TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Per Press Association.--Copyright. Shipping ShortageDunedin, April 2 Sir James Allen stated to-day that Government were m kmg'every effort to maintain the Lest standard poasible of the essential oversea trade of New Zealand. Indeed the question has obtained the consistent attention of the administration and Ministers at Home, but in view of the rsc9nt direct effects "tt of the enemy submarine campaign on 'New Zealand traders and al3o the announcement as to the diversion of several vessels in the Auatralaaian eervico to the American trade, Government immediately communicated with Mr Massey and Sir J. G. Ward. A cable reply waj received to-day, Mr Massey advising that a strong protest bad been made to the Board of Control, against the diversion of such vessels, and stating that he thought the Board were impressed, but he admitted that the position was very difficult. Sir J. Allen points out that the reason for * the diversion is that ships can make two trips in the American trade, against one to Australasia, and in view of the urgency of supplies at Home, it may be necessary for New Zsaland to bear a sacrificial adjustment of the ■hipping service.

Ilia Next Ballots

Dunedin, April 2

The Minister says that a greater number of men are likely to be called up in the subsequent ballots, in order to meet ihe recent stiffening of the medical examinations. MILITARY service board. Miners Go-slow Policy. Gret mouth, April 3 At the Military Appeal Board Bitting to-day, the Mine Mauagers of State and Blackball coal mines gave evidence that the “go-slow” policy was enforced in the State, Blackball, and Roa con.! mines, the''Brunner mine being an exception. The output of the Slate and Blackball mines were comparatively reduced by 200 tons pet day. About four miners only at the Blackball were keeping their output normal, two of whom were drawn in the ballot. The average earnings at Bla.kball had dropped from 19/ to 11/4. The managers of tbe mines examined Baid they could give no definite reason for the restriction. The Chairmen intimated that the Board would take time to consider the Statements of the output and earnings of the several mines. Whatever the cause of the “go-slow ” policy, it was absolutely ridiculous that the output of the mines should be reduced by 200 tone in the present crisis, and that at the same time applications should be made for exemption from military service of tbe men responsible. Whatever the object of the reduction, iho consequences were going to be serious to somebody. This was not thrown cut as a threat, but as indication of the policy the Board would adopt. '