NEW ZEALAND NEWS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1380, 5 March 1912, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

ißy Ifelegrapb-Presi Association.) * STONEMASONS'AFFAIRS. Christchurch, March 4. The industrial dispute between tho Can« terburv Stonemasons' Union and tie Christchurch builders came bcibro tho Conciliation Council to-day, the Commissioner (Mr. J. H. Triggs)- presiding. Tho majority of tho union's demands were agreed to by the employers. Over tho clnuso relating to the conveyance of men to suburban work, there was considerable discussion, the Hon. J. Darr, for tha union, urging that the men should not be compelled to uso the conveyance provided if it was easier for them to cycle, Tho employers desired a provision in tho clause lor "a suitable conveyance." Tho employers' request was acceded to by tho union in order to secure their consent to the retention of the preference clause that had been in the previous Award. It was decided.that tho award should bo of two years' duration. * Tho new award will differ only slightly from tho one previously ia force. Tho wages and hours of work clauses w.cro unaltered. A POLL. Gisborne, March 4. To-day a poll was takon on tho question of rating on unimproved values in tho Woikohu County. It resulted in 133 votes in favour of rating on unimproved values and 3 against. RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Christchurch, March 4. A man named William Gifford, a pa* songer by tho first express from tho south to-night, fell off tho platform of a carriage l>ctween Christchurch and Lyt> teltou. Ho managed to keep bold of tin railing, but was dragged along a consid< erable distance. He received internal in> juries, and was taken to tho hospital. BREAD AND iWATER. Auckland, March 4. At Mount Eden Gaol to-day an-inquir* was held into a charge against Joseph! Finn (serving ten years' sentence) of assaulting a wardor. Finn was sentenced to Bovon days' bread and water in two periods with throe, days' interval between, and forfeited three months' good-conduct marks. LOST A PROPELLER. Auckland, March i. Tho Northern Company's coastal steam* er Nsapuhi struck on obstaclo when leav* ing Whaagarei, and lost a propeller,. Th« vessel came on to Auckland with the remaining screw. A Buukcn log probably caused the accident. REFUSALS TO SERVE. Wanganui, March i. Christchurch, March 4, Harry Cooke, who previously went to faol rather than pay a fine under tho lefencc Act, was again arrested to-day and sent to gaol for three weeks. Other warrants have been issued for tho arrest of offenders who have refused to pay fines under tho Act. Christchurch, March 4. The Christchurch branch of the ist party to-night passed a most strongly.* worded resolution protesting against tho second imprisonment of the lad Harry Cooke for refusing.to register l under tin Defence Act. N FETE YIELDS £1120. Christchurch, March 4. . The fete recently organised by the Do* main Board: to provide funds for.. tho upkeep, of tho Christchurch Domain realised a net profit of .£ll2O. SUPREME COURT. Hamilton, March 4. At the Supreme Court. Axel Sncrtningo, on three charges of stabbing at Frankton, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each charge, tho sentences to bo cumulative, and ten years' reformative treatment. , Herbert Fyke, on a charge of blackmail; was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hnrd labour. John Hugo Hansen, for breaking into store, received a sentence of twelve months' ir*-< prisonment with hard labour. PROPELLER GONE. Westport, March 4. The steamer Defender, bound from Lyfe itelton to Hokitika, lost her propeller off Stephen Island yesterday morning. Captain Jainieson sailed the vessel under Farewell Spit, but tho south-east galo coming on he put her to sea. Tho steamer Alexander sighted her, and took tho Dc fender in low, bringing her down to Westport this morning. A spare propeller is being obtained from Hokitika, and will be fitted here. OFFICIAL HONOURED. Napier, March 4. Mr. R. T. Bailey, local representative o! tho Labour Department, was presented by tho employers and men concerned in tho recent waterside workers' dispute with i handsome sideboard in appreciation of his services as chairman of the conference Speakers on both sides referred to the unbiased and impartial manner in which Mr. Bailey performs his duties. THE DAY OF "CONFERENCES." Westport, March 4. The.conference commences to-morrort, between tho .representatives of the coal companies and the minors' unions regard* ing the men's demands for a now indust trial agreement. An amicable settlement is anticipated. DROWNED WHILE NETTING. Invcrcargill, March 4. Cecil Newman, aged 30, a single man,,, was drowned off the Rivcrton beach on Sunday afternoon while netting for flounders. Thoso holding tho shore end of tho net let go, and Newman becamo entaiiigled, and owing to tho breakers nnd the weight of his clothing he failed to free himself. A gallant effort .at roscua was made by a young man named Sharburd, who only regained the shore with) difficulty. BAKERS' DISPUTE. Greymouth, March 4. The dispute between the West Coast master bakers and their oniployces was brought before Mr. P. Hally (Co'uciliation. Commissioner) to-day. The following agreement was arrived at:—Wages i Ordinary workers, JC3 a week; foremen's wages to ljo arranged between tho parties) •18 hours por week. A preference clauss was agreed to, making it compulsory foi. non-unionists to become members withiq seven days after notice has been servedt BRIEF MENTION, Westport, March 4. Ten candidates have been nominated for tho Bullcr Licensing Committee. Napier, March i: Heavy rain set in early on Saturday night, and continued incessantly till the following morning. . From 7 p.m. on Saturday to 9 a.m. on Sunday 2.10 inches lei!. Tho weather is still dull and threatening.