TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1920, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association. —oorvniGHT.]

THE COAL INDUSTRY. WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. The situation in the coal industry has not changed during the holidays, but it is reported that the miners are threatening now to reduce the output further. Air Massey has been in communication both with the miners and the

owners. The miners demand another conference. The owners, it is understood, allege they consider such a conference ps unnecessary. They take this stand in view of what they refer to as a full and open discussion that took place last year. They sav, however, they are willing to meet the miners’ delegates again, but on certain conditions. One of the conditions they seek >s that prior to any conference there shall be a resumption of the former working methods and output. It is concluded hero that if the coal dispute is not settled in tlie near future by a conference coming to an agreement, the people of New Zealand are likely to suffer a, very acute shortage of coal in the next winter. It is stated that any accumulation of stocks under present conditions is scarcely possible, and most large consumers of coal are stated to be living from “hand to mouth” at tlie present time. OBITUARY. AUCKLAND, This Day. Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, C.M.G., died at Devonport yesterday. He had been living a retired life for the past few years and had been in failing health for six months past. He was aged 78 years.

THREE MONTHS FOR THEFT. CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Henry Leonard Bradding, foreman in B railway goodsheds, Christchurch was sentenced to three months imprisonment for theft of a quantity of iron- and timber. The Magistrate said the accused committed a breach of trust, setting a. bad example to the men under his charge. The case required more than a fine. Accused protested his innocence and announced his intention to appeal,

CONSECRATION CEREMONY

DUNEDIN, This Day. At St Paid’s Cathedral to-day, Venerable Arclidcavon Isaac Richards, M.A., was consecrated Bishop of Dunedin. '.I he ceremony which was very impressive., was performed by Bishop Julius, the acting Primate. There were also present the Bishops of Wellington, Waipu and Nelson, and a largo number of clergy. The enthronement takes place this evening.

WELLINGTON, January 4. The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association has accepted the proposal of the Australian Association that Beamish and Lowe, the English players, shall visit New Zealand. They will arrive here at the beginning of March, and leave about tlie middle of the month, playing matches at Auckland, Weliingtop and Christchurch.