the association was increased to 100, the junior membership reaching sixteen. Tho greater part of the evening was occupied with dancing, and in addition several items were given. In every way the. gathering was a success Rums were contributed by the following:--Airs Irvine and Aliss M. J. Henderson (songs). Miss IS. Judd (violin s.olo), and Air A. B Angus (recitation in dialect). Airs C. Brown played the accompaniments, and tho dance music was supplied by Messrs D. Teller and A. Stewart.

At the Magistrate's Court vesterclav afternoon, Thomas Walter Newbokl (Mr G. T. Baylee) was proceeded against b.v Thomas Bennett (Mr (j. J. L. White) on a claim lor £9 10s, the amount alleged to bo due lor the cartage of material belonging to the defendant and wages for assisting in loading. The plaintiff, in evidence, stated that he had been engaged by the defendant to cart old building material From a house in Cumberland street, which had been pulled down, to St Clair, the price agreed on being os a load. When bo rendered his account the defendant complained that the loads bo bad taken were too small, and thus an unnecessary nnmbc! of trips was made. The evidence fo« the defence was to the effect that it was impossible for the plaintiff to have taken tho number of loads lie bad staled, as there was not sufficient material, tils Worship said he was satisfied that the plaintiff bad carted tho number of loads he had stated, but he was not convinced' that the claim for labour was justified. •Judgment would be given for £7 10s, less the amount already paid into court by the defendant (£o 2s), with costs amounting to £2 17s.