TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1920, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press Association.) A SERIOUS BLAZE. INVERCARGILL, Nov 20. The most destructvo lire that has occurred for many .years, broke out in the National Mortgage Company’s premises in Crescent block shortly after three this morning. When tho brigade arrive ed the place was a seething mass, and the two storeyed brick premises were completely gutted, nothing being saved. The flames broke into an adjoining four storeyed building of the New Zealand Loan Company the main portion being destroyed with the valuable contents, only part of the front offices remaining intact. Extensive stocks of seeds, corn sacks, fertilisers and general merchandise were carried by both firms. The loss will be very heavy. A MIRACLE MAN. WANGANUI, Nov 20. • Theare is considerable excitement among the tribes at Ratana Maori settlement near Turakina, wh'ere a prominent native man of means claims to have . performed marvellous cures through faith healing. Natives come from all parts of the island and returned home discarding crutches, invalid chairs etc., apparently quite restored to health. The diseases claimed to have been cured include rheumatic fever, blindness, paralysis, asthma. The native healer’s work is gratuitous. He accepts no money for hospitality and says God is using him for tho benefit of bis people, and that thousands of Maori have been sent back to their homes benefited. The treatment consists of reading scripture and prayer. He says .the power of God alone enables him to accomplish what has been ono. MINERS’ DEMAND. FOR 25% INCREASE. WELLINGTON, Nov 20. The Miners’ Federation have made a, demand upon the mine owne.'s for a 25 per cent, increase in tho rates of pay, to bo retrospective to Ist March last, the date on which the present agreement came into operation.