NEW ZEALAND NEWS ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 36

NEW ZEALAND NEWS ITEMS.

AUCKLAND.

Percy Helmsiey and Edward Cravvshaw were charged before Mr E. C. Cutten, S.M., on the 13th with stealing eight dozen pairs of socks from the wharf, and Harry Hewitt with receiving the goods. The goods in question formed part of the cargo of the steamer Suffolk. All pleaded not guilty and were committed for trial. ° The Main Trunk express was travelling about full speed past Huntly Station on the 13th inst. when the engine struck- a derailed waggon, which had been left in dangerous proximity to the main line during shunting operations. The corner of the wagon was struck by the engine and the wagon thrown clear of the line. The forepart of the locomotive was badlv damaged, and an hour elapsed before the train could proceed. On reaching Mercer the damaged engine was replaced. WELLINGTON. At the annual meeting of the Bush Districts A. and P. .Association on the 11th an effort was made to wipe out the association Knowledge of this motion coming forward attracted a large attendance of members. The matter was discussed at length, and the motion was ultimately defeated by an overwhelming majority. The association was only £3O in arrear, and members will now be stimulated to take greater interest in the work. The secretary (Mr Husband) resigned, owing to business pressure. Arnold Ashworth Binns pleaded guilty at the Magistrate's Court to 13 charges of the theft of jewellery, valued at £165, belonging to Horace Lloyd, jeweller, of whose branch shop Binns was manager. Gambling and horse racing had led to the accused’s downfall. He was remanded to the Supreme Court for sentence. Another big land slip occurred on the 12th at Ngtihauraiiga. About 10,000 tons of material, which had been loose since the great slip took place in May. has comedown on the same portion of the Hutt road. It is estimated that it. will take one month to clear it away. The Wanganui Borough Council is much perturbed over the construction of the new reservoir at Wostmore. It is to bo of five million gallons’ capacity, and a loan of £13,000 was raised for its construction. The reservoir is only about half completed, and as it is evident the estimates will bo greatly exceeded the ratepayers are being asked to sanction another loan of £7OOO. The Borough Council decided to-day to construct the remaining half of the reservoir bv contract instead of day labour. A Supreme Court petition has been filed, praying that Hermann Lewis, of Wellington, he adjudged bankrupt. The petitioning creditor is Charles Pratt, who holds a cheque for £450. signed by Lewis, which was dishonoured. The petition holds a cheque for £450. signed by Lewis, committed an act of bankruptcy by leaving his house with intent to defeat and delay his creditors.