TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1919, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[ (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYHIGHr.J PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. NOT FAVOURED IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 28. Tho Proportional Representation system of election was rescinded by the Christchurch City Council by ten votes to seven. The meeting lasted till 1.35 a.m. RAIN STOPPED. DUNEDIN, Jan. 28. The rain has abated in Central Otago. Kawarau river will quickly drain off, but the Clutha is likely to remain at a high level for some time. Clutha I’iver dredges will be stopped for some days owing to the impossibility of coaling and the moorings being under water.

BURNT TO DEATH, DARGAVILLE, Jan, 28. An elderly man named Patrick -Mahoney, formerly residing at Nauinai was burnt fp death last night, particulars received state he was seen alive the previous evening, ibis morning his cottage was discovered to lie burnt I ami the body was found among the debris. It is believed one relative resides in Christchurch. FLOODED OUT. DUNEDIN, Jan. 28. Kaitangata is cut off from Stirling bv rail, owing to floor! wafer banking up, and the inhabitants arc leaving their houses. MEDICAL OFFICER DIES. TWO CASES OF INFLUENZA, CHRISTCHURCH, Jan, 28, Major W. G. Sinclair, medical officer on tho transport Briton, died suddenly oa Sunday and was buried at sea. Tlie fumigation of the vessel was rendered necessary on account ol two cases of influenza being aboard.

■•GREEN' RAG” PRISONERS. WELLINGTON, Jan, 27

Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., at the request of a number of his constituents and numerous others in various parts of New Zealand, has addressed a o:m----munieatioii to the Acting Prime Minister, Sir James Allen, urging the release of Messrs Cummins and O’Ryan, manager and editor of the ‘ Green Bay,” tho suppressed Irish paper. Many Sinn Fein prisoners have been released bv the British Government, and it is urged that the. Government should follow the precedent set them, and give the only two Sinn loin prisoners in New Zealand their liberty. Mr Holland is also moving for tie release of conscientious objectors now suffering imprisonment for their conscience sake.

LABOUR conference. WELLINGTON, Jan, 2*B. Another Labour Conference opened in Wellington this afternoon, It was convened by the N.Z. Federation of Labour for the purpose of considering a s-dier,H“ whereby tho various Labour Federations wiil combine in one big or-

ganisatiou. Delegates Were present representing the various Dominion federations. The proceedings are being held in camera.

RAIN AT TIMARU. ! TIMARU, Jan. 28. | Heavy rain has fallen over South , Canterbury since yesterday afternoon j —about, 2 inches at the coast and more inland. It has put a stop to the harvesting of oats for some days. It still raining. Exceptionally heavy westerly rains were experienced in the alpine country and Mackenzie Country, and all the rivers and creeks are high, so that it was difficult or impossible to get to, or from the Hermitage. It is hoped to get through again to-day, The rain was not wanted down country, but was welcome in Mackenzie. CHAMPIONS TO MEET. NEW PLYMOUTH. This Day. Gloaming has already arrived. Desert Gold definitely arrives on Saturday. The champions will probably meet m the Taranaki Stakes on Thursday, February 6th. Great, interest is being taken.

released from QUARANTINE. COMING HOME THURSDAY | CHRISTCHRUCH, This Day The troopship Briton has been released from quarantine, The Christchurch quota will arrive here to-night. The North Island men leave by the ferry steamer to-night and the West Coast 1 and southern drafts by train to-mor-row morning. j A WAIRARAPA PROTEST. j WELLINGTON, Jan. 27. ! A South Wairarapa deputation wait- j ed upon Sir James Allen to-day and requested that the venereal disease eases be removed from Featherston j Camp. They suggested that Kapiti Island might he used. I The Minister said the authorities had had difficulty in dealing with these men, hut he did not think the idea of securing Kapiti Island was possible. Tn any ease the whole thing would be over in the course of not many months. He hoped that the troops would all he i hack in nine months. The venereal ! ( . a ses coining hack now wore compnrn- ‘ tivoly few. Most of those who were I now at Featherston were in the convalascent stage, and the place ought to he cleared altogether in the course of a year. Tie appealed to the people of the Wairarapa to put up with the ar--1 rangenient.