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LOCAL AND GENERAL

Owing to the shortage of staff tho Railway Department has not been running excursion trains at Christmas time in recent years. Since the disbimdment of the troops in camp the Department, lias received back a number of men who had been in camp, and the possibility of running these very much used trains with cheap fares is coruiiig newer. In the House of Kepresentatives yesterday -Mr. li. W. Smith asked the Minister whether the trains could be run this year, mentioning that .there wore numbers of people in the country who had suffered by the epidemic whose com-pleto-recovery would be expedited if they could bo allowed to go away from their homes for t\ time for rest and change. The Minister said that he would be glad to be able to answer the request in the iilfmuntivc, but he could not do so until he knew how many men would be coining back into tho service. The reason for the discontinuance of the excursion trains had been the shortage of stall', and it was tho shortage of staff that prevented the running of the trains now. Hut it would be absurd to try to run the trains and to give excursion trains if them woro not. sufficient men. Ordinary traffic must be kept going. If anything could be dono in the matter it would be done. A similar question from Mr. R. A. Wright wus placed on the Order Pajner.

The Wellington Municipal Free Public Libraries are still closed to the public. .As matters are now rapidly approaching normality an inquiry was made yesterday i:s to when these institutions were likely to reopen their doors. It was stated that the matter had been considered, but as books in the lending department were objects that circulated freely, it was thought advisable not to reopen for a few days yet, so it will probably bo Monday next before the libraries will become available once more to the reading public.

The literature which has been censored within the Dominion for various reasons was tli3 subject of a question in the House of Representatives yesterday by Mr. Xosworthy (Ashburton), who asked the Hon. A. it. Myers when it was intended to remove the restrictions imposed. Mr. Myers replied that he would consult with the Attorney-General upon the matter, and, if possible, would announce the decision next day.

Replying to a question by Mr. G. V. Pearce in the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister said that he had not yet received any definite advice from the Imperial Government us to whether liio Imperial purchase of frozen meat was to be continued for another year after the war. He had cabled to the High Commissioner instructing him to press matters as much as possible, in order that a reply might bo received before he left for the Peace Conference.

The Minister of Public Health (the Hon. G. AV. Russell) was asked in the House of Representatives yesterday to sanction the publication of vital statistics as affected by the epidemic. The Minister said that when the epidemic broke out the district registrars were forbidden to give out the usual statistics in case the publication of figures might cause alarm. Such figures as were being published were unofficial, being merely the admissions and discharges from hospitals and the deaths occurring in the hospitals. He thought it would bo wise to delay the publication of statistics until the epidemic had entirely disappeared from the community.

With the abatement: of the epidemic in Wellington business slumped in tlm civic bar in the Mayor's room. Beyond! an occasional call for brandy for patients (not always of influenza), the demand had become negligible, and the 'bar attendant at times did not havo a customer for hours at a stretch.

The regulations under the War Regulations Act restricting the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor upon the occasion of the arrival in New Zealand of soldiers from overseas have been amended, by increasing the area within which the provisions apply from fifteen miles to twentv-five miles.

Commencing to-<lay the hours of attendance in the public offices of the Chief Post Office will be as follow:— Money Order Office and Savings Bank, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays). All other brasdies, 9 a.m. to S p.m. The resumption of these hours of business has been made possible by the return to duty of many of the staff Who were suffering from influenza. ''

The influenza epidemic had assumed very serious proportions in the United Stales and Canada when the New Zealand Press delegates passed through on their return journey from Britain. Members of the delegation stated that the epidemic had not developed seriously in Britain when they left on then , return journey about October 5, but; when they reached New York on October 19 the conditions there were alarming. At that tiino there was a, daily record of between GOO and 700 deaths in New York. At Montreal between 200 and 300 were dying daily.' The delegates crossed Canada to Vancouver, and found that the epidemic had spread across the whole continent. Passing through the province of Alberta, every passenger on the train had to wear a mask. At. Vancouver Jhe influenza appeared to be less ."■erious, but there wore many deaths there also. No part of the United States or of Canada, escaped. Some American States reported more deaths within the State from influenza than the whole loss of life to the United States on account of the war.

A plea on behalf of the South African veterans, was made by Mr. J. V. Brown in the House of Representatives yesterday. He asked that these m»n be included in'anv repatriation benefits being arranged for the soldiers returning from this war. The Prime Minister, replying, said that it was impossible for him to give a definite, reply to the question without consulting his colleagues, but he would take an early opportunity of doing this.

The dastardlines? of tlife Lueitania crime (siiys the "Merchant Service Review") should undoubtedly be placed on permanent record. We would suggest thai a huge buoy be moored at the spot where the Liisitania was sunk, which would be visible day and night for miles, and bear uninistaknbly the name of the vessel. It would serve to remind those who camo after us that the greatest sea crime ever committed was perpetrated by a nation which gloried in its deed. There would be thousands who would subscribe to such an object.

A returned soldier, named Sidney Barnes, Gisborne, aged 32, died suddenly at his residence, 11 Belfast _ Street, at an early hour yesterday morning. He was invalided to New Zealand suffering from shell shock, and had been warned to be careful as his heart was affected. He also recently suffered from influenza. He was discovered' at 6.15 a.m. lying half out of bed, and on. being gently pushed back into bed by his wife he expired. A medical certificate was given that death was due to heart failure. The deceased leaves two young children.

The question of railway workers coming under the Arbitration Act was mentioned by the Minister of Railways (Hon. W. H. Herries) in the course of his reply to the deputation of members of Parliament which, waited upon him yesterday in support of the demaiyj, for better conditions of work for railway employees. Mr. Herries said that if the whole of the railway service wanted to como under the Act he would not stand in the way. "Would not a wages board system be a better means of adjusting grievances?" asksd Mr. J. P. Luke (Wellington North). "All I want to say," ■replied the Minister, "is that if the majority of the railway servants want to come under the Act or any substitute for the Act that may be the law of the land I won't stand in the way. But, I should strongly object to any section coming tinder the Arbitration Act and the rest working under the Minister." "Don't you think the time has arrived for the laying down of a basis of a U-. hours' week in the railway service?" asked Mr. J. Payne (Grey Lynn). "If that is one of the demands of any of the unions I shall be glad to consult with them and hear what they have to say," replied Mr. Herries.

Mr. 11. Myers appeared before the City Council on Monday afternoon to protest on behalf of the City Milk Supply, Ltd., against the proposal of the City Council to take over the land on which the company's stables are located. The land, Mr. Myers pointed out, was not required for the purposes cf the milk station, but was for the purpose of.enabling access to bo gained to land belonging to Mr. Thomas Ballinger. Jt was not wanted for the <bona fide purposes of the milk station, but was required in order to reduce the compensation payable to another owner. He submitted that this was not a proper pro. cedure. His opposition was in no way fractious. Tho company wished to meat tlie council in the same way as it had on other matters. The company would be carrying on its business for another two years, and if the council were to give the company a tenancy of tho land for such a period (not exceeding two years), it was quite prepared to waive its objection. That, of course, would not dispose of the company's right to compensation. If the- council refused then the company would tako other steps as were open to it to take. Councillor C. IS. Norwood asked if the company would bo satisfied it' land equally valuable were found for it. Mr. llyors said that the objection to that course would be the cost; entailed in oreeting new stables. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) said it would not be expected of him to reply straight away on such a matter of policy. The council would go into the matter, and a reply would be given in due couirse. Tire Telegraph Department advises that owing to the influenza epidemic Papeete has notified that it is unable to work tho wireless station, and consequently messages for Papeete cannot bo •Kcpnfjed until furthor notioo,, .

Referring to the shortage of shipping during the- war, the Minister of Munitions and Supplies (Hon. A. M. Myers), in hie report presented to Parliament yesterday, stated that as a result of (lie extreme pressure in every direction it had been difficult to make as satisfactory arrangements as obtained in pre-war days, but notwithstanding this he thought it could be submitted that all requirements had been reasonably catered for, in view of the difficult conditions which had prevailed, mid it was satisfactory to record that no industry had etopped, although inconvenience at times might have arisen. Probably New Zealand had suffered less than any other British possession through the. shortage of shipping during the devastating period of the war.

Notice was given by Mr. .7. Vigor Brown (Napier) in the House of Representatives yesterday to ask the Prune Minister whether 'he will amend the Widows' Pensions Act so as to give nil widows a pension of £1 10s. per week. -Ur. Brown says that at present the widows' pension is not strictly a widows' pension. She receives vs. Gα. per week for each child, and gets nothing for herself if sha has no children. The influenza epidemic which has been so prevalent lately lias tuken away a largi; number of breadwinners, leaving their widows without any means.

The provision in the Electric Power Boards Bill protecting boardi against claims by consumers in the event of failure of the supply of power through accident, drought, or other unavoidable cause, was the subject of a question asked by the Hon. U. .T. Garland in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon.

"Does this prevent a person from making any claim whatever?" he asked. The Leader of the Council (Sir Francis Bell) replied that a. board could not lie held responsible for the stoppage of n- river supply owing to a drought. "It does not prevent a man who considers ho has a claim from putting his case in the hands of a. solicitor and going to the Supreme Cyurt?" suggested Mr. Garland. Sir Francis Bell answered that it would not. "But," he said, amidst laughter, "I should be very sorry to approve of legislation which would promote litigation."

"It is satisfactory to shite that tlw volume of varied business, representing an expenditure of over .£1,0,00,000 for 1914, has bo far 'been condncted without litigation, ,, states the annual report of the Minister of Munitions and Supplies '.lion. A. M. Myers), which was presented to Parliament yesterday. "Throughout the period a close and careful inspection over all deliveries made to the military authorities lias been exercised, and such differences as arose have, under iny control, been promptly adjusted on a business basis satisfactory to the Department and reasonable to the supplier."

Some amusement was caused among passengers on the Makiira on Sunday morning, when the three health officers ascended the gangway of the vessel as she lay at anchor at the quarantine station at Motuihi, states the "Herald.'" With a view to minimising the risk of taking influenza on board, each officer attired himself in a linen overall, which had been thoroughly fumigated. Passengers lining the. vessel's side failed for a few minutes to realise that this unusual attire had been donned as a precaution in their interest. The general impression was that the doctors were afraid of' getting influenza, and Biniles appeared on every face as they halted at (he top of the gangway and ordered the passengers to stand back. The amusement quickly disappeared, however, when it became known that those on board were to spend seven days in quarantine in consequence of the influenza in their midst.

Sitting in Banco yesterday His Honour Mr, Justice Hosking heard argument in re Garland's .case against the Commissioner of Stamps and'the Minister of Stamps. The. argument was as to whether gift duty is payable on a sift to the Methodist Church Trust for Foreign Missions. Mr. C. B. Morison, K.C., with him Mr. H. Buddie, appeared for the donor, while Sir John Salmond, So-licitor-General, appeared for the Crown. Decision was reserved.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19181204.2.13

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 59, 4 December 1918, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
2,389

LOCAL AND GENERAL Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 59, 4 December 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 59, 4 December 1918, Page 4

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