DOMINION ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 May 1924, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS

[Per Press Association.]

MISSING LAUNCH FOUND.

BLENHEIM, May 6.

A launch, which had been missing from Titirangi since Sunday, was picked up this morning in Cook Strait oy the steamer Corinna, and the whole party aboard have returned safely to Titirangi.

Titirangi. MOTORING FATALITY. STRATFORD, May 7. William Darragh, licensee of the Club Hotel, * driver of the motor car involved in the collision whereby Miss Gustofson lost her life, has been summoned to appear on Friday on a charge of manslaughter. HARBOUR MYSTERY. AUCKLAND, May 7. Three Northcote residents at 1U.45 last night heard cries for help coming from the harbour. They launched a boat, and heard the cries fainter and fainter. They searched for half an hour without any satisfaction as to the cause of the appeals. A GIRL’S AGE. WELLINGTON, May 7. At the .Supreme Court, Arthur Henry Archpr was found not guilty on a. charge of carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. The accused, being under the age of 21, 'Set up the defence that he. had reasonable cause to believe that the girl was over 16. H.M.S. CHATHAM. WELLINGTON, May 7. The warship Chatham, with the band playing, left here this morning en route for Auckland from whence she will leave on May 27, for Colombo to replace the Soutiiampton as flagship of the East Indies Station. The Southampton is going home for boiler repairs, and will be absent from the station for about 12 months. When she returns to relieve the Chatham, the latter will go Home. The Chatham ratings going Home from New Zealand will be transferred to the Southampton at Colombo. About seventy will leave by the Ruahine, sailing from Wellington on May 15. 1 P.O. REFUSE. AUCKLAND, May 5. In the Supreme Court ■ Mr Justice Stringer gave judgment for the City Council in a case, against the Crown, claiming the sum of £2l 8s 6d* as a charge for collecting [and removing refuse from the post office •in the city. His Honour said that, the contention that the Crown was not bound by the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act was correct, and the case must be decided apart from the provisions of the Act. The Crown having availed itself of the facilities offered was under an obligation to pay for them at a reasonable price.

PLUMBERS’ AWARD. WELLINGTON, May 7. The application by the New Zealand Federated Pltimbers’ and Gas Fitters’ Industrial Association of Workers for a Dominion award came before the Conciliation Council to-day. Applications for exemption were made on behalf of the Christchurch and Wellington Gas Companies, the New Zealand Freezing Companies and the Wellington Harbour Board, and were referred to the' Court. It was urged by the Union that the gas companies were in com* petition with the employers, and what was wanted was to be able to call men out after hours and pay them ordinary rates, while in such circumstances the ordinary employer would be required to pay overtime. The freezing companies were also at times in competition with other employers. DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC. TAUMARUNUI, May 5. A middle-aged man, Henry Walkey who was admitted to the public hospital on Saturday for treatment to an injured hand, died while under an anaesthetic administered to him for a slight operation. An inquest was opened yesterday, when evidence was given that the ceased was examined by the 4 medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr E.

Fisher, prior to the anaesthetic being administered by Dr E, H. Howard. A post-mortem was conducted by Dr. A. H. A. Vivian, who in his evidence, said that in his opinion, death was due to acute cardiac failure, induced by chloroform. The inquest was adjourned to allow evidence to be given by the superintendent, Dr Fisher, who is indisposed. , TOO MANY DEER. WELLINGTON, May 6. An open season for deer was advocated by J the Rotary Club President in an address to-day, in which he stated though there are 1000 to 2000 deer shot every year, their numbers are increasing. Immense damage is. be-

ing done. The fact that venison could not be sold has resulted in a huge economic waste. The hides ai‘e not worthless, and they could be turned io good account. Some beautiful skins have been cured, and could be used for rugs and other purposes. He stated the time has arrived when the Government should do away with the licenses in certain areas, throwing them open for the deer to be shot, the meat marketed, and sonie use made of the skins. Mr Mclntosh Ellis, Director of Forestry, said that there are. 300,600 deOr in New Zealand, and they are increasing rapidly, and are doing enormous damage. MB— I ■IHI'WH—MMMMi