TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1917, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

[I>EH TOESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] WAR BONUS. Wellington, Oct 26. The GoveruVient has been greatly concerned over the public servants’ request for an additional war bonus to meet the increased cost of living. Cabinet’s decision will be announced when the Supplementary Estimates are presented, probably on Monday. There is good reason to believe that railwaymen, who asked for two shillings a day, will get a shilling a day increase on salaries up to about £ 2lO, but it is doubtful if the remainder of the Public Service will secure a further bonus, though last year’s will be renewed. HOWARD ELLIOTT. ' Wellington, Oct 26. Mr Payne asked the AttorueyGeneral this afternoon if any inquiry had been made by the police respecting the Howard Elliott letters. The Hon A. L. Herdman replied that the result of police reports to himself was that there was no foundation for the statements made in two of the letters. SECRET INFORMATION. CHARGE AGAINST SEAMAN. Wellington, Oct 26. George Skone was charged at the Magistrate’s Court that, while on an overseas ship on the high seas, he obtained information which might be useful to his Majesty’s enemies, narnelv, secret information regarding the route, movements and position of the said steamship, contrary to the Official Secrets Act, 1911 (Imperial). According to the evidence for the Crown, Skone was an A.B. on the vessel, and while employed in cleaning out the chart-room, he took the position book out of the locker and was making notes when the third officer entered and caught him. Accused, who claimed to be a Britisher, said that he looked at the book in order to settle an argument among the crew regarding the position of the vessel. He did not get the information for any other purpose. He was committed for trial, and bail was refused.

NGAURUHOE. IN VIOLENT ERUPTION. A (!OKf,A\’U, Octi 2(1 After many signs of activity, Ngauruhoe broke oat into violent eruption last week, culminating in an alarming outburst on Tuesday night. Huge black clouds of ash, steam, \£tpd tongues of lurid flame were seen in the early part of the evening issuing from the crater, to the accompaniment of the deep rumbles of subterranean explosions. Earth tremors were frequently felt, causing a good deal of apprehension in the Native settlements near the base of the mountain. A large area of open country on the windward side, together with the snow fields of Tongariro, lias been covered with a deposit of light pumice ash. The night staff at the Waimarino railway station and residents who witnessed these displays on Saturday and Tuesday night, state that Nganruhoe has never before shown such unabated violence.

Clouds have obscured the upper heights of the volcano for the last few days, and though an occasional rumble is heard, it is impossible to say if the eruption continues on the same scale. . COST OF LIVING. Invercargill, Oct 26

The Town Council lias decided to call a public meeting for next Thursday to consider the cost of living question and remedial measures.