NEW ZEALAND ITEMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3229, 27 May 1911, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND ITEMS.

DIVORCE MATTERS. [.PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) ( DUNEDIN, May 26. In l the case Smith v. Smith, in which Mr Justice Williams had taken time his Honor to-day held that condonation was not proved. The petitioner (the wife) was therefore entitled to a decree nisi to become absolute in three months. Costs were allowed on the lowest scale. THE GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. FEILDING, May 26. Mr Newman, M.P. for Manawatu, in a post-sessional l address last night, criticised the Government for increasing taxation,. The' population' had not reached a million yet. Industrial stagnation in the Dominion was caused by harassing labor laws. If the Opposition party got into power, the first thing they would do would be to reduce taxation. AN ALLEGED LIBEL CASE. NAPIER, May 26. Writs have been served on George Nelson and the Hastings “Tribune” by H. lan Simson, claiming £3OOO and £2OOO respectively for alleged libel contained in' a letter .recently published The eases come on for hearing at the Supreme Court next month. THE TAIERI SEAT. AUCKLAND, May 26. The Hon. T. Mackenzie was waited on by a deputation of Government supporters, and asked, in the event" of Taieri being cut Out in the redistribution of electorates, fto contest the Northern seat. 'He said it was only fair to his constituents at Taieri to take no action until the electorate was actually cut. In any case, he would do nothing until he had discussed the position with his colleagues. MASTERTON COLLIE CLUB. MASTERTON, May 26. The Collie Club opened the ninth annual trials yesterday, when a match for Leading, bring back, and holding was won by Cuirtis’ Tip. ■ , • EVADING THE CUSTOMS? / ;; . ; WELLINGTON;; May : 2& :■ ' gA-iuntnbea" pi'third-class passengers’ b.y lie 'Manuka' evaded tne Customs, and immigration authorities at San Francisco, and the captain and purser we?e called on to explain. Just before, 'the vessel left again: a report was published that 'they were taken- to gaol, but this is denied. Ten stewards and two firemen deserted at San Francisco, the former being tempted by an offer of £l2 per month on Alaskan steamers. Thomas;Hoult,. of Feilding, was fined £36 in the' Magistrate’s Court for evading duty on. goods to the value of £l2, consisting of gloves, cigars, cigarettes, a set of harness, and a. ring. The fine was reduced to £9, and the goods ordered to be 1 confiscated.