AMS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1918, Page 1

AMS

fpjiß PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT. UNSETTLED COAL MINERS. AUCKLAND April 8. Information has boon received that the men at Waipa, Pukemiro, and Taupiro Mines in tlie Waikato, on I'riday took a ballot on the question of striking. It is stated that a large majority of the men favoured continuing work. The ballot came as a surprise to the proprietory, as the relations for some time have been friendly. As regards the Huntly Conference between the men and the employers, which was held recently regarding certain matters at- the request of the former at the conclusion the men expressed satisfaction. A telegram from Huntly states that it is reported locally that the voting was:—ln favour of a strike CO; against a strike 180. It is, believed that the voting, at Pukemiro was solid against striking.

THE BOATING FATALITY. THE SURVIVOR’S STORY. AUCKLAND, April 8,

-'l'ho inly survivor of the harbour drowning accident was a Samoan named Heilcsoe. He is an able swimmer, aim great praise is (hie for his eflorts to save John skinner. He states that he. with the four deceased, set out about 6 p.m. in a dingy, with the intention of fishing off the North Head. On arrival at the fishing ground, they lit a hurricane lamp as a protection from large vessels, Shortly after 7 p.m they took the light in the boat so that they could see to cut the hail. S'itldeiilv he saw a headlight of an approaching vessel. He told the others that- a vessel was behind them. Ho called out to those on the vessel while they were trying to pull up tiny

anchor to apoid a collision. The tow line caught the dingy’s mast and dragged the small craft towards tihe vessel til at was being towed. The dingy capsized and all the occupants were thrown into the water. Ernest and David Skinner caught hold of Sutherland and John skinner seized Hellesoe. Hellesoe managed to right the dingy and place John inside. Unfortunately the dingy fielled again and John was thrown into Die water. He drifted to where Suthor land was holding up the other two boys, both, of whom were calling out. Sutherland called out, “ I’m done, Christian, save yourself.’’ A boat then nrrit •. • He bad managed to climb on the upturned boat and told them to go to Sutherland and the others first. However, they picked him up first and when be looked again the others had disappeared.

J. MCCOMBS PAYS UP. CHRISTCHURCH Apr 8 At the adjourned hearing of the creditors petition calling on James McCombs- M.P., to show causef why he should not he doclared a bankrupt, beforce the Supreme Court to-dav. Counsel- stated the petitioners had been paid in full and said ho understood Mr-Mc-Combs had settled with all his creditors. The petition was withdrawn by leave of the Court.