TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1919, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

;piiß PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPVRIGIir.J A ROYAL COMMISSION. AUCKLAND, May 15. The Royal Commission appointd to inquire into the cause of the outbreak of pneumonic influenza in Western Samoa opened its sittings at Auckland to-day. The business was purely formal. The members of the Commission leave to-morrow by the Talune for Samoa where the sitting will be continued. TWO-UP SCHOOL. AUCKLAND, May 15. As a sequel to a recent “two-up”, raid at Devonport, twelve men were j each fined £5 and costs in the Police ■ Court. Twelve others were not convicted.

A. DRY SPELL.

BLENHEIM, This Day

Marlborough, in- common with the rest of the Dominion is feeling the marl: of a severe drought, though not to the same extent as Hawkes’ Bay and north Auckland. Rain is badly wanted, but lucerne to some extent is stalling off disaster. The water is giving out, many of the rivers and creeks drying up. No mortality of stock is reported, but prices have fallen considerably. The outlook for winter feed is not promising. It is the worst dry spell known in the district. Pelorus and Wakamarina rivers are very low and at Deep Creek, crushing is entirely suspend#.

INFLUENZA REPORT.

AUCKLAND, This Day

Influenza still shows a steady diminution of activity. The number of cases reported this month totals 18 in the city and 44. in the country districts, one being fatal against 73 for the first half of last month. The majority of cases are mild, only one proving fatal. Four cases from the Niagara are still quarantined and will bo released on Monday next. Over sixty carpenters are nowon the island erecting Half a dozen new buildings to cope with future emergencies.

MILTON P.O. ROBBERY

DUNEDIN, This Day-

At the Police Court, Victor James Robert Keen was charged with breaking and entering Milton Post office savings bank and stealing £520/10/- in notes, also with entering the dwelling of the manager and stealing a bunch of keys. Accused pleaded guilty to both chaiges and was committed to tlio Supreme Court for sentence. Nearly all of the money is accounted for. Accused was then charged that at Maknroa in April, 1918, be forged the name of O. Ganelin to a telegram, with the intention that it should be acted on as genuine. ’V remand was granted the police till Friday next. HONOURING THE GENERAL. ■HASTINGS, This Day. Arrangmenfs are complete to make General Russell’s return to our town a red letter day in the annals of Hastings. Ho will be' received by a guard of honour from Returned Soldiers and liis old Hawkes Bay Mounted Rifles. Shops | and schools will observe a holiday and ' the town be gaily decorated. A civic ' reception by the Mayor will be given at tlio Municipal buildings. Sir Andrew’s ' employees at Tunanuai estate have also prepared a great reception when he reaches home in the evening.

sheep owners protest. HASTINGS, This Day. Replying to Hon. Guthrie’s telegram that the Ilaranga’s loading at Napier, be expedited, H. N. J. Campbell, President of the Farmers Union telegraph, cd that more relief must be presided at once, else the district, faces a financial calamity. Many thousand killahlc stock are sill here and unless dealt with soon, they and many others will die. Large numbers of sheep are already dying and others are being killed and skinned. Now is the time for you to assert your authority and let us have several boats without delay. The position is far too serious to bother with any committee. Act yourself.