TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1920, Page 4

TELEGRAMS

» ' |rmi CRUSH ASSOCIATION.— COPYRIGHT-}

RAILWAYS AND ROADS. AUCKLAND, May 31

An important policy statement was made by the Hon. J. G. Coates (Post' master General) when replying to a deputation which asked for improved postal facilities at Epsom. The Minister said he Was not prepared to recommend the Government to go in for a progressive scheme of constructing post offices and public buildings 'for administrative purposes at present. Housing accommodation was very short, places were tremendously high and there was insufficient skilled labour available. I think,” added Mr Coates, “that the interests of this city and of the whole of New Zealand will he better served if we devote our energies towards push ing on all those public works which assist in facilitating settlement, such as railways. In respect to other requiiements, wo shall have to improvise up -o a certain point, until the position improves. AYhen we reach the po'jnt at which we are unable to carry on the transaction of public business, then .only can we possibly consider the con struction of up-to-date, administrative public buildings.”

PRICE OF 'MILK. CHRISTCHURCH Alay 31

On 26th inst the Board of Trade fixed tlie wholesale price of milk at Is 3d per gallon. According to the Chairman of the Dairymen’s Association, the Board wished to exact a promise from the dairymen that this, price would not be exceeded. The Association sent the following telegram to the Chairman of the Board of Trade: “Tli e Dairymen’s Association consider the Board’s decision not in accordance with the weight of evidence given.. Would you be orepared to give facilities for enquiry immediately. Failing this would you take immediate action against a dairyman for profiteering if he charged Is 6d our gallon wholesale, so -as to have the matter tested in a Court of law before actually gazetting this price.” This telegram was sent on Friday, and, as no reply was received, the Association wrote to the Minister of Agriculture sotting out the position and drawing attention to the fact that as «i number of suppliers had ceased to supply milk during the winter months there was a possibility of the . ilk supply of Christchurch failing. The Minister replied that lie was referring the matter to All- Alassey as a member- of the Board, for consideration and a. reply.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

AVELLINGTON, Alay 31

There has been a igeneral decline in the number of cases of infectious diseases reported in Wellington Health district in the past week. The position lias improved to such an extent that the Health authorities have decided to allow the schools to re-open to-morrow after the term holidays.

A number of chicken pox cases are reported from various parts of the district, but the outbreak is not serious. This disease has been made notifiable on account of the outlfreak of small pox in Invercargill.

COLLISION WITH AIOTOR LORRY > WELLINGTON, Alay 31.

Wiiliam Coombs was killed and John Tilley injured through a collision with a motor lorry in,Jervois Quay. Coomlis received injuries to the head and shoulders and died in hospital later tonight. He was a married man and a resident of Ongonga, Hawkes Bay. Tilley’s condition is not considered serious.

• H.UNTLY COLLIERS’ TRAIN. AUCKLAND,. May 31

The miners employed by the Taupiri Coal Company, who work at the Rotowarn Aline had a day off to-day. The reason given by the head.office is that the men refused to wait for a train which conveys them daily to the mine. The train was over half an hour late

this morning. This train, leaves Huntly every morning at 7o’cloek with men for the Rotowaru and Pukemiro mines. This morning, owing, it is stated, to a heavy log at Huntly in the night, considerable difficulty was experienced in getting up steam on the engine. The train was, as a matter of fact, not- ready to leave until about ten minutes to eight. The result of this delay was that the ltotowaru men decided not to wait for the belated engine. They returned to their homes.

About 60 of the' Pukemiro miners also refused to wait for the train. They went home rather than start work an hour late.

LARGE SCOTCH ENTRIES. DUNEDIN, Alay 31

The annual competition of Otago Centre Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand opened this morning. Competitors came from all parts of the Dominion. Tire total entries (815) are a world’s record, the next best being GSO at Dnnoon, Scotland, last August. f

DUNEDIN CUSTOMS RECORD, DUNEDIN, May 31

Dunedin Customs returns show tlm for the month just expired the nett customs receipts amounted to £96,029, which is a record for this port.

TARATU COAL MINERS STRIKE. DUNEDIN, May 31

Tn accordance with the notice given by them bn Friday last, the miners working at the Taratu coal miners went on strike to-day. Tt appears that when the new agreement of three months ago came into operation, granting a 50 pci cent, increase on pre-war rates, the increase of 3d per ton granted the miners in 1918 was discontinued. A meeting of the'men was held this evenng, when it was decided to adhere to the previous determination. It appears the strike is not popular with some men, as two or three have applied for work at the Kaitangata mine and will commence there to-morrow. Altogether 50 men are affected hy the strike.