DOMINION ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 August 1928, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS

(Per Preps Association.) MAN HIT WITH AXE. DUNEDIN, August 9. The annual sessions of the Supreme Court concluded to-day. In the charge of attempted murder against Elsie Clara Babich, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. BONUS FOR A JOB. AUCKLAND, August 10. “It seems very regrettable that people are to be found in this city to take advantage of the unemployment position,” said Magistrate McKean, in fining J. E. Wade £2 with costs, for a breach of the Shops and Offices Act. The Labour Inspector said that a man named Taylor advertised he would pay £lO bonus for a job. Wade replied and offered him work at 90/a week. Wade then for ten weeks deducted £1 from Taylor’s wages as the bonus payment.

MOTOR REGULATIONS. WELLINGTON, August 9. A deputation from the New Zealand Motor Conference waited on the Minister of Public Works, Mr Williams, to-day, to discuss question relating to the speed limit clause and onearmed drivers. With respect to onearmed drivers it was submitted, that, if they could prove to the satisfaction of the local authority that they could drive, they should be given a license. It. was also urged that the South Island should have additional representation on the Main Highways Board. The Minister promised to submit the representations of the deputation to Cabinet. SUDDEN DEATH. August 10. The sudden death took place at Parkvale Irfßt night at midnight, of .John Johnson, aged 52. Deceased pursued his usual occupation during the day and night, engaged in auditing the books of the Druids’ Lodge. He returned home in his usual spirits, and died quietly in his sleep. Deceased was widely known throughout Wairarapa as an agricultural engineer and threshing mill proprietor. A year ago, he suffered a severe attack of pneumonia, which left a weak heart. He had been medically attended since and no inquest will be held. He leaves a. widow, two little girls, and a stepdaughter.

NON-UNION WORKER. HAMILTON, August 8

An important question relating to the right of a Labour Union’s claim for the dismissal of a non-union worker 'was decided by the Arbitration Court (Mr. Justice Frazer presiding) to-day. The Plumbers’ Union had demanded the dismissal of a non-unionist, Robert R. Hollinger, employed by the Hamilton Hardware Company. The Magistrate (Mr. Platts) had ruled against the union on.the ground that Hollinger had been employed before the award came into Jorce, whereas the preference clause provided only for the dismissal of non-unionists “engaged hereafter.” The union appealed and the Arbitration Court to-clay upheld the Magistrate’s decision.

THEFTS FROM CARS. WELLINGTON, August 10. Three men, Charles Edward Anderson, John Japies Clayton and James William Broderick, were charged today with the theft of overcoats, hats, scarf and other goods, valued at £2B Is 6d, from cars; also breaking car window, valued at £2. Clayton was charged also with receiving a nickel watch., and Anderson with the theft of a travelling rug, overcoat, and alarm clock, valued at £6 12s 6d. The police stated that a considerable amount of this sort of theft was reported. Broderick appeared to be the leader in the cases preferred. Clayton was the least concerned. Anderson and Broderick each got twelve months, and Clayton nine months’ imprisonment. NEWMARKET BOROUGH. AUCKLAND, August 9, Seven members of Newmarket Borough Council have instructed a solicitor to apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel the Mayor, Mr S. Donaldson, to put a certain motion. This referred to “misleading and improper statements” circulated in a paper called the Newmarket Ratepayers’ Gazette, and with a, view to stopping the publication of the paper, it was proposed that a copy he handed to the Borough solicitor. The Mayor refused to put the motion, saying it was unfair, and he was not going to have the Council shouldered with the responsibility of securing legal advice or with the cost of litigation.

Air S. Donaldson, 'Mayor of Newmarket, offers to resign and re-contest the Mayoralty, if seven councillors (of a total of nine) opposed to him in connection with the traffic outlet scheme, also resigned.