COMMONWEALTH ITEMS

Southland Times, Issue 17464, 2 October 1913, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH ITEMS

FOUND GUILTY.

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.)

SYDNEY, October 1 Received Ist, 7.10 p.m.

Merrifield has been found guilty, with a strong recommendation to mercy, on the grounds of his previous good character, of the manslaughter of Kefford. A statement made by Merrifield showed that KeffoCd opposed a proposal to admit a third partner,'or the dissolving of their partnership. Merrifield fired an explosive with the object of frightening Kefford, and convincing him that he was in earnest. CHURCH INSURANCE. SYDNEY, October L The New South Wales Anglican Synod have brought forward a scheme to insure their own church properties. The profits will be devoted to church purposes. FAIR RENTS BILL REJECTED. SYDNEY. October 1. Received October 2, 12.15 a.m. The Fair Rents Bill was rejected on the second reading in the Legislative Council by thirty-six votes to seven. MR WADE’S ATTITUDE. SYDNEY, October 1. Received October 2, 12.15 a.m. Air Wade lias stated definitely that he will not appear before the Commission, unless the Medlow charge is included among the matters investigated. AN INSURANCE CASE. PERTH, October 1. Received October 1, 7.10 p.m. Mr Justice McMillan gave judgment in the case of the Willis Company v. the Union Insurance Company, of Canton, a claim for £5280, under a policy on goods shipped in the steamer Papanui, which subsequently were burned. The defendant claimed that the policy was merely a promissory warranty', subject to a declaration of interest to their agent after the sailing of the steamer, and that plaintiffs bad failed to make this declaration as soon as possible, consequently the defendant Company was debarred from re-insuring as was intended. Therefore defendant was discharged from the performance of the contract. The Judge held that the stipulation as to tlie declaration was not a vital portion of the contract, and gave a. verdict for £5157. with costs. A stay of proceedings lias been granted. MURDER OF BOY ANDERSON. MELBOURNE, Sept. 30. The boy Anderson’s body was found through the barking of his dog. The bead was severed from the body and lying sixty yards away, an axe being near. Examination disclosed that he had been shot through the heart before the bead was severed. Black trackers and detectives are investigating.