LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20512, 2 September 1936, Page 6

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

Fatal Electric Shock Re'.cii James Scott, 37, a carter al the Kidlangata coal mine, received a fatal electric shock on Saturday afternoon while getting through a wire fence which had come in contact with a broken electric wire leading from his dwelling to a garage. Scott was a widower with five children. Boxing Exhibition A boxing exhibition was given by “Tiger” Mills and three Timaru boxers in the Orange Hall last night. Fine displays were given by W- Heller, D. Gillon and E. Last. Between the bouts, C. Craib gave a skipping demonstration and also boxed three rounds with D. Gillon. The South Canterbury lightweight representative, D. Eddington, was also present. “Man’s Inhumanity . . .” “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” That inscription, painted in large white letters, was the former occupant’s farewell message as he vacated his business premises in Timaru. He was engaged in work the basis of which was the once popular horse. The inscription no doubt applies to those who have brought the motor industry to its present flourishing- state and who have made the horse take a back seat. Netball Season The netball season in Timaru was brought to a close in the Y.M.C.A. Hall last night, the winning banners being presented by Mr W. M. Sexton. West End won the men’s section and McGruer’s the women’s section. During the evening exhibition games were played by West End and Y.M.C.A. and McGruer’s and Y.W.C.A. At the conclusion of the games supper was served, and following a short community sing, a dance was held. Decision Reserved The question of the vicarious liability of a surgeon for the negligence of a member of his operating theatre staff was further discussed before Mr Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court, Dunedin, yesterday, when the case to which Isabel Daisy Ingram claimed £7OO from Henry Walden Fitzgerald was concluded. The claim arose out of the painting of plaintiff after an operation with iodised phenol instead of tincture of iodine. The mistake was made by one of the attendant sisters in the operating theatre. The remaining evidence for the defence was heard in the morning, and the afternoon was devoted to legal argument. His Honour intimated that he would take time to consider his judgment. Irksome But Necessary “I make no apology for saying that a great deal of the vast amount of legislative enactment in force to-day is necessary for the proper conduct of our national life, irksome though some of it may be to individuals,” remarked Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., when speaking in Wellington on “The Legal Machine.” He would freely admit, he added, that there were imperfections and inconsistencies, and that in a few instances enactments had not kept abreast of the times and were inapplicable to modern conditions and thought. “But the ideal of lawmaking is to provide a code adaptable by all sections of the community, which should not require specific enforcement, but which should be followed by all spontaneously. That is an ideal at the present time incapable of fulfilment, but we have progressed towards the ideal much further than many people think.” The Valuer’s Task “Valuers are enjoined not to strain after high values, not to accept special prices paid for land under exceptional circumstances, but to determine the value neither above nor below the fair selling value in view of the many and diverse purposes for which the values' are used.” This statement is contained in the section relating to valuations in the latest issue of the Local Authorities’ Handbook. It is added: “Land containing or supposed to contain oil, coal or other mineral deposit is valued as for the surface use only.” In New Zealand the increased value attaching to any piece of land which is due to the successful working of other lands in the district, or to State or local body expenditure on public works, or to the general prosperity and development of the country, forms part of the ‘unimproved value.’ Any increased value which arises from Improvements made by the individual possessor is not included in this figure.” Wellington Calls the Awatea The Awatea, the most luxurious vessel of her size afloat, is nearing the New Zealand coast, and last night radio enthusiasts throughout New Zealand were privileged to listen to two-way wireless telephonic communication between the vessel and 2YA Wellington. The vessel, which is of 14,000 tons register, has been built by the Union Steam Ship Co. for the intercolonial service. Before Captain Davey and members of his staff spoke, listeners heard a recording of conversations, designed to convey some idea of the size and serviceability of the vessel, which took place before the Awatea left England. Next Wellington was heard calling the Awatea, which responded giving her position. Then followed a series of conversations between people in Wellington and Captain Davey, the chief engineer, the chief steward, and the wireless operator, each of whom, in response to questions, detailed features of the vessel in interesting fashion. Captain Davey Intimated that he hoped to sight Cape Pa’liser light early to-morrow morning.