DOMINION NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2569, 2 August 1909, Page 4

DOMINION NEWS.

DESERTERS FROM THE CHALLENGER. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 31. Six men who deserted from HALS. Challenger at Rarotonga were placed on the Hauroto for conveyance to Auckland. After the Hauroto had left the wharf two of them jumped overboard and swam ashore.. Tho other four, on the arrival of the Hauroto this morning were brought before the Court, and remanded in custody for an opportunity of placing them aboard the Challenger. BUSHFELLING. WELLINGTON, July 31. In regard to the bushfelling work at Raugaitatau, veVy few parties have finished underserubbing, but in most cases they have nearly completed. The weather has been very wet. The men have nothing but praise as regards tho stores supplied. The food is cheaper than in the towns. About a- score of men have left tho work for various reasons, including family matters, but several intend returning. BREACH OF CUSTOMS ACT. Three officers of the Tengariro were charged at the Police Court to-day with a, breach of the Customs Act. Walter Brown, chief engineer, pleaded guilty of having knowingly harbored uncustomed goods. The Collector stated that Brown was a first offender, though the illegal traffic had been carried on for years. A fine of £IOO, reduced to £3s* was imposed, and the goods ordered to be forfeited. 'William Thompson, second engineer, also pleaded guilty, and was fined £3 15s, throe times the value of the tobacco in his possession. Albert Wm. Lewis, fifth engineer, pleaded not guilty, and was fined £3. RETRENCHED CIVIL SERVANTS. Mr. Gow, Trade Commissioner, and Mr Mewhinney. formerly private secretary to various Ministers, are definitely stated to be retiring from the Government service under retrenclmint. ' THE BARE MAJORITY. It- is the intention of the New Zealand Alliance to have drafted a Bill, to be introduced next session, providing for both Dominion and local option by a bare majority. A STORE BURNED DOWN. CHRISTCHURCH, July 31.' S. Johnston’s general store, at Leeston, was burned c?rly this morning. The store and contents were completely destroyed, but aii adjoining hotel was saved by the brigade’s efforts. The stock is valued at £2OOO or £2500. Tho insurance is only- £9OO. The building belonged to Mr McCormick, hotelkeeper. Information as to tho insurances is not available. .