NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1608, 27 November 1912, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(By Tolonraph.—Press Association.) « : NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND. AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. Auckland, November 20. A doputation from tho .Manchester Unity Oddfellows interviewed the Premier, and pointed out that tlio organiser for tlio National l'rovidcht Fund organised by tlio Stato bccaitio a strong competitor with tlio friendly societies. It was asked that tlio Government should oncourapo their good work by moans of Hjibvention. In tho Old Country tho National schemo was operated through the friendly sociotios, and the deputation believed that tho saino could be dono lioro with economy to tho State and benefit to tho sociotios. As matters stood, tho Stato was competing unfairly. Mr. Mnssey said tho proposal to operate tho scheme through the friendly societies ivas new to him, and ho could say nothing about it. Regarding tho alternative proposal, he stated that somo scheme was already being considowd by Cabinet to bo placed before the House next session. no thought tho societies would admit it was just and generous to themsolvos.

MOTORS & MILITARY WORK. Christchurch, November 26. Tho Canterbury Automobile Association last night discussed with Colonel Heard a proposal to form an army motor reserve. Colonel Heard explained tho schemo as published, tho tentative intention being that owners • of : cars should help in staff tours and manoeuvres, payments to bo based on tho rating of cars, and tho distances covered. Tho association resolved to give the Government every 'assistanco in its power in tho formation of tho reserve.

LIBRARY & ENDOWMENTS. Christchurch, November 26. In the Supreme Court yesterday, Mr. Justice Denniston delivered judgment in the case of the Canterbury College v. the City Council, an application for a declaratory judgment concerning the right of the Canterbury Public Library to participate in the revenues of certain endowments set apart by provincial ordinances for the museum, library, and a school for technical science.

The question was raised in connection with the desire o£ the college, to transfer the library to the city without endowments. The college contended that the present library was not the one contemplated by tho Provincial Council, and that it had the right to_ establish another, library under the ordinances. The Judge holds that the present library properly participates in the endowment revenues, the allocation of which between the museum, library, and school for technical science is left to the College Board, which, however, must exerciso its discretion in good faith.

UGBROOKE LAND SALE.. Blenheim, November 26. There was a large attendance at the sale of TJgbrooke sections. Ten blocks were put up to auction, ranging from 310 acres to .4271. Four blocks sold at prices ranging from J;G to .Ell; the others were (passed in, tho bids ranging from <£3 ss. to £12 10s. NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH. Hamilton, November 26. The new Eoman Catholic Church, Our Lady of the' E-osary, was opened on Sunday, three Bishops ' participating. The collection at two services amounted to over a thousand pounds sterling. A FATAL VENTURE. Carterton, November 26. News reached Carterton this morning of the death by drowning of William Buich, of Greytown. Deceased, a young man, was returning to Greytown from Masterton, through Gladstone. _ At the back of Papawai it was necessary for him to. cross the Enamahunga Kiver, which was swollen. His companions urged him. not-; .to ' ventured, and'was 'drowned.' The'body has not yet been reoovered.. . ' GROUNDED BUT FLOODED OFF. Napier, November 26. Entering the channel at the port yes-' terday afternoon the.Karanm got slightly out of her course, and ran aground, blocking the fairway. . She floated off at high tide undamaged.-/

NEW AMBULANCE STATION. Auckland, November 26. The foundation-stone of the St/ Jolrn Ambulance Association's new station was laid to-day by Lady Islington. Among the speakers were the Governor and the Prime Minister. The contract price of the new building is and the : cost of equipping it, including the motor ambulance, will bring the amount up to .£4500;

NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY. Auckland, November 26. ■Regarding a report that a number of men employed on the North Auckland trunk railway works are being paid oil', tte Premier, states that probably the ,number has been reduced.' but the vote of .€BO,OOO on last- year's Estimates would be expended.

A PRINTER FINED. Christchurch, November 20.' ■ At the Magistrate's Court this morning Alex, Wildey was charged with having Jailed to keep a copy of a. ■ document printed by him; and with having neglected to produce a copy when demanded by a justice of the Peace. The document concerned was a betting card.: Defendant was fined ,£lO and costs on each charge, the Magistrate saying he was satisfied that defendant'was attempting to wilfully defeat the gaming legislation.