Prosecution Dismissed

From Our Own Correspondent

Tulagi, Nov. 11.

ON October 20, at the Gizo Court, Solomon Islands, James Kidney, manager of Messrs. Burns Philp (South Seas) Ltd., was charged, on information laid by Ah Kun and Co., with having increased the price of benzine and kero sene by 1/- a case, in contravention of a Government decree prohibiting the raising of prices of any goods imported before September 25.

Mr. Kidney admitted that prices had been increased prior to the receipt of the Government notification on October 13, but subsequent to that date he had reverted to the former rates, except in the case of a sale to Ah Kun and Co.

In that instance, the storeman had in advertently charged the increased price.

Mr. Kidney stated that the error was discovered the same day and rectified be fore the receipt of the summons.

The storeman corroborated the man ager’s evidence, and he was acquitted.

The planters and traders speak with appreciation of the issue of the proclam ation by the Government, prohibiting any increase in the price of goods im ported before September 25, and fixing the profit on goods imported subsequent to that date at a figure not greater than the ratio of profit that was customary on September 1. Although the prosecu tion failed, it is expected to have a good effect.

Mr. J. B. Westerman, of the A.P.C. staff, Port Moresby, attracted some at tention on the evening of November 13, when he won his wager at the Port Moresby baths, that he could swim 150 laps (equal to three miles) in less than two hours. He chose breast-stroke, re lieved with an odd lap of other styles, and, beginning at 8.30, finished with 4| minutes to spare.