TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1919, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

(I'BU ritISSS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] RETURNING TROOPSHIPS. WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. The Defence Department has been advised that the Adolph Woermann with returning draft 286 left Britain on August 14th for Wellington via Panama, with 675 troops, 39 women, and 9 children aboard. It is expected at Wellington about 2Sth September. The Giessen with draft 269 is due at Wellington on Monday night. The Ellingham with draft 270, is expected at Auckland on 3rd September.

MR RUSSELL’S RESIGNATION

Wellington, Aug 24

“ The delay in sending in my resignation,” stated the Hon G. W. Russell lb a pressman, “ has been caused by an important matter in connection with my Department which I have been most anxious to clear up before leaving office. In order to do so it was necessary to obtain further reports, and the urgency of the matter was only brought before me by the officers of the Department after Sir Joseph Ward had actually tendered his resignation, although the fact was unknown to myself.”

“I am hoping,” he added, “to have a report by Monday morning. Whether it is received or not my resignation will be forwarded to his Excellency at midday on Monday.”

MARBLE BAR.CASE

Wellington, Aug 23

Mr Riddell, S.M, heard an application to strike out the name of the Hon G. Russell (Minister of Public Health) in the Marble Bar case, heard on August 14th. Mr Macassey, who made the application, said the order of closing the premises was not made by the Minister, but by the District Health officer.

Assuming the order was ultra vires, the plaintiff had no right to an action, as he should have ignored the illegal order. The order was perfectly valid, as it was necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

His Lordship granted the application, and ordered that the Minister’s name be struck out.

Hon G. W. Russell stated to-day Dr Rangihiroa has been appointed a special officer ol health lor the native race.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS.

Wellington, Aug 23

In reply to a question as to the term of office of the Public Service Commissioners, Mr D. Roberson and Mr Thomson, the Hon G. W. Russell said to-day that both these gentlemen had attained the superannuation age. They had asked to be relieved of their duties by the end of the present year.

A BENZINE EXPLOSION

Christchurch, August 23

This afternoon the people in Cathedral Square were startled by a terrific explosion, which occurred on premises occupied by W. J. Bull, Typewriter Expert, Chancery Lane, adjoining “Everybody’s” Picture Theatre. The theatre was holding a session at the time. The audience included many children, who were considerably startled and a panic was narrowly averted. The whole oi Bull’s workshop and office was badly damaged.

■A youth, Charles McGlashan, ‘was cleaning a typewriter with benzine at the rear of the workshop, when the benzine ignited and caused the explosion. McGlashan was badly burnt, and sustained several severe cuts. He was removed to the Hospital. Barge sections of the walls ol the workshop were blown out, and the ceiling fell in. All the windows in the immediate vicinity were shattered. The wall dividing the workshop from Everybody’s Theatre bulged out, but did not collapse.

EIRE AT AUCKEAND

Auckland, August 24

A lire gutted the top floor of the Auckland Hall of Commerce last night and practically destroyed the stock and fittings of M. J. Schneideman, tailor, who states that the damage is between and £} 2,000. The insurances totalled ,£4,500, being in the National Office. The lemamder of the building was saved, as the result ol prompt work by the Fire Brigade.

TIMARU WAR MEMORIAE. Timaru, August 22 The local War Memorial Committee finally decided to-day that the Timaru memorial shall not be anything of a utilitarian nature. So lar £,'1300 odd is in hand and £3OO more is promised.