South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1928, Page 2

South Taranaki News

(From Oar Own Reporters.)

Tetep I'cn» 1 'cn» No. 2798, Hawera.

P.O. Bex 133. Hawera.

FORGING AND DRINKING. HAWERA MAN ADMITS GUILT. BAIL GRANTED TILL SENTENCE. How, on Monday last, when smelling of drink, Harold Middleton Lee, a Hawera farmer, secured cheque forms, forged the signature of James Winks to cheques for £3 and £9 7s respectively, secured goods and £1 16s change from Adamson and Robb, a suit valued at £5 5s and change £4 2s from George and Doughty, Ltd., and, wearing the suit, offered another cheque for £8 to David Strachan and was caught and arrested, was told before Messrs. R. W. J. MeNeill and G. A. Burgess, J.’sP., at the Hawera Court yesterday, when he was committed to the Supreme Court on May 15 next at New Plymouth for sentence on his plea of guilty. Bail was granted in sums of self £lOO and two sureties of £5O each. The charges were that on March 12 cheques with the signature James Winks were forged and uttered to George and Doughty, Ltd., and Adamson and Robb, causing them to be acted on as genuine, and that an attempt was made on Tuesday to secure credit from David Strachan. Wearing the suit obtained the day before from George and Doughty’s, Lee went to the shop of David Strachan on Tuesday and ordered a pair of shoes, pyjamas and socks to the amount of £3 os. The garments were on the counter neatly piled when the cheque expressed as payable to “W. Phillips” signed “James Winks” for £8 was offered. . When an irregularity was pointed out to Lee he agreed that the bank should pass the cheque, saying he “would call back later for the goods and the change.” LEE SURPRISED AT FORGERY. “When forwarded to the bank to be cashed the cheque was marked ‘Signature forged,”’ said witness. The police were communicated with and given the cheque. At about 2.30 o’clock accused eame back and ‘seemed surprised’ when told the signature was forged. “Was accused quite sober!” asked counsel.—No.

“Goods to the value of £1 4s were purchased on March 13 by accused,” said Charles Sprott Robb. The cheque tendered had been made out to ‘Robert Johns,’ signed ‘James Winks.’ The goods were given together with £1 16s change. The cheque was paid to the Bank of Australasia and returned the next day marked ‘signature forged.’ “In a drunkenly manner,” said witness, “accused showed the cheque to Mr. Adam, son asking, ‘ls this cheque any good!’ The reply had been a laugh and the statement ‘he’s worth a good few more like that.’” “I eould smell drink in his breath,” said witness cross-examined. “The cheque is not dated,” said Mr. O’Dea. “It only has ‘l2th’ on it with no month named. Isn’t that evidence tha,t accused was not quite normal!” —He may have made a mistake. Sergeant Henry: See that writing. Do you think that it is the writing of a normal-person!—The writing seems normal. Mr. O’Dea: Some people can write in their sleep. Sergeant Henry: But you- don’t suggest that hand-writing is done by a drunken man? A suit of clothes valued at £5 5s was ordered at George and Doughty, Ltd., said Bruce C. Arnold, and a cheque presented payable to “W. Jones,” signed "James Winks,” for £9 7s. DOWNFALL DUE TO DRINK. “I have a ‘Winks’ cheque’ here,” accused had said to witness, who asked “Which Winks?” The goods and £4 2s .were given for the cheque, which was paid into the bank. The firm had no idea it was a forgery until notified by the police. Accused did not appear to be drunk, but smelled of liquor at 10 a.m. “I thought the cheque book was still in my pocket,” said Hugh Rodger,of Hawera, tailor, “until it was shown to me by the police.” To his knowledge no person had any right to the cheques, bat he would say that if accused had asked him he (witness) would have given him blank cheques. He and accused stayed at the same boarding-house. “It’s quite possible that I may have given Lee the forms, but I didn’t give him the book,” said witness cross-exam-ined, after it was shown that the cheques used by Lee had come from the book belonging to witness. “The signature is not my hand-writ-ing,” said James Winks, of Tawhiti Road, farmer, referring to the cheque for £8 in favour of W. Phillips. He had been communicated with by the Bank of New Zealand and shown the cheque on March 13. He knew no one by the name of tne payee. Similarly, witness denied having signed or issued the cheques referred to. Lee was known to witness, who had had many dealings with him during fanning operations. “Lee’s downfall is largely due to drinking!” asked Mr. O’Dea.—l should, think so. ACCUSED VERY INDIGNANT. Lee had replied to Constable Mullan’s query that he had secured the cheque from W. Phillips. Invited to the police station, Lee had offered to make a statement. "Half-way through the statement I decided that Lee was not telling the truth,” said witness. Phillips was supposed to have been working for Mr. Winks cutting wood and was well known in the district. Wlteff told he was to be arrested Lee became very indignant at the suggestion that he” should have any dealings “with crook cheques,” and objected to being searched. Search revealed the cheque book belonging to Hugh Rodger, but claimed by Lee to have been his own. “Two loose cheque forms were folded up'in the leather wallet,” continued witness. He was put in the cell, where he remained that night. Next morning the, constable found out about the Adamson and Robb episode, after which the cheque had been shown to Lee in the cell. “Yes, I put that over. I made it out and I signed it. There was another one passed into George and Doughty’s in payment for the suit which I am now wearing,’♦ • £hose were statemeats ws

| by Lee while in the cell, said witness. I A statement had subsequently been signed admitting the whole of the circumstances, and that he had been drinking heavily for a fortnight. “I knew the cheque was forged and intended it to be aeted upon as genuine,” accused had said in the second statement, “and I am sorry, now I’ve come to my senses, that I did it.” EGMONT NATIONAL PARK. DAWSON FALLS AFFAIRS. SOUTH COMMITTEE MEETS. Constitutionally the South Committee of the Egmont National Park Board is required to hold its annual meeting in the month of March, yet the committee’s financial year does not end until March 31, explained Mr. W. G. Walkley, chairman of the committee, at the Statutory annual meeting held at Manaia yesterday. He explained that they could not have an annual meeting in the accepted sense of the term, but at the meeting they were requird to appoint their two representatives to the Egmont National Park Board. Present at the meeting besides the chairman were: Messrs. E. Long, J. Hickey, N. C. Innes, H. Mead (Manaia), J. Cocker (Eltham), A. G. Lareom, B. C. Lysaght, G. J. Bayley (Hawera), E. L. Abbott, A. V. Tait, R. G. Cook (Kaponga), T. B. Crump, the Government nominee, and H. J. MacDonald (secretary). Apologies were received from Messrs. I. J. Bridger and A, Gamlin, Th© chairman welcomed the -two new members, Messrs. Cocker and Bayley. There was, he said, a good deal of work to Ao, but ; he hoped they would all work together to make Dawson Falls as popular as it should be. Siftee it was the first meeting of the committee to be held in Manaia, Mr. Innes extended a welcome to the delegates and invited all to be his guest; at afternoon tea.

The Dawson Falls custodian (Mr. J. P. Murphy) submitted the following report for the year: “The following figures are from April, 1927, to March, 1928, striking an average for March of 60: Day visitors and at old house, 7799 (£389 19s 6d); visitors in hostel, 1825 (£9l 55,; visitors in cottage, (£27 Is 6d); ears in park, 2192 (£274); total revenue, £782 6s.

Mr. Crump reported that the legislative committee, comprising Messrs. Lysaght, Goodson and liimseir, Jiad not met, since it was difficult to frame the regulations under the present circumstances, and he thought that it would be wise to defer the matter for-the meantime. . . The chairman said that-the move to secure, a reduction in insurance premiums had been ineffective. The chairman reported having had altitude posts erected at intervals up the. track. Mr. Long moved that Messrs. Lysaght and Bayley be the committee' representatives on the park board. “At the last meeting of the board I told them I did not intend again to become a member of the board, so I must refuse,” said Mr. Lysaght. The chairman and other members pressed Mr. Lysaght to reconsider his decision and ultimately he agreed to allow his nomination, and he and Mr. Bay ley were elected, The secretary of the Egmont National Pail Board (Mr. Hugh Baily), in reply to the committee’s letter, said the chairman of the board (Mr. T. C. List) had directed him to thank the committee and to state that already the board had decided to make application for the sum of £5OO, and that the committee’s request that application should be made to the Government for a similar sum, specifically for improving the road to Dawson Falls and in opening up and improving .the tracks above Dawson Falls, would be considered by the board at its next meeting. The -committee decided to forward a letter of thanks to ivr. L. 0. Hooker for services in organising the excursion fro >i Wellington. It was left to the chairman to approach Mr. Hooker with a view to getting, him to aet as honorary publicity officer to the committee. Some discussion took place over the alleged action of certain persons in entering the reserve and despoiling the bush for posts and firewood. The meeting took a serious view of the matter and determined to put a stop to such practices. To cope with the trouble a committee comprising Messrs. Lysaght, Crump, Tait and Bayley was set up with instructions to institute legal proceedings in all eases detected. It was decided to hold the annual meeting at Hawera next month. SKIING GN EGMONT. ALPINE CLUB MOOTED HUT ON FANTHAM’S PEAK. High up on the slopes of Fantham’s Peak there is an admirable area for skiing during the winter months, and already a site has been chosen on which to erect a hut, should the plans laid by Mr. Rod Syme mature. It is Mr. Syme’s aim to form an alpine club. To secure the assistance and co-operation of the .South Committee of the Egmont National Park Board he waited on the annual meeting of the committee at Manaia yesterday and placed proposals before the committee.

Mr. Syme said he had convened a meeting to be held in Hawera and he was confident that there would be a good attendance of climbing enthusiasts. He knew of people coming from Stratford, Eltham and Manaia, as well as Hawera.

The objects of the club would be decided at the meeting, but they woull be. mainly to secure better facilities from a climbing point of view, better provision as regards the hut accommodation, and In opening and , Improving liaeke tv beauty ; epota. Tn the club there

would be a number of enthusiastic young men who would be willing to help open up tracks and undertake such work as would l>e of assistance to the committee.

"One of my own ideas is to establish a hut on Fantham’s eak,”. continued Mr. Synre. “This could be useful as a Shelter in eases of distress. The accident last May showed the necessity for a hut on the peak. Members of the club would, he thought, undertake to assist with the transport of materials to the site. There was a good deal of stone near the'place chosen, and with cement a good hut could be built. A hut on the peak would do a great deal io popularise Egmont as a skiing ground, and he was confident that this popular winter spent eould be established at Fantham’s. Skiing was very popular at the Tongariro National Park and at Mount Cook, where th© biggest crowds visited during the winter time.

The only thing against Fantham’s Peak was its height and the difficulty in getting there. If, however, a hut were built and the skiing ground proved satisfactory, that would go a long way towards popularising the mountain. Many young people considered that the huts at Dawson Faile were not so convenient as could be desired, said Mr. Syme. Those who visited the mountain regularly for the most part were not prepared to pay the amount charged for staying at the hostel. In view of this he said he would like to see ths alpine club approach the Park Board and the South Committee with a view to getting better provision for visitors. The committee decided to support the move as “a step in the right direction.” Mr. J. Hickey said he thought Mr. Syme should convey to his meeting the decision that the South Committee would give every assistance to the club. The chairman, Mr. W. G. Walkley, also assured Mr. Syme that the alpine cinb would have the co-operation and assistance of the commitee. TEACHING IN THE OPEN. PROPOSALS AT HAWERA SCHOOL. SPECIAL CLASS SELECTED. At the Hawera Main School ideally situated among the rows of tall pines and bluegums fringing the westward and eastward sides, sheltered on the most windy of days and surrounded all day long by the sunlight, is the building which Dr. Mecredy and the headmaster (Mr. F. A. Bates) have agreed would form an admirable classroom wherein to teach and train in the open air and sunshine such boys and girls as the doctor selects and whose parents agree would profit by a Nature course on the lines suggested. On Tuesday last a nurse visited the school and from all the classes selected those expected to benefit by the course. On Wednesday Dr. Mecredy examined the pupils selected. These pupils are the first to be examined with a view to securing the consent of parents and the Education Board and the department 'before commencing with the openair training and special course. “THE IDEA IS MAINLY REST.” The scheme has 'been in vogue in England and America for a number of years, and has’ been. attended with unqualified success, Mr. Bates informed a News representative. The classrooms are usually open-air buildings with absolutely onen sides. In Canada they are known as "forest schools,” where the children receive education and training only in the summer and autumn months. These schools commence at nine in the morning and continue until five in the evening, making the day a long one. Lunch is provided. The mornings are devoted to lessons and drill, while for two or three hours in the afternoon the procedure is simply resting; even sleep is advocated. After a few days the children become accustomed to tie habit and beneficial sleep becomes the regular result, after which light work is indulged in, such as darning, rythmics and singing. At five o’clock the children go home. The course Included Saturdays and special teachers were engaged. In London the practice was not conducted to the same extent, but a regular mid-day meal was provided. “The idea is mainly plenty of rest,” said Mr. Bates. Th© style of building, was open to a greater extent than the open-air schools. The roof was of-vita glass, a special glass which permitted the ultra-violet rays to enter the rooms but refracted the glaring red rays. ’The light was of a greenish colour and beneficial. The vita glass system was in use in the roof of the new infant school.

The attire of the children was recommended to be as light as possible, so that all possible might be exposed to the sun and air. Although the children did not obtain so full a course of lessons it had been proved that the gain in vigour enabled them to re-enter the main classes with distinctly favourable chances of equalling and exceeding the other pupils. The scheme would be most economical if adopted in Hawera. The small outside classroom, with the expenditure of not more than £lO, could be remodelled. The front wall facing the east and north —and the sun —would be taken out, the verandah extended and floored, while vita glass could be inserted in the roqf. The occupation of the children would, vary and individual work would 'be done owing te'the range of ages. There were found to- be about 30 at the Hawera School who wer© expected to 'benefit by such a course. A thorough final examination and consent of the parents would, of course, in each case be pre vided for, MAORI’S STRANGE BEHAVIOUR. An extraordinary attack ls_ alleged to have been made on Captain Tinney, harbourmaster at Patea, when walking along High 'Street, Hawera, yesterday afternoon. A young Maori, aged about 19 and weighing almost as many stones, punched the captain on the face with, his clenched fist, 'Stunned and bewildered, Captain Tinney found that th© Native etill threatened. him, so he retreated to a nearby shop, the Maori following him, talking incessantly, “shaping up,” and boasting about his pugilistic powers. Almost an quickly as he had come the Native disappeared. When a policeman came on the scene Captain Tinney said he was not greatly hurt and did not desire any action to be taken. “If I had given the slightcß-t provocation have Iboen different,” he said.

EXODUS TO NEW OPEN-AIR SCHOOL HAWERA INFANTS MOVE FRIDAY. There will be an exodus of about 200 infant pupils from the Hawera Main School on Friday to the healthier environment of the new open-air school. There are five rooms, each with accommodation for forty pupils, and a free room in which manual and other work may be taught. Upon completion of the new school the carpenters will commence the work of remodelling the rooms vacated, especially ensuring better lighting and ventilation. Two classrooms will be pulled down. SCHOOLBOYS’ CRICKET. HAW ERA PRIMARY COMPETITION. Primary school cricketers, at the King Edward Park grounds on Thursday, played five games in the second round of the Hawera primary schools’ championship competition. The players showed great keenness, while numbers played exceedingly well. Pokau (Tawhiti) made over 40 and was the highest scorer on th© day. Details of the games are: — SENIOR GRADE. High School B (103) defeated High School A (36). For the B team Stewart compiled 41, Woollett '34, Chadwick 12, and Thomas 10. Putt took three wickets, and Tapp, Edwards, Perrett and Buist one each. For the A team Edwards scored 7, Perrett 9, Tapp 11 and Signal 6. Thrush took six wickets, Surgenor two and Woollett one. Tawhiti (65) defeated Hawera Main school (49). For Tawhiti Pokau was again in good form and made 44, Korau made 2 and Morris 4. Ewlngton, Clarke and Barnes each took two wickets while Thom took one. The main feature la Hawera’s innings was a good strike ol Ewington for 28. Luckey took four wickets for 16, Pokau three for 27 and England one for 2. JUNIOR GRADE. High School C (83 for nine) beat Hawera B (18). For High School Cousins and Duke each made 30 and retired, while Gribble carried his bat for 15. Badcock and Worley each took three wickets. For Hawera Main B. Hunter made 4, Worley 3 and McGlashan, Lay and Russell 2 each. Barker took seven wickets and Gri'bble three. High School D (100) beat Hawera Main C (14), For Main C, Show (5 not out) and Dallinger 5 top-scored. Lendrum took five wickets, Guise three, and Horsburgh and Robertson one each For High School D, Howell made 2: and retired, while other successful batsmen were Lendrum 17, Guise 15, Pinson 12, Conway 10, Robertson-7 (retired) and King 5. Peterson took two and Oliver and Whitehead one wicket each.

Turuturu (68) defeated High School E (62). For Turuturu, the best scorers ■ wfer© Warren 13, Schmidt 14, McCallum ■B. Radford 7. Walker took two wickets and Clark© four. For High School E, Julian made 23 and retired, while Capell 8, Bridge 5, Clarke 4 and Maunder 3 were also successful. Radford, Bell, McCallum and Rye divided the wickets. GENERAL ITEMS. Members of the Hawera Amateur Operatic Society met on Tuesday evening. The meeting was an enthusiastic one and prospects for the coming season appear to be very bright. Inquiries are :now being made for various operas suitable for production in Hawera, and a meeting of the selection committee will finally decide the piece at an early date. An event of importance on Sunday will be the laying of the foundation stone at the new Catholic Church in Victoria Street. The ceremony is to be performed by Archbishop Redwood at 3 p.m. and among the many other clergy who will be present is Archbishop O’Shea. The contract price of the edifice is £13,600, and it is anticipated that the total cost will b© £16,000. Of this amount the late Very Rev. Monsignor Power was responsible for collecting £11,141, so that there remains a further £5OOO to find. An extraordinary meeting of members of the Starr-Boukett Building Society was held last night for the purpose of filling four vacancies on the directorate. Messrs. S. Squire, J. Rauch, M. Barraclqugh and H. Robinson were elected. PERSONAL ITEMS. The services rendered to the community by Messrs. C. Goodson (Hawera), C J. Belcher (Eltham) and Bates (Kaponga) during their terra on .the south committee of the Egmont National Park Board were placed on record at the annual meeting of the committee yesterday. Mr. T. B. Crump said Mr. Goodson had a long and worthy record. Over the last ten years or so Mr. Goodson had done a great deal for the commit tee. With Mr. Robert Law, Mr. Gooi’ son had practically borne the burden o. the day so far as the south was. concerned. They had been the original guarantors of the bank overdraft. That had enabled a good portion of the later improvements to the hostel io be effected. Mr. Belcher and Mr. Bates had been much later members on th© committee, but they had always given of their best.

The death has occurred at the ag© of 36 years of Mr. Oswald James Dunlop, of Meremere, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Dunlop, of Hawera. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He leaves a widow. Mr. Dunlop was at one time a keen and enthusiastic supporter of the Egmont Sheep Dog Trial Club, but failing health for a long time had prevented his lending active support. Ke had spent practically all his life at Meremere, and was well known and respected by his fellow farmers of that district. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Cressey, of Hawera, left by the express yesterday en route to the South Sea Islands. GYMKHANA AND STEER-RIDING. . On Wednesday the Egmont A. and P. Association is holding a gymkhana and steer-riding contest on the Hawera showgrounds. The programme is given in the advertisement columns of this issue, and in addition to these events a buck-jump-ing contest between well known horsemen and an exhibition of javelin-throw ing by S. A. Lay, Australasian champion, have been arranged. The programme contains a wide variety of classes and includes many that have not previously been seen in Hawera. Entries are coming in freely and intending competitors. are reminded that they cjoee to-night at 8 p.m.