HAWERA NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 2

HAWERA NEWS.

POLICE COURT CASES. BREACHES OF THE BY-LAWS. WARNING TO MOTORISTS. (From Our Own Reporter.) Hawera, Sept. 2. The fortnightly sitting of the Police Court was held to-day, Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., presiding. Six motorists, Kenneth Muggeridge, Albert E. Wells, Fred Purser, Fred Jackson, William Campbell and Albert Vinten were charged on the information of the borough inspector (Mr. L. Hunt) with breaches of the regulations in regard to parking cars, by failing to stop their vehicles as near as practicable to the kerb on the left or near side of the street, contrary to the by-laws. The cases had been adjourned from last court, day as the bench was not satisfied that the terms under which the information had been laid were sufficiently clear. The magistrate said he had looked up the meaning of the word “near” in regard to vehicles in the Oxford dictionary and he was satisfied that the inclusion of the word made the intention of the regulation clear, though the use of the term “left” Avas ambiguous. Tlie by-law was rendered good by the inclusion of the term “near” side. Mr. J. Houston, who represented the borough, said that the actions were, brought not so much for the purposes of securing a penalty but for the purpose of bringing the regulations . under the notice of the public. All the defendants were convicted, the penalty in the cases of. Albert E. Wells, Fred Purser, Fred Jackson, William Campbell and Albert Vinten being 7s costs, and in the case of Kenneth Mug-/ geridge 17s 6d costs. ALLEGED INSULTING BEHAVIOUR. Insulting behaviour in High Street on a recent Sunday evening was the charge against three youths. Two appeared, but the other forwarded a letter from Palmerston North to one of the other defendants, w’hieh said: “Excuse me to the clerk of the court. I plead the same as you.” Constable Tocker, in evidence, stated that the defendants had jeered, laughed at and mocked a lady in High Street on August 15 at 7.20 p.m. When spoken to by witness, one lad seemed to realise the position, but the others treated the matter in an off-hand fashion. It might be true, as one defendant stated, that he had not spoken to the lady, but their demeanour was what he had described. Defendants admitted the offence, assuring the magistrate that they realised they had done wrong and that there would be no further cause for complaint. Sergeant Henry said that the lads were all of good repute, but he considered they should be more careful not to show disrespect to a lady, even if her demeanour ivas such a.s to attract attention and not treat, such as a joke. The magistrate seriously admonished the lads, but as they had evidently seen the error of their ways he did not feel inclined to brand them as criminals. He, however, advised them in future to treat with a sympathetic touch those whom nature had not endowed as benefieiently as it had themselves. He accordingly discharged them without conviction. MAINTENANCE CASteS. The hearing of the case in which Mrs. A. H. Kelly proceeded against her husband, C. E. Kelly, for separation, maintenance and guardianship of two children, on the ground that (1) he had failed to provide his wife with adequate maintenance, (2) that he was guilty of persistent cruelty, (3) that he was an habitual inebriate, was continued. There was also a. claim for the maintenance of two children. Mr. G. I. Bayley appeared for complainant and H. L. Spratt for defendant. Evidence was given by complainant and witnesses in support of the allegations, showing that she had to go out three days per week to maintain herself and the two children, having to remain home the other three days to look after the children. Defendant’s evidence was to the effect' that since meeting with an accident about two years ago he had been mostly in hospital. The quarrels, etc., were caused by his objecting to his wife going out to dances, etc., five or six nights a week. The magistrate, in his judgment, said that owing to the decision of the House of Lords in a celebrated ease persistent physical .cruelty must be proved. It was not sufficient to prove acts of insulting language, etc. In the present ease, therefore, neither persistent cruelty nor habitual drunkenness had been proved. He thought, however, that it was not in the interests of the parties to remain together and there was no question but that the husband had failed to adequately maintain the plaintiff. Admittedly she was able to work, but the fact that she had to look after two of the Children precluded her going out every day and that would bring her into the category of a destitute person as provided by the Act. He, therefore, granted a separation order as well as orders for the guardianship of the two children, but in view of the ill-health and present inability of the defendant to earn, no order was made-ms to .Maintenance either in the case of the wife or the children. • . - Tn the claim against William Bradshaw for maintenance of a child an order was made by consent for the payment of £25 for birth and incidental expenses, £ll 17s 6d past maintenance, with maintenance at the rate of 12s fid per week from September 7, together with costs £2 2s. BY-LAW CASES. On the information of the police, Walter - Lowry was fined 15s, '"'itl' costs 7s, for driving a motor-ear without a rear light. For a similar offence Percy Butler was fined £1 ss, with costs 7s. On the information of the borouglr inspector, Charles Jackson was fined .-os, with costs 7s, for riding a bicycle on the footpath in Glover Road. WANDERING STOCK. On the information of the county ranger (Geo. H. Blackwell) Thomas Kelly was fined £l, with costs 17s 6cl, for permitting nine cows to be at large on the Denbigh Road. For allowing four cows to wander in Arthur Street, Hawera, Jas. Moffitt' was fined 10s, with costs '6d. ” The magistrate pointed out that tins class of offence. Giving to the prevalence of motor traffic, was far more serious than formerly. In the second case defendant was an old Man of 80, who

stated that he had had a stack burnt down and he sometimes allowed iris cattle to wander on the roads, BREACH OF DEFENCE ACT, Thomas H, Hewitt was charged with foiling to register under the Defence Act. Sergeant Henry said that when the youth was before the court previously hie father had stated that he would not allow the son to register. The magistrate accordingly adjourned Lli© case for a fortnight so that the father could be charged with aiding and abetting. THROWING STONES. The vandalism that lias occurred at the Waiiri Beach for some time past was responsible for four lads appearing in the court, charged with mischief by throwing stones. Sergeant Henry stated that on Sunday, August 15, the lads were observed on the cliffs above the Waihi Beach throwing stones. Buildings on the beach had been damaged, though it was not suggested that these lads were responsible for ■ the extensive damage done. On that Sunday, however, a child had been struck on the head with something thrown by the boys, though fortunately .she was not hurt and her father had asked that the practice be stopped. Therg was no knowing where the stones would go. So much vandalism had occurred that the Borough Council had offered a reward of £lO. Mr. J. Houston, the borough solicitor, explained that in 1922 Mrs. R. L. Pease had generously given to the borough 7J acres of land near the Waihi Beach as a reserve, together with land for an access road. The trustees of the A. S. Tonks Estate had also given a further area, a headland on which was a Maori redoubt, still bearing evidences of fortification. The Borough Council had spent £1057 in converting the reserve into a very popular resort, by providing fencing, pathways, bridges, shelter shed and bathing sheds. Windows, etc., had been broken and the iron of the sheds bent, whilst seats given by Mrs. Pease had been damaged. The council wished to emphasise the desirability of ail citizens co-operating to preserve public property. . Sergeant Henry stated that the boys, frankly admitted they threw stones and there was no suggestion that they were “hoodlums.” The magistrate stated that lie did not propose to treat the lads as criminals, because they had been on the cliffs and thrown stones. They were, however, old enough to take an interest in civic affairs so as to preserve public property. As they expressed regret at the occurrence he discharged them without conviction. A CLAIM UPHELD. In the case heard the previous day, in which A. D. Hall claimed £l3 10s, the balance of board from A. E. Johnson, the defence being that there was a difference of two weeks in the date of starting, the magistrate said he preferred to believe tho story of the plaintiff and gave judgment for tlie full amount with costs £4 2«. GENERAL. To-day was market day, and being a beautifully fine day, there was a . large concourse on the main streets. Business, too, appeared to be fairly brisk, business, people remarking that there appeared to be more country people in the town than had been the case for several Thursdays past. The cold winds experienced of late have had a detrimental effect ou tho milk supply. One prominent dairyman stated to-day that at his factory the output was hardly up to what It was at this time last year. However, he stated that one of the causes was probably the fact that many of the cows were not coming into profit until later this year. A lad who was going into a shop this afternoon tripped over a dog lying in the doorway and landed heavily on the concrete. From his antics and his cries it was thought at first that he had badly injured his knees, but Jie was fortunate to escape without a mark, though, no doubt, the force of tlie Impact was painful. On Tuesday evening a contingent from the New Plymouth Savage Club paid a return visit to Hawera, providing the programme for the first korero of the season. The visitors were welcomed by Ariki Gibson, wild then handed over the charge of the meeting to Rangitira C. I-I. )Vyatt. A splendid programme, was rendered and thoroughly enjoyed, the Hawera Orchestra and haka team, at the special request of the visitors, contributing items. It is hoped that, the visits may be made annual functions. THE FARMERS’ UNION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the South Taranaki Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held to-day, when there were present: Messrs H. Hodge (chairman), IT. Davison, J. Dakem, J. E. Johns, F. Aroa, J. P. Marks, J. Barker, W. E. Carter, D. Cameron, E. J. Betts, W. Seed, A. J. Haseltine, R. Dunn and E. K. Cameron (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. MeL’Dowie, Linn and H. E. Johnson. The secretary stated that he had received £5 from the Boys’ and Giris’ Agricultural Clubs from the Taranaki Education Board, lie also reported that Mr. R. Dunn had been elected ti life member of tlie union at the recent conference at Wellington, OPUNAKE RAILWAY. •Mr. A. W. Wellsted, local business agent of the railways, met the' executive relative to the service given .by the railways on the Opunake branch line. Mr. F. Aroa pointed out that the conditions of service were not catering for the requirements of the district as ho thought should be done, and lie suggested a train should leave Opunake instead of Hawera on Thursdays and Saturdays. Mr. Barker referred to the trucking of cattle and fat stock from Te Roti to New Plymouth, stating that the stock could not get north in time for handling the same day. Mr. Wellsted pointed out that it was impossible at the present time to meet them regarding Opunake. It would mean the department would have to have engine sheds and staff at the Opunake end, which would cost about £2600. They had to cut down overhead expenses. The policy, laid down was aiming to get sufficient revenue to pay. running expenses. ■■■ • ; Mr. Davison suggested the. stationing of H resident porter at, Opunake in ordef' to.take delivery of cheese and general produce. ' ' -' ' ~ ' Mr. Wellsted replied that that would cost £250 per annum and if they stationed a porter at one station, other

stations possibly consigning as much, or more produce, would also require a porter. He, however, assured the meeting that all goods consigned would be cleared tlie same day by the present service and that wherever ally improvement could be given it would be undertaken. The department was trying to giv? them all the service possible. They had extended the service an extra day per week during the milking season and any special service which might be required would be immediately attended to. Mr. Hodge referred to the delivery on the trucks of produce consigned to Ball Road station. He stated that no labels or consignees’ addresses were attached and advocated that the department should insist that all goods should be properly labelled. Mr. E. J. Bette asked if it was possible to complete the railway to Manaia. Mr. Wellsted: I don’t think so; anyway, that is for the department to look into.

GENERAL

The chairman addressed the meeting and gave an interesting talk covering the general business, remits, etc., at (lie annual conference in Wellington, stating it was tlie most successful in the history of the union. . A motion was carried to increase the capitation for branch members for the year 1926-27 from 4e to as per member. Tlie Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs movement was the topic of a round table discussion. Suggestions were made concerning tlie general administration of the scheme and the executive decided to invite Messrs R.-Syme and A. J. Glasson to be present at the next monthly meeting of the union.

PERSONAL.

Mr. T. A. Winks left for Wellington by this morning’s express on a private business visit. Mr. J. B. Murdoch returned by tlie mail train from Wellington this evening.