NEW ZEALAND NEWS. (By -Telegraph— Press Association.)

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1707, 26 March 1913, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND NEWS. (By -Telegraph— Press Association.)

4 POULTRY CONFERENCE. CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT. Auckland, March 2(5. At tho annual meeting of tho Now Zealand Poultry Association, Mr. Merrett, the secretary, in his annual report, said the industry had assumed big proportions, The ; prices lor eggs and poultry were 50 per cent, belter than they were ten years ago. Tho improvement in . laying birds had been phenomenal. A trial shipment of eggs to Vancouver did not show a great profit,' but demonstrated the possibility of working up an extensive export trade.

A committee appointed to report on tlio proposed Dominion Co-operative Poultry Association reported that some scheme such as that advocated by Mr. Ferguson at tho last conference in Christchurc'h was desirable, but the time was uot yet rip* for the adoption of the scheme in ltf entirety. _ Tho committee suggested thai a beginning be made by the co-operation of poultrymcn in tho Wairarapa, Manawatu, and Wellington districts. Such a concern as this would have ail admirable chance to demonstrate to the rest of the Dominion what can be done. The committee had no fear for the success of a. co-operative company in Wellington, as it would be so ably supported by egg circles where much organising work had been done. Given fair support by -pbultrymcn and skilful and experienced management, the committee felt sure that tho example set by means of the company meeting with success ill one district would' soon pave the way for tho work (o be taken up in larger measure, until tho fl-holo of the poultry producers in the Dominion were united in ouo cooperative effort." GRAND'ORANGE LODGE. Invercargill, March 26. The Grand -Orange Lodge has elected the following officers:—G.D.M., Bro. W. Hunter (Palmerston North); DeputyGrand Master, Bro. 11. Bruco (Duuedin); Grand Cliapkii'n, Bro. W. D. Little (Levin); Grand Secretary, Bro. J. W. Patton (Dunedin); Treasurer, Bro. T.M'Farlano (Dunedin); Foreman of Worlte. Bro. A. Donald (Masterton); Senior and Junior Deacons, Bros. Davidson and J. A. Hay; Inside Tyler, Bro. _G. H. Sprotj executive, Bros; Barlow, Wilson,' John,, stone, Key, and Middleton.

BURGLARS AT LEVIN. Levin, March 25. The jewellery 1 establishment' of F. J. Glackin was entered by burglars during the Easter holidays, between Saturday and Monday, and valuables estimated to be worth ilijO wero stolen. U.S.S. CO. BUYS THE GIFFORD. . Dunedin, March 2G. The Union Steam Ship Company has, purchased the cargo boat Gilford, of 7500 tons, from Andrew Weir, and renamed her Waitomo. Tho ,vessel is only fifteen .months' old. BIBLE CLASS'CONVENTION. Wanganui, March 2G. The annual convention of the New Zealand Methodist Bible Classes concluded last evening. Over 400 delegates attended, and the visitors state that it was the best organised convention ever hel in connection with the Methodist Church in. the Dominion.' t : Tho boys wero camped in [the District High School grounds, and girls were accommodated in homes of friends, combining for tea ou Good Friday in tho Trinity Schoolroom, and for dinner on Saturday in camp, while a great meeting was held in Trinity Church on Sunday night, 100 partaking of tho Sacrament. T.Y.M.I. (Wanganui) won tho championship banner at tho sports meeting, scoring 53 points; East Kelt scored 21 points, Onehunga 18, and Devonport 17. Tho next convention is to ba held in Auckland.

DEMOLISHED BY FIRE. Hawera, March 26. Clifton House, a two-storied wooden building of twenty-two rooms, occupied as a boardinghouso by Mrs. P. Douglas, was practically demolished by lire yesterday. Very little of. tho contents was saved: The building was owned by Nurse Taylor; of Elthaui, and was insured, but for what amount is not available. Tho' furniturd was insured for .£250 in tho Phoenix Office. THE SAWMILL MEN. Auckland, March 28. The Now Zealand Sawmill and Tiinbct Workers'. Conferenco' clecled Mr. T. O'Uyrne, of Southland, president, and Mr. J. Alswerlen, of Southland, secretary. Tho delegates aro discussing several matters in a keenly critical spirit, with a view to arriving at uniform action for unions to follow. GOOD TEMPLARS. , New Plymouth, March 25. . The biennial session ■of tho Grand Lodge of Good Templars was opened today. Many delegates and visitors attended from all parts of the Dominion, Bro. Andrews, G.C.T., piesiding. A resolution of eondolenco'with,the relatives of the late J. C. liogge, Grand Guard, was carried. The report of the G.C.T. was'read, and various clauses referred to a special committee. Tho Grand Lodgo degree was conferred 011 a large number of members of the Order. 1 i.