LATE DOMINION NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, 22 April 1913, Page 3

LATE DOMINION NEWS.

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND. ANOTHER PRESENTATION

PHE OXITED PBBBB A.BBOOIATIOS. WELLINGTON, April 21. When the Imperial Government ao oopted New Zealand's offer of a battleship the Women's Patriotic League organised a subscription for the purpost of making a gift to the vessel After consulting Captain Halsey the League committee has decided that the pre sentation shall take the form of a pan of silver kettledrums. Captain Halsoj said that the League could give nothin;. that would bo more appreciated thai the drums, which would be used on ah occasions and in the hour of battU would stir the heart of each member 0.. tlic crew. The High Commissioner is t; select the drums in London, have then suitably inscribed and presented whoi the vessel returns from her wort: cruise. . . , This afternoon large crowds v.isitee. the warship. I'p to Sunday evening 80,000 people had inspected the cruiser, Sunday's total being WilO'l. A number of prominent members of the .Maori race went out to H.M.s. New Zoalam tins morning and welcomed Captain Halsey and'his men in picturesque speeches. They also presented several rob-s and a pendant to Captain Halsey* who, after returning thanks, entertained the natives and presented 'them with mementoes of the ship. Among the Maoris were Mr C. K. Pa rata, Major lunui-rauo-i , (1 f Wairarapa), who commanded contingent at Queen \ u> toria's diamond jubilee celebrations le Hen Hen Tukino (Taupo), and Hem Torei <c.hicftainess of the Ngatiraukawa tribe). Since the announcement of the, itinerary to be followed by H.M.s. New Zealand several requests have been received for calls at places not on the itinerary. It has been found impossible, however to make any alteration, and the ship will adhere to the programme as published last week.

THE AKAROA SENSATION.

CHRIST CHURCH, April 21. John Hitchcock, the man who made a murderous attack on his sister at Grehant Valley, Akaroa, yesterday, aml ihen attempted to commit suicide,Js in the hospital and is conscious. He is piwressino; favorably, and is in police custody. 'Considering the injuries he sustained he does not look very bad. Hitchcock shows no disinclination to answer questions put to him concerning the assault, and is able to give a coherent report of the circumstances as ihev happened. . When a.sked what had impelled him to commit the assault he statin! that he had been worried in his business for some time and had been unable to sleep. He set out for a walk with his -kter with no intention of attacking her. The idea came to him suddenly, and without any premeditation he committed the assault. Upon his recovery Hitchcock will be proceeded acainst by the police for his action. Hitchcock is a cabinetmaker by trade, and comes from Dunedin, He had been mentally depressed before he came to Akaroa, and was spending a holiday in the hope that he -would recover his normal condition. FiRE IN OILSKIN FACTORY. NAPIER, April 21. Almut 10 o'clock to-night an oilskin facto-y. owned bv Mr J. J. Blackburn, was totally destroyed by fire. Seven machines, 'in addition to about hOO or 900 coats, were destroyed, the damage being estimated at £SOO. The buildin" stock and machines were insured iiTth© State Office. The fire was caused by a cat capsizing a bottle of methylaeted spirits on to a lighted candle.