NEWS OF THE DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8734, 16 May 1914, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Detective Mason arrested a man yesterday on two charges of stealing overcoats, and he will appear ,at the Magistrate’s Court this morning. Councillor McKenzie, at Thursday night’s meeting of the City Council, asked if more up-to-date public conveniences, or a greater number of them, could not be provided. More .commodious premises were required af Courtenay place and the library. The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) intimated that if money were available something would bo done. Herbert -Walter McCroa Bull, aged twenty-nine years, was committed tc the Supreme Court at Auckland for sentence on two charges of ’ forgerj during the last three months, according to a Press Association dispatch. Bull victimised a, number of clergymen by obtaining money to pay a railway fare to secure mythical employment in the country, telling a pitiful story of distress. He admitted twelve charges of thus obtaining

money by false pretences and two charges of forgery of letters to support his story. • Details in connection with the tramways were discussed at “question time” at the last City Council meeting. Councillor Thompson stated that there were no lamps on the tramway from the last bend on the Miramar tine, and it was quite .dark on the lasi straight stretch. The motormen could not see the loopline, and there was a great danger of overrunning. The Mayor said that the Miramax Borough Council was making the necessary, arrangements to take 'over the lighting of the borough, and he would see that the necessary representations were made to that council. . Councillor Tregear mentioned a difficulty in discerning the destination of tramcars running in the daytime, stating that he could see the sign a mile away at night, but in the daylight he had to bo guided by the lettering, which was not nearly so effective. In Dunedin painted flags were used as signals. The Mayor promised to have inquiries made in regard to the matter. In a letter which is too lengthy for our space, “Owner and Puntep” complains that the Gaming Act is an unfair and unwise concession to what he terms the “wowser.” “This,” says our correspondent, “is what I advocate: —A State lottery run on the same lines as Tattersalls. Reinstatement of bookmakers, to be licensed by the Inspector of Police, not by racing clubs. A confirmation of each bet given to the punter, and the imprisonment of any bookmaker refusing to pay. Bookmakers only allowed to bet in their own offices, and no betting to be done after 6 o’clock at night. A heavy fine to be imposed on any book-

maker allowing credit betting or betting with a woman or any person under' twenty-one. Books to he properly kept ,and audited, aud tax paid on all winnings, as well as £IOO a year betting, licenses. To stop jockeys from pulling horses, six months’ imprisonment should he given, and life disqualification.” That pedestrians are equally bound to look out for vehicular, traffic, when crossing or using the street, as the drivers of vehicles are bound to look out for the safety of foot-passengers, was an argument used by Mr M. G. McGregor, counsel for the defence in a claim for damages against the owner. of a motor-car at the Auckland Supreme Court on Wednesday. Opposing counsel, Mr J. B. Reed, K.C., argued that it might just as well be said that a motor-car could be driven down a hill and run into anyone who happened to bo in its way. Later, His Honour Mr Justice Cooper, in his summing up, clearly stated the law on the subject. A motor-car was in the same category as a locomotive or a tramcar, His Honour said, and the person in 'charge of it, or of any vehicle propelled by mechanical mear.;-, and which was capable of developing a high rate of speed, was bound to usi the care and caution wlrcb that bins* of machine demanded in order to en sure the safety of the public. The driver of a motor-car should use extra care in approaching a tramway stopping place, where a car was drawn up,, to avoid running over passengers who might be alighting from the tram. As regards pedestrians, they had a right to be on a highway, but were not exempt from a duty to take care of themselves.

The mails which left 'Wellington on April 24th. per R.M.S. Moana, arrived in San Francisco, en route to London, on tbo 14th inst. On the motion of Councillor Hislop, the City Council has decided that the adjudications by the arbitrators in regard to the leases of W. H, Turnbull and the 'Wellesley Club shall take place at the same time, about ten days hence.

It has been decided by the Wellington campaign committee of the Social Democratic party to circularise all industrial unions in and about the city, inviting them to be represented at a meeting in the Trades Hall shortly for tbo purpose of co-operating in securing the return of Social Democratic candidates at the general elections.

There will bo a ceremonial parade of all senior cadets in the Wellington group at Newtown Park this afternoon, for the purpose of rehearsing the programme to be presented before General Sir lan Hamilton, InspectorGeneral of the overseas forces, this day week. Both parades will be compulsory. At Thursday night’s meeting of the City Council, Councillor McKenzie inquired whether it was proper to ask that, the-leasehold committee make a report on the council’s Adelaide road properties after their altered positions. The Mayor said he hoped that the finance committee would bring down at an early date a report dealing with the whole of the council’s properties.

About 3.30 n.m. yesterday the fire brigade was called to suppress an outbreak in a carpenter’s workshop at the rear of No. 9, Finlay terrace. The fire was soon got under control, but the building (which was owned by Mr A. Naismith) and its contents were badly damaged. The plant and timber was insured in the Sun Office for £l5O, but the cover on the building could not be ascertained.

The Hutt Valley Trotting Club has. under consideration a proposal to con struct a new race; track. Application has been made to the Hutt Park committee for an option over the lease of the park. The question came before the committee at Thursday night’s meeting, but as training rights are needed, a reply to tho club’s application is being hold over until the bill, now',in tho hands of the Government, in respect to tho granting of training rights, is dealt with by the House. The following is taken from last Thursday’s “Lyttelton Times”: “ The Ward-FishOr Controversy. To tho Editor. Sir, —Will you allow me, as a staunch supporter of the Massey , Government, to say how pained and vexed X am at Mr X'isher’s tactics. He is doing our party a lot of harm by such methods, and no thoughtful man can possibly approve them. Much as I respect Mr Massey, I respect tho truth still more, and must hero utter my protest against the course Mr Fisher is following. 1 enclose my name and address. —I am, etc.. Reformer.” . At 9.25 a.m. yesterday about XOO territorials left Thorndon station for tho casual camp at. Takapau, Captain H. M. W. Richardson, Adjutant of the sth Regiment, was in charge of the detachment, which was joined by country troops at various stations on the way up. The men were due to reach camp about 10 p.m. About 800 men, sufficient to form an infantry regiment, are expected to take part in tho camp, and* tho training will ho on tho same lines as that carried out at the main encampment. The camp will terminate on May 23rd.

Arbour Day is a very praiseworthy institution, and awakens much enthusiasm in the breasts of various public-spirited citizens. But there is one resident of Brooklyn who thinks that this enthusiasm should bo harnessed and directed. This resident some time ago planted a small city reserve opposite his section with macrocarpa trees at his own expense. The trees grew and flourished, but when Arbour Day came the misdirected zeal of some unknown persons caused the best of them to be uprooted and planted elsewhere in the district. No doubt, the kudos obtained by tho dishonest tree-remover was to him most satisfactory, but the heart of the original planter was sore. He voiced his .grievance at the meeting of tho Brooklvn Electors’ Association last night, ‘but it was the humorous side 'that appealed most to members.

In the. course of the marine inquiry at tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday into the Pilot-Atalanta collission last month, tho proceedings were on several occasions the cause of merriment. One witness was asked to state the crew that were aboard tho Pilot at tho time. “Well,” he said, reflectively, “there was the captain, tho chief oliicer, the chief engineer-—” here a pause ensued. “Co on,” said the examining counsel. “That’s all, continued the witness, amid general laughter. At a later stage tho same witness waxed indignant at the misdoings of certain yachtsmen m the harbour. “Why,” ho said, “some of them come right up to the side of a steamer and go about and some ciu right across your bows. If you speak to them they put their fingers to their noses (illustrating the action), and you know what that means 1” Counsel disclaimed all knowledge of any significance that might bo attached to the mystic sign. “Well, I don t know what it means either,” finished the witness, amidst more laughter. What was described as a case of undue hardship was dealt with in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Victor Weggary was proceeded against by the Defence Department for falling to render the personal service required of him under the Defence Act. Mr J. F, W- Dickson, who represented the accused, entered a plea, of guilty. He said the defendant was a married man and a farmer, who resided at Waikanae. Before the Defence Act came into force he was an enthusiastic . volunteer and a crack shot. He, however, had strong objections to compulsory military training, and in consequence he had already been before the Court on a couple of occasions. But that was not what counsel was complaining of. Accused was a married man, and it was quite unfair to ask a married man,, after doing a hard day’s wort on his( farm> to go to drill, not at Waikanae, ; but at Paraparaumu, a distance of sis miles away. The action was almost in tho nature of a prosecution. He (counsel) took it that one of the principal objects of the Act was to keep lads off the streets at bigot. This could not apply in the present case. .Mr D. G. A. Cooper. S.M., a fit* was on the bench, advised counsel that if his client thought he was being unjustly treated he should make application through the propeV channels for exemption. As it was, the defence authorities could not do anything more than what they had done., They must see that the law was upheld. A fin© of 20s, with Court costs 7s, was imposed.

The following vessels arc expected to be within wireless range of 'Wellington this evening;—Victoria, Maori, Wahine, Mauuganiii, and Zealaudic. The Warn moo will be in touch with, Wellington to-morrow night.

Some eighteen months ago the residents of Brooklyn were promised a coin-in-the-slot telephone. Although continual representations have been made to the Postal Department, tbo telephone has not yet been installed. At the annual meeting of the Brooklyn Klcctors’ Asooiatkm lust night, it was decided to as ktho department to “speed un” in the matter. Another trial of the new motorpropelled railway carriage, constructed at the Petone railway workshops, was undertaken yesterday. The carriage travelled smoothly over the rails, and its running was considered very satisfactory. A speed of over forty miles an hour was obtained over a short distance, and it is understood that was a considerable amount of powei in reserve.

The following aro further donations received at the office of the Upper Hutt Town Board towards the relief fund;—Mr and Mrs K. W. Cottle, £1 Is; J. Bishop, £2 2s; Mr and Mrs G. Izard, £lO 10s; H.. Johnston, £1 Is; Wm. Barton, £5; R. J. Barton, £5 ss; T. Scrimshaw, £1; Mr and Sirs , McGrath, 7s 6d; Hutt County Council, £5; William Robinson (Upper Hutt), £5.

The court appointed to inquire into the riot at the, territorial camp at Takapau has completed its report, and has forwarded it to the officer commanding the district (Colonel (’haytor).. The president of the court (Lieu-tenant-Colonel G. F. O. Campbell) informed a “Times" reporter yesterday that the report would probably be in Colonel Cliaytor’s hands for consideration for a few days. June 24th will be the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, and the Scottish societies in Wellington aro taking stops to suitably mark the occasion. At a joint meeting of the Wellington Scottish. Society and the Wellington Pipe Band and Dancers’ Association held last night, it was decided to hold a big concert on that evening, by combining the strength of the two bodies. Much enthusiasm was evinced, and the committee ajrpointcd has already taken matters well in hand.

Tho following nominations have been received for the various offices in connection with tho Wellington. main branch of tho United labour party:— President, Mr A. H. Hindmarsh, M.P.; vice-presidents, Messrs L. M. A. Reardon and A. W. Crockery; secretary, Mr J. McKenzie; assistant secretary, Mir T. Lestor; treasurer, Mr J. Campbell; committee, Messrs H, Xankshear, J. Fleming, O. Rlathcrwick, G. Murdock. Mr D. Mcl/aron mas tho president last year, and it is stated that ho was not nominated for re-election at tho annual meeting ;on Thursday evening. A case of interest to smokers occurred in tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Thomas Crouch pleaded not guilty to a charge of smoking in a compartment, other than a smoking compartment, on a corporation tramcarl Tho conductor of the car stated in evidence that accused was standing in an outside compartment smoking a cigar when he drew his attention to a notice, “ Smoking strictly prohibited.” Witness requested the man to desist, but ho refused, saying “ Don’t be a d baby.” Tho accused said that he did not smoko after ho was requested not to. Mr D. G. A. Cooper, S.M., held the evidence to be against ths accused, and entered a conviction, fining Crouch ss, with court costs, 9s,

The Conciliation. Council mot yesterday afternoon to consider further the private hotel and restaurant » ployees’ dispute. Mr P. Hally (the Commissioner) presided, and; the as. seesors for the employers were Messrs F. Godber, J. Olliver, and H. Brice, and for the union Messrs O’Malley, Thornton, and Carey., Modified pro*' posals were submitted by the union, without prejudice, for the consideration of the employers, with a , view to settlement outside the court. A meeting of the employers affected is being called to deal with a report to ho submitted by their assessors, and the private hotelkeepers are meeting on Hobday to consider their side of tho case. The Conciliation Council therefore decided to adjourn until after these mootings had been hold. It is a rule of prison desefplino that a person who is sentenced to a terra without hard labour is at liberty to volunteer for hard labour. Harry Holland, lata editor of the “Maoriland Worker,” who was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment for sedition, has adopted this course, having applied to b© rated as a “hard labour” prisoner for the future. To tho uninitiated this may appear to savour of the quixotic, but the explanation lies in the fact that there is no reduction in th© length of a sentence except in the caae of those who are undergoing hard labour. The authorities have decided to allow Holland to serve in the latter division, and he will now bo entitled to the remission for good conduct represented by two “good” marks a day. He will thus have the opportunity of considerably reducing tho length of his sentence.