TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1918, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

- [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] FINED. PROGRESSING. WELLINGTON, April 9. The Prime Minister received a telegram from General Richardson, stating that Major George Massey, reported severely wounded a few days ago, is progressing satisfactorily.

MOTOR ACCIDENTS. HAMILTON, April 6. A motor ’bus returning to Hamilton, crowded with passengers, who had attended a dance at Terapa, capsized into an unfenced gravel pit, falling 7ft, the body of the ’bus being smashed to pieces The night was very foggy.' Most of the passengers were bruised and cut, ana Miss M'Kennah sustained a fractured collar-bone, and Mr Aitken (a returned soldier) injured his leg, which had been previously injured in the war. . There were some miraculous escapes from death.

The message states, further, that tin elderly man named Bunker, who was driving a light trap, was run into by a motor car and suffered serious injuries. He was removed to the hospital, where he still lies unconscious.

AN ILI.-JUTi.GED MOVE. WELLINGTON, This Day. A deputation is being organised in certain Labour circles to wait on Hon W. F. Massey and iSir Joseph Ward, urging the i-olease of Mr P. C. Webb. ME

POST OFFICE SAVFNCS BANK. WELLINGTON, April 8. Tile Postmaster-General lias furnished the following particulars of Sn v ' n R K Bank business -for February During the period February Ist to loth, deposits amounted to £740,514, and withdrawals to £046,227. During the remainder of the month the deposits were £754,569, and the withdrawals £411,109. The totals for the month were:—Deposits £1,495.083, withdrawals £1,067.396, excess of deposits over withdrawals £437,747. The, results, the Minister says, puiy he considered very satisfactory, rind comonro favourably with the business of February, 1917, which was as iollovvs: —Deposits £1,352.878, withdrawals £980,039, excess of deposits over withdrawals £372,629.

A MISER’S HOARD. AUCKLAND Tihs Dav. ’■ Whr-n carriers were removing furniture from a ootte-Y* at. Archill, oeeuniod bv Mr John Morgan, who died id November last, there was found a pickle bottle containing 456 sovereigns, also £IBO in gold, notes, etc., in a hand-bag, and £‘ >r » m silver wrap-v'd in paper, under the harmonium. Deceased was believed, to be in ncccssitiovs circumstances. His wife pas been in the Cost ley Home for two years.

THE TANNING INDUSTRY. CHRTSTCHURCH April 6

During a visit to the Woolston tannearies to-day Mr C. W. Olliver (chapman of directors) said the Government wanted' practically half, the profit' c tlie industry. Nobody Would object if it said that it wanted more because the sacrifices here were nothin!? - y - oared with the sacrifices on the ha H ’ - field, hut those engaged in the indimtry asked from the Government a IUU“ sympathy and a little help. Th r-' were many workß at the* institution lying idle- There/were thousands of dozens’of pelts in the country while tan'ml pelts were coming from Australia. It was not right. The country’s hide; should not have been sold to the Imperial Government without consulting the industry concerned and the people in New Zealand. There were from 40.000 to 50.000 hides in storage at a cost of pi. a hide per week. They had been there for months \and about £50.000 was ried up. The National Government should he helped through thick and thin, but it should give industries the sympathy and help he asked for. Sir Joseph Ward, in his reply, proto isi-d to place Mr Olliver’fl request hefore tho Ministers directly concerned.

REPORTED RESIGNED. WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr P. C. Webb it is stated, has for-warded'-his resignation as MjP., to bis Party to do what they deem to be advisable. OPOTIKI FLOODED. WATER OVER SHOP COUNTERS. WELLINGTON. This Oav. Telegrams received by the Post. Office from Whakatane state: —“An extraordinary heavy flood at Opotiki. Six feet of water in the highest parts of the business area. No loss of life i a reported so far.’’ ! The flood was caused by a heavy rainfall and flooded river. All traffic is suspended. The water is over the counters in tihe shops, and has reached the ground floor of the Post Office.

' Roads are blocked and traffic suspended, and telegraphic communication interrupted. PHiakatano can get Opotiki ovor a faulty telephone circuit.” moderate LEAGUE REPLY. WELLINGTON. This Dav. The Moderate League has issued a manifesto in reply to the Alliance strong ly objecting to tin* demand for a special referendum on the liquor question, on the grounds that in the present state of the finances, prohibition would ho calamitous, and that, soldiers on active service should have an opportunity of i voting; that if the Dominion is to be embroiled at this juncture in a liquor l fight, then theijp i s no justification for i further postponing the General Election ; and that boforo another vote, is taken government should set up a Commission to enquire into the question of State purchase and control.

! FRENCH ORPHANS FUND. \ HAMILTON This Bay. M. Balton. secretary of the French Orphans Funds, has received a cable from Franco urgently appealing for funds, and asking that any moneys in hand be cabled. The organisation has token charge of all orphans and the number has been greatly augmented by thf> reeotit offensive;

A LIBERAL CAUCUS. WELLINGTON This Day. A caucus of the Liberal Party was held this morning when all members, but one were present or accounted for. Sir Joseph Ward, who presided, explained the general position to the party, explaining the reason lor calling the session was due to the fact that the Prime Minister mid himself being asked to attend a meeting of the War Cabinet and Imperial Conference..

The me.eting passed the following resolution That this meeting of the Liberal Pajrty desires in every way to express its approval of Sir Joseph Ward’s mission to the Old Land, to represent New Zealand in conjunction with Mr Massey, at the War Cabinet, and Imperial Conference summoned by the Imperial Government to consider tlu* grave war problems confronting the Empire at the present juncture. No policy questions were discussed.

A REFORM CAUCUS. *A meeting of the Reform party was also belli, Hon. Wc F. Massey stating at the close of the caucus that it was particularly satisfactory. The business of the session was discussed and there was a feeling in favour fit’ expecting the Government’s proposals without unnecessary delay.

A general feeling in favour of a joint caucus was also expressed by those present.