TALEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1917, Page 3

TALEGRAMS.

Per Press Association.—Copyright.

Ministers Deputation

Christchurch, Feb 26

A deputation representing the Ministers’ Association waited upon the Hon G. W. Russell on the subject of exemptions from military service. The deputation did not a;k for the exemptions of ministers and school teachers, but for complete quality in the matter of the clergy and teachers. It was alleged that the Roman Catholic Church was receiving consideration in the matter of exemptions for her clergy and religious and in the interests of the public peace, and that of the common good; an understanding was much desired. Tho deputation wished that there should be equal treatment for all.

Hon G. W. Raasell cited sections of the Act under which the Catholic Church had acted, and which were open to all denominations. He could not give a specific answer to the assertion that there was a secret understanding between the Government and the Catholio Church.

Empire Press Union

Wellington, Feb 26

At the annual meeting cf the New Zealand branch of the Empire Piess Union yesterday 28 members were present, Mr G. Fenwick (chairman) presiding. He explained that owing to the war there was little business to do, the English union having practically suspended operations and partly beoause the secretary had enlisted. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The retiring committee vr.s re-elected and a motion was passed congratulating Sir H. Graham of Canada, newspaper proprietor, on Ir'a sleyatioa to the peerage.

Newspaper Proprietors

Wellington, Feb 26 The annual conference of the News* paper Proprietors’ Association opened to-night. The President (Mr S.iig) was in the chair, The Mayor (Mr J. P. Lake) r ecorded a civic welcome to the members. Referring to the war restrictions he said that the question arose in view of the paper scarcity whether the newspapers’ issues could not be made just as attractive with a

reduction of space. The educational value of the pres* was undoubted, but it bad to ba considered how the utility could bs conserved with small publications. The Mayor also paid a tribute to the excellent services rendered by the Press Association, Mr S~!ig, in acknowledging the welcome, said the newspapers had worthily done their part regarding the war. Expenses bad gene up tremendously, but the proprietors were doing their beat to satigfy the publio need.

EVlaitai Inquiry. Wellington, Feb 26 The Auckland court of inquiry into the MAltai’s stranding, hearing evidence on behalf of OapUb MeLiac and the chief officer is com Maud. Ciptaiu Cliffs, pilot, Auckland, said he was of opinion (he Msitr.i f-truckou an uncharted mushroom reef at Raratonga, where the Navua struck nine years ago, when in Ha command. At the Navua inquiry, the Court’s recommendation was a re-eurvey. As far as ho knew, it had never been carried out. He further considered Captain MoLsau was right in attempting an anchorage and generally justified all hia handling of the vessel.

Wellington Accidents. Wellington, Feb 26 A man, named Claud Harrison Sutton, fail off a tram-car in Manners St. last night and had both his legs badly crushed and broken. Ha was standing on the stop of the car, evidently with the intention of alighting at the next corner. Somehow, he slipped and was dragged along for a distauoe, sufferingterrible injuries to his legs. He was removed to the hospital, at which place his condition is serious. A railway foreman, named George Henry Shoery, had his right thigh broken a* the Upper Hutfc on Saturday through being crushed between an engine and station platform. A little boy, aged six years, named Stanley Davis, was vuu over by a tram, and so badly injured in the left arm and right leg that they were amputated at the hospital where his condition is critical.