TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1920, Page 4

TELEGRAMS

[pElt PRESS ASSOCIATION.- COPYRIGHT-]

COST OF LIVING. WjEHLINGTON, April 6, The Easter holidays have caused a suspension of business generally, and although banks and sharebrokers will be resuming business to-morrow, it is not likely that there will be much to record this week, especially with respect to the share market. The upward trend of commodity prices and the consequent dearness of living is still the main consideration of people, but those who take a broad survey of the position are inclined to the view that we have reached the peak of the curve in the cost of living. The sharp fall in the prices of the industrial metals and the decided improvement that has taken place in the dollar exchange, are indications of a changing situation. The downward movement of values is hound, however, to be extremely slow.

NATIONAL DEFENCE. WELLINGTON, April 6. A meeting has been held here recently with a view to launching a National Defence League, the general idea being to influence public opinion in the direction of providing the adequate defence of the Dominion. It is generally realised that Defence, expenditure must he cut down to the lowest possible limit, and the object of the League will no doubt be to see that the best is done with the means available. At the present time, apparently, the Defence Department is burdened with a surplus of officers. Among the promoters of the Leaguo are General Sir Andrew Russell, Mr George Mitchell, M.P., for Wellington South, and Mr H. von Haast, a Wellington barrister.

MASTER PAINTERS.’ FEDERATION. AUCKLAND, April 6. The fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Master Painters, Decorators, and Signwriters was opened this morning. Mr P. T. Birch (Auckland) presided, and fifteen delegates from all parts of New Zealand were present. In his report upon the year’s operations, the president said the trade had passed through an anxious time owing to difficulties in securing both-la-bour and materials. The number of journeymen painters had been much reduced by the effects of the wai, and at the same time employers were faced with much renovating work which had accumulated during the war period. They were thus hard pressed to meet the requirements of their clients. The president also referred to the unsuccessful attempt lately made to bring the building trades under one big award, and expressed liis satisfaction with the result to which he considered the Master Painters’ Federation contributed by laying valuable information before the Arbitration Court. During the year attempts were made to get Ministers to the Grown to consider certain matters affecting tho trade (notably the interior inspection of dwellings and registration of painters), but without success. Renewed efforts would he made this year.

The executive’s report dealt with a number of matters affecting the organisation. Who abolition of scrim, it stated, had been considered but owing to the shortage of substitute materials nothing definite had been done. The Government had taken no steps in the direction of prohibiting the use of white lead, but this matter was being carefully watched.

SALE OF RACEHORSES. CHRISTCHURCH, April 7. The horses of G. L. Stead’s Brackenfield stud were sold by auction to-day. Tho principal sales were Melee, bought by F. L. Eastgate for 700 guineas; Kilmoon, bought by N. Rutherford for 270 guineas; W a nig an bought by R. McDonnel for 200 guineas. Other horseis were offered on account of other owners. Starlike was passed in 80 guineas. Grim Joke was passed in at 200. Moorable was passed at 150 guineas. Counter Attack was passed at 250 guineas. The Sappei passed at 15 guineas. Marsa passed to a bid. Mystified passed at 30 guineas. Prince Delaware passed at 70 guineas. Nassan was sold to H. S. Kyle for 2100 guineas ;the brood mare Cassock, to H? S. Kyle, for 475 guineas; the brown mare Mountain Dream to H. S. Kyle for 270 guineas.

STREET DISTURBANCES. DUNEDIN, April 6. At the Police Court to-day three men appeared as a result of the street disturbances yesterday, and with being variously charged with drunkenness, assault, obstructing the police, and obscene language. One man received two Tnojnths’ imprisonment, another fourteen days, and a third was fined. The Magistrate said that the Bench from time to time had endeavoured to impress upon the people the seriousness of obstruction the police. The assault on the police wore absolutely unjustifiable.