TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1920, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[PKK PRESS ASSOCIATION. —OOPYaiUFIT.j j -■

ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES. WELLINGTON 1 "' December 31. There is such a. narrow margin against prohibition that it is very probable that recounts will be called for in several, if not all, of tlie districts. There are about 12,000 votes still to be counted, including about 1000 soldiers’ votes. It is also probable that an attempt will be made to declare some of the polls invalid, qn account of alleged irregularities. One point for consideration is the refusal of certain returning officers to allow holders of absent voters’s permits from No-License districts to vote on the national issue. so voters are entitled to vote on both tlie national issue and the local restoration issue, but they were denied the right to vote on the national issue, owing, it is stated, to a misapprehenemn nf incfriintinnc

A !BIG BLAZE. DARGAVILLE, This Day

A big fire at three this morning destroyed a block of buildings at Aratapu. Most of the premises were unoccupied, tire only buildings at present used being one used as a branch office. The cause of the fire is unknown. Tlie insurances are not available.

MOTOR CAR COLLISION. INVERCARGILL, This Day

A serious motor smash occurred at Wallacetown yesterday at an intersection of roads. Cars travelling about 25 miles ail hour collided, one being turned over three or four times. Five occupants were injured and removed to the hospital. Eileen Fitzpatrick, aged four years, had a fractured collar bone, J. I’urdie, a broken leg, J. Cole a dislocated arm, and J. H. Thomas injuries to back and shoulders. Tlie -condition of the girl is serious but of the others is not dangerous.

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The Hawkes Bay-Canterbury match, at luncheon adjournment, Canterbury had made 183 for two wickets (Grant 29, Worker 57, Haves not out 43, Young not out 35).

LIBERAL PARTY. AUCKLAND, This Day. Hon. W. D. S, MacDonald, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Mr Wilfred Myers and other members of the Liberal Partly - ■rendezvous lat Rotofua this week for a preliminary consultation, which will expedite business when the party caucus is held to decide a domestic policy, leadership and reorganisation.

MOTOR CYCLIST KILLED. FEUDING, Jan. 1

A young man whose identity has not yet been 'ascertained was killed near Sandon this afternoon. He bad been riding a high powered motor-cycle and when last seen olive was travelling at a very rapid rate. The body was found on the side of a level road with the skull ffactored. There were marks on the road indicating that- the cycle had skidded. In one pocket was the certificate of registration of the bicycle, hearing the name “G. Gills,” issued in Wanganui. CUSTOMS RETURNS. CHRISTCHURCH, .January 1. The net Customs duties collected in Christchurch during the year just curled totalled £614,172, as compared with £510,852 in 1918; and £478,961. in 1917. Tlie beer duty collected totalled £53.173; as against £33,6-18. in 1918; and £30.210 in 1917.

BURGLARY. 'CHRISTCHURCH, January 1. Air Albert Cutts trainer for Sir George Clifford, who has been absent in the North Island with several of ■Sir G. Clifford’s horses arrived home yesterday to find that during his absence his residence at Riccnrton had been ransacked by burglars, and jewellery, clothing, linen, and various articles of attire, and some household effects had been stolen. Their value is roughly estimated at about £2OO. The burglary took place, on Tuesday night. That is known, because a friend had gone through the house, daily amt the last visit, matin oil Tuesday afternoon, disclosed that everything was in order.

WOMEN TEACHERS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON, December 31.

-The annual meeting of 'the New Zealand Women Teachers Association passed a resolution as follows:—“That in every town there should be a special class, wij.li specially trained teachers fpr children of retarded mental development, and that all spell children should be drafted to those classes as soon as the necessity is recognised. The following officers were elected— President, —Miss N. E. Coad (Wellington); vice-president, Misses Al. McKenzie (Otago), D. E. Andrews (Taranaki), Secretary, Miss E'. A. Chaplin (Canterbury); Treasurer, AI iss Mabel Smith (Canterbury); Committee, Mijsses D. Edwards (Wellington), L. A (organ (Poverty Bay); O. Barry (Auckland); R. Alston and C. 'E. Waiidle, (South Island),.