LATI NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1917, Page 1

LATI NEWS

T»r» pBfcSB ASSOCIATION, —CO Ft It GUI'J. S leeji S.isarers K t Fsstntvl. WELLINGTON, May 29 A meeting of the New Zealand Sheep Owners Federation resolved to iutima j to the Military Service Board that IF ■ minion sheep-owners do not desiv i shearers of the First Division to 1 * exempted, in every case on the pi » of being necessary to an essential industry. They desired to see the w. r finished, and while certain that Agi cultural and Pastoral workers c e necessary in maintaining pro due tic. , so far as shearers are concerned, < _’d- r men and lads under military age c. l undertake the work. In all cases we e exemption is applied for, the opinion < the Efficiency Board of Trustees should bo obtained. The federation refused the request of the representatives of the workers to meet and discuss terms' and cone! - tjons of the new agreement for .shearers and shod hands, on the ground that they were not satisfied that those in attendance were genuinely representative' of the shearers and sued hands unions.

Prisoners of WarWELLINGTON, May 30 The Acting-Postmaster General announces that an information burcau-4!qj-_ prisoners of war has been established with the Red Cross Society of the Portugese Colony of Mozambique under the title “Delegation Proviusiale De Le Craix Rouge, Lourenco Marquess.” Correspondence despatched through the Bureau will be free of postage. Such correspondence must hear as part of the address the words “Delegation Provincial De_ La Craix-Rouge-en Franchise De Port-prisoners De Guerre, Loureneo Marquess.”

Farmers’ Union. Sitting of Conference. MAR.TON, May 30.

The conference of ,tlic Wellington Province Farmers’ Union resumed its sitting to-day. The committee appointed by the conference to consider the settlement of returned soldier? reported in favour of a motion “that the conference tif the Farmers’ Union that Government . should at once secure land for returned soldiers. Such, land to comprise land of first class quality, suitable for such men as are unfit for back blook hardships, and in orde: hack blook hardships, and in order to supply such land compulsory acquisition esairpricfyMK Pff f rfrskpmhbj tion at fair values- should be carried out. and the land paid for at 4£% debentures, free of taxation, leaving the owner, if he so Wishes, land for a market value of at least £3,500.” After discussion . the motion was adopted. Ft was unanimously resolved that the conference recognises the splendid work that Mr. Moss has done for the Union while President, and' congratulates him on thq honourable and important position which he lias accepted, and appointed him a life member of the Union. Mr. G. L. Marshall was elected President, J. Birch Treasurer, W. B. Matlieson, vice-President, A D McLeod Hugh Morrison, Masterton, H. Morrison, Greymouth, L. A. Nevins, D. McGregor, and A. T. Whitman members of the Executive for the East Coast; J. H. Perrett, J. Ballislie, J. H. Booth, Ewen Campbell, J. Oliver, A. Robinson, and A- Howie, For the West Coast: Sir James Wilson, Thomas and Moss,. Honorary members of tbe Executive: A. T. Whitman for the East Coast, and Mr. Robinson for the West Coast were elected members of the Dominion Executive. It was resolved that the Dominion Executive confer, on the best means of controlling distribution of our products on the English market.-

A proposal to form a Farmers’ Shipping Co., was cordially endorsed. It was resolved that the 'Government Life Insurance Department be asked to allow clients the privilege of giving three month’s notice for partial repayments of mortgages, instead of the present system of payment of three month’s interest.

An Inquest.

WELLINGTON, May 30. At (the inquest on the body of an unidentified man who ‘was knocked down by a tram car on Lambton Quay u»i Monday evening, and who died in the hospital the following. morning, the evidence of a number of witnesses was taken and then adjourned until-. Saturday to obtain the evidence of another witness. Bye Election. WESTPORT, May 30.—At a byeelection to-day for the Borough Council to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr H. Larson, there were five, candidates. Mr H. T. Parry headed the poll with 447 votes, the next highest candidate being R-. Weekes (labour; 301 votes. Mr Parry was the Protestant Association’s candidate.