TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1919, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

! [l-iiK PKEBS' ASSOCIATION. — fOP’fHIOHt.J PRICE OF FLOUR. WELLINGTON February 25. The Minister of Agriculture stated today that the Government was going to see that the flour millers did not suffer an injustice in connection with the price fixed for the new season’s wheat. The price of flour was fixed last year at £ls/1/- per ton when wheat was costing 0/1 a bushel whereas the Government guaranteed the price ior wheat this year at 6/6. This is stated to mean that the millers could not profitably sell flour this year at the present maximum price. The Minister indicated that the price of flour and therefore of bread, would not. be raised, but he stated that details of arrangements j that would be made by the Government could not- yet be announced. There would be something in the nature of Government assistance to t..ho millers.

INSUFFICIENT DAMAGES. WELLINGTON, February 25. Notice has been lodged in the Supreme Court of an application to move for a new trial of the Grierson versus Thacker libel action on the ground that the damages of on e hundred guineas awarded hv the jury are inadequate.

I HOTEL BURNED. | PAHIATUA, This Dav. Dudley Arms Hotel at Mnngatinoka was completely destroyed by fire at 2 o’clock this morning. The licensee E. J. Knapman, is a heavy loser, as nothing except the cash register and piano was saved. Seven hoarders were in the place at the time and all escaped, 'though they lost most of their belongings. The property was owned by Staples and Co, of Wellington. Insurances ou the buildings fetal £7OO. - MAORI GIRL'S END. WAIROA, This Day. The llawkcs Bay police have been advised that a Maori girl aged 12, while playing on a ledge near Tirunga falls on Sunday, was swept over (he pro, cipicc 150 ft. deep. No trace of the body has been fqjmd , WOMAN DISAPPEARS. WELLINGTON, February 25. Fears are entertained for the safety of a woman resident of Tinakori Road,who disappeared from home early yesterday morning. She is about forty years of age and in delicate health. FINED FOR SMOKING. WELLINGTON, February 25. At the Magistrate’s Courj., George Baker, auctioneer, was fined £3 and Abraham Joseph and Qresto Ferliui £1 each for smoking in premises where foodstuffs wore sold by auction.

NATIONAL BANK OF N.Z. WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. In order to draw still closer the connexion which has existed for many years between the National Bank ol New Zealand and Lloyd’s Bank, Ltd,, as their London hankers, the latter have arranged to subscribe for 50,000 shares, part of the new issue of 100,000 shares which will shortly he made by the former institution. At the same time one of the directors of Lloyds Bank will join the Board of the National Bank. This will not involve any change in the management of that hank, which will continue as heretofore. The completion of the new issue will bring the subscribed capital of the National Bank of New Zealand up to one million, and its reserve fund up to the same aipoupt.

COST OF LIVING

MR JUSTICE STRINGER’S COMMENTS.

WELLINGTON, Feb. *2J

A discussion regarding the powers of the Arbitration Court, under the Act | of last session, occurred at to-day’s sitting of the Court. | Mr. M. J. Reardon contended that the Court was bound to take notice oi the cost of living; that was mandatory. I Mr .Justice Stringer said that the Court itself did not know what the Act meant-, it seemed futile to go on increasing wages, which only increased the cost of living, as the workers who were before the Court could not control the cost of living. j Mr Reardon said that if Parliament had shirked its duty the Court must do its duty. j Mr Justice Stringer: Until some- ; tiling breaks. ! | Mr Reardon: Yes: until Parliament ! secs the absolute futility of its legislation. ZEALANDIC ARRIVES. - WITH DRAFT NO. 217. WELLINGTON, This Day. Arrived.—Zealandic with returning draft No. ,217. The troops disembark at 11. a.m. to-morrow.

C’HKKSE MITKS • WELLINGTON, February 21. Owing to tlic* I’iict that it bits been so long awaiting shipment (lie bulk of a cheese store in Wellington ami elsewhere has become infected with the cheese mite. The cheese mite separated is hardly distinguishable by the naked eye but together it forms u black dust. .Although it does not deteriorate the value of the cheese it makes it very unpleasant fo handle. The mite a fleets the eves and causes skin irritation, which may last for three weeks or more. Naturally the appearance of the mite has given the waterside workers some concern and a report regarding it was presented to a special meeting of the Wellington Union, held last night. Investigations regarding the mite ami exprrimcnls in its destruction arc now being carried out. The union decided to urge further attempts to eradicate the pest