TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1920, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[ I*Kit PHEHS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.]

GENERAL BIRDWOOD. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 12

General Birdwood was accorded a civic reception on arrival here from Wanganui this morning. Later, lie visited th c Returned Soldiers Club and was entertained at luncheon hv the Borough Council.

DROWNING FATALITY. AUCKLAND, July 12

George Duminel, a seaman on the steamer Raranga, fell into the harbour and was drowned, despite a brave attempt at rescue by Jas. Hurley, a fireman on the saint' steamer. Hurley dived alter Duminel and found him under tlie water ipul tried to pull him ashore. A bystander threw a life-buoy and in trying to catch it Hurley through nullified fingers, lost his grip of Duminel, who sank. Hurley dived again unsuccessfully and swam ashore exhausted. A SUSPICIOUS FIRE. AUCKLAND, July 12. A store in Vauxhall Rond, Devonport, was discovered afire on Saturday night during the absence of the occupier, J. Kuowling, and family. The lire was extinguished speedily and it was then found that the premises had been burglarised. money and jewellery valued at £2O being missing, There is evidence of the fire having been started among kapok stored in a cupboard. COAL DISPUTE CRISIS. WELLINGTON July 12. The coal dispute is reaching a crisis. The conference arranged with Mr Massoy <t* cilia,irinaii fell through. The miners would not agree to Air Massey being arbitrator anil his decisions ns final and the owners therefore refused to attend the conference.

THE MINERS’ VIEW. WELLINGTON, July 12

Regarding the coal mining dispute, Air Arbuekie, (Secretary of the Miners’ Federation), said to-day:—“Mr Pryor suggests n trial of strength : let it come, if that is the only way we are to get our rights, for we are determinedto have them.” The miners still insist on interpretation of agreement in accordance with the spirit of the discussion. All unions will stand behind those unions which have not received an increase,