TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Per Press Association.--Copyright. THE GOAITtRADE. Buller Mines Stop. WESTPORT, April S. Meetings of the miners were held at Dennistorr, Millorton and 'Stockton, when Millerton and Stockton decided

to strike, but Denriiston declined. f WESTPORT, April 0 All mines in the Duller district are idle to-day. In jDeumiston it was decided last night to continue work, but on learning to-day the decision of Millerton and Stockton, they held a mass meeting and decided not to resume work. | Westport F,lin6s Idle. Westport, April 7 All the coal mines ware idl9 yesterday and to-day. The voting at Stockton on Thursday night wag unanimously in favor of ceasing work, At Millerton a majority of 217 and at Danniston a majority of 12 decided to continue work, but whan the decisions elsewhere wore ascertained they also ceased. The wateiaiders are lording coal in stock, but it will all be disposed of today, The train 88rvices ara necassaril y cut down. y FREIGHT CHARGES To Be Increased Dunedin April 5 It is understood that a achsdulo of intercolonial and coastal freights will - be adjusted in a week or two, this adjustment being the second increase in freight charges since the outbreak of war. Over a year ago an increase of 5/ pec ton was made in inter-colonial freights, while the coastal freights were raised by 2/6. It was pointed out on that occasion that wages throughout the whole of the shipping service had been considerably increased, while the working charges, respecting coal and all stores, had been abnormally augmented, owing to war conditions. Sicca then wages bad been further increased, while ether charges were r similarly affected to a heavier degree than before. For theas reasons the present rates ' iwill certainly be increased, probably to a similar extent as last year, respecting iuter-colonial and coastal service?, with a slightly heavier im--1 post regarding general coastal produce. Fares will not be increased. CUStOM^REVENUE. A Record Year. Wellington, April 6 The Hon Arthur Myers, Minister for Customs, furnishes the following particulars of Customs revenue collected. The amount collected for the month of March, 11)17, was £358,237 as against £320,260 for the corresponding month in 1916. The total amount collected for the year ended March 3lß f , 1217, was £3,849,732 au increase on the figures of the previous year of £483,427. The increase is almost wholly due to the rise in the price of goods paying ad valorem duty,

The year's Custom's revenue is the largest ever collected in the Dominion, and it the excise hear duty is added the total exceeds £4,000,000. “In a comparatively small community such as New Zealand,” said Mr Myers, “ this must be regarded as a most satisfactory record,”