LATE DOMINION NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, 28 January 1911, Page 3

LATE DOMINION NEWS.

+ DROWNING FATALITIES. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. GISBORNE, Jan. 27. The body of a middle-aged man was washed up 011 the beach to-day in an advanced stage of decomposition. The features are, quite unrecognisable, but it is believed that the body is that of Robert Hastie, who has been missing since December 28. WANGANUI, Jan. 27. A fatal drowning accident happened in Wanganui river this afternoon when Jack O'Neill, a schoolboy, aged 15, lost his life. The boy could swim a few strokes, but the river bank runs down abruptly and he was soon out of his depth. His mates went to effect a rescue but were afraid of being dragged down, therefore sought the aid of some Maoris. The body was recovered half an hour later by the aid of a fishing net. THE KNYVETT CASE. AUCKLAND, Jan. 27. There is a likelihood of the Knyvett Defence Committee waiting 011 the Prime Minister while in Auckland and urging that something he immediately done by the Defence Department to enable ex-Captain Knyvett to secure a fresh trial. Application was made some time ago under the terms of the "Knyvett clause" in the Defence Act as amended last session and the whole matter was referred to Major-General God ley, together with a request for a new trial and a fresh statement of charges. The Commandant has now had the papers before him for some time and the Auckland committee is waiting for an official intimation of what is to be done. If 110 information ( is received before the Prime Minister leaves Auckland next week the Defence Committee will ask permission to wait upon him as a deputation. SUPPORT FOR STRIKERS. WELLINGTON, Jan. 27. A donation of £SO by the Wellington Wharf Laborers' Un ion towards the support of the wives and families of the Patea waterside workers now 011 strike has been supplemented by a sum of £25 given by the Lyttelton Wharf Laborers' Union. According to an officer of the local union, there is some feeling in regard to the discharging and loading of cargo at Patea by crews and officers of the shipping companies affected, who are members of another union. There is a proposal to hold a conference between these unions with a view to some definite stand being taken. A conference held in Wellington between representatives of the shipping companies concerned in the strike and the waterside workers proved abortive.