GENERAL TELEGRAMS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10, 5 September 1912, Page 8

GENERAL TELEGRAMS.

I AMONG THE “HAL V<>NS.” GREAT COXh iURINATION. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, September 4. Owing to the Marten races being held this week, Detective-Sergeant Oassels has had the hook-making fraternity under close observation. His enquiries resulted in considerable consternation being caused in the bars of the Duke of Edinburgh and New Zealander (hotels this afternoon. Senior-Sergeant Rutledge vis.ted the first-mentioned hostelry and arrested Harry Wales, and ac the same hour Detective-Sergeant Oassels went to the New Zealander and apprehended Paddy Leseur. There was a great scatter in the latter hotel. When searched, Wales was found to have over £BB in iiis possession, whilst Leseur had £l7. Tney were brought before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., at 4 o’clock, and charged that, being bookmakers, they each made a bet with Charles Smyth. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded till next Wednesday. Bail in £2O each was allowed, and was immediately forthcoming.

FLOOD AT PAEROA. Auckland, September 4. A flood on a small scale was experienced in Paeroa to-day. There was a heavy downpour last night, accompanied by a high wind. Ibis morning l the weather had moderated somewhat, but the river had risen considerably, and when the rain from up the country reached Paeroa the river overflowed its, banks and broke over in several places. lA considerable quantity of water found its way into the low-lying portions of the township and outlying districts. Just after the overflow, however, tjic river began te fall slowly. The flood does not appear to have entered any of the residences, although several had a narrow escape. COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA. Wellington, September 4. Wellington premises have been taken for the Commercial Bank of Australia, which will shortly open in New Zealand. Young and Tripe’s offices, at the angle, of Featherstone and Grey streets, have been secured for the purpose. Mr H. G. McKay, an inspector of the Commercial Bank, is at present in Wellington arranging title preliminary details- in connection with the extension of the Bank’s interests to New Zealand. ~, r>i ■ THE OTIRA TUNNEL. Christchurch,, September 4. A meeting-ofp {•.-rives of local authorities' an i .other >■ rganisations' In North Canterbury at a conference to-night, discussed tin- position re the Otira tunnel, arising out of the contractors’ petition to be relieved of the work and adopted unanimously a motion impressing upon the Government til e enormous importance of the “West Coast railway-, and urgjrjg that there should be no delay in its completion. A deputation was appointed to present the resolution to the Government and urge the completion of the work. • i

WELLINGTON WOOLLEN MILLS. Wellington, September 4. At the annual meeting of the Wellington Woollen Company to-day, Mr W. H. P. Barber, chairman of directors, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet and the payment of a dividend of 7 per cent., said that the statement laid before the shareholders was the best yet published. The company was in a very strong financial position. Sales for the year constituted a record. Ibe only ' drawback to operations was the perennial shortage of suitable workers. The woollen companies were now working under a Dominion awaul, with a currency of three years fiom May last, and the Wellington Company was now paving £SOO a year more in nvll wages. On the liabilities side the reserves had been strengthened by £1550 and the indebtedness reduced by £7BOO. The expenditure for new machinery had been £3707, the sum of £SOOO had been written off for depreciation, making the total writing oil £58,314, equal to 44 per cent, from the original value of the plant and budding” Stock was less by £3232, and book debts higher by £2541, due to the larger turnover. ARREST FOR CATTLE-STEALING. Auckland, September 4. Complaints of cattle-stealing have persistently come from the districts a the back of Huntly and Mercer, and recently Detective Scott, of the Auc ’- land police office, was sent out to investigate. As a result of bis enquiries he, on Tuesday week last, arrested Edward Bourke, a well-known cattle dealer and drover, on two charges of cattle stealing. The allegations are that accused, between May 1 and June 4 lifted from the property of Robert David Matcbett, of Matabura, seven head of cattle valued at £49, and that be also similarly obtained tlnee ic.u of cattle, valued at £2l, belonging to John R. Storey, of Matahhra. It is further alleged that the accused disposed of the cattle at sales and othei- ! wise, in various parts of the distiu• Bourke was brought hefoie Ml • Dutton, R.M., this morning, and was remanded to appear at Ilnntly on Thursday of ncM week, bail being allowed in one surety of Clou