TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1920, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press Association.)

THE BONUS. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. "15. . At a meeting of the New Zealand Ironworkers’ Association (Christchurch Section), the position arising out of the review of t!i|i cost of living bonus, payable from November Ist, was considered. Many of the members bad been paying out 9s as from November Ist, in accordance with the request of the Arbitration Court.

In view of the bonus now being reduced to 3s, it was decided that the overpayment should be adjusted by paying Is 4d per week, or one-third of a penny per hour for the remainder of the six months, or as long as if will take to balance the over-payment. It was also decided that credits be made for all extra charges involved by the 9s. to customers’ accounts, as from November Ist. ® SECRET BALLOT. PALMERSTON N., This Day. Mnnawatu Flax Workers’ Union decided to take a secret ballot whether to strike or submit their wages demand to the Arbitration Court. The opinion of members seems equally divided.

CHINAMAN ATTEMPTS SUICIDE. PALMERSTON N„ This Day.

Joe Hop, a young Chinaman, who was arrested several days ago in Makemira district for vagrancy and ordered to como up for sentence, attempted suicide yesterday. His condition is precarious.

CEMENT OUTLOOK

WORKS RESUMING

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 14

The chairman of the Board' of Trade (Mr MacDonald) states that the prospects for the supply of cement in the near future are much 'brighter. It is anticipated the Warkworth Works at Auckland, which have not manufactured any cement since September, 1919, will commence operations after the New Year. These works have a capacity of 1000 tons per week. There are supplies of cement coming from Auckland for the work at the Otira Tunnel. They are expected at the end of next week.

Mr McDonald (chairman of the Board of Trade) says that in addition he is endeavouring in the meantime to arrange to supply the Public Works Department with sufficient cement to enable the operation to bo carried on at the tunnel until tlic northern consignment comes to hand.

PRISON REFORM

OUTLINE OF SCHEME

WELLINGTON, December 15

' Tlie regulations for the administration of legislation passed by Parliament last session, giving power to the Prisons Department to pay wages under certain conditions to able bodied prisoners, have been approved by the Governor-General. The main principle of the new legislation are:—Payment of the hardworking prisoners for their labour, and to provide for the maintenance of their'dependents. The scheme marks a further advance in the work of the Prisons Department which, in recent years has been remodelled for the bringing into operation of modern reformative methods in the treatment of prisoners.

Persons undergoing sentences of imprisonment, including those sentenced to reformative detention, or those declared habitual criminals, will be paid for their labour at a- scale rate to be assessed under a marks system at Id per mark. Men -who are skilled in any trade or occupation upon reception, or who afterward become so skilled may be paid at the rate of lid per mark when employed at such trade or occupation, upon a recommendation to that effect being made by the controlling oifacer to the Controller-General.

I During the first calendar month after passing out of the probationary grade, every prisoner shall be allotted six marks per diem for each day noon which bis industry is exemplary arid his conduct good. The number may rise gradually to a maximum of nine marks per day Prisoners wlio have dependents shall be pand in addition to the industry mid conduct wage, a daily wage which '-'ill lie used ns the Minister directs for the support of liis dependents. The wage | will be from Is to Is 3d per mark, with some payment for overtime.

N. Z. OLYMPIC TEAM.

WELLINGTON, December 13

A civic reception' was tendered to the New Zealand Olympic team in theTown Hall, liis evening, and there was a large attendance. The Mayor (Mr Duke), congratulated the team on its efforts, stating that every one realised that, with more training and an earlier start from New Zealand it would have done much better. -As it was the athletes had faithfully represented the nonunion and New Zealanders were proud of their Olympic team. Although no firsts bad been secured, the team’s prowess had enabled every member to qualify, and that in itself was a /ary great honour at a world gathering. Replying Mr Wilson (manager of die team) said the team was beaten but not disgracied!. Edch member had donri well; and Hadfield especially had shown hat there were only two better s-ul-lers than he in the world. Miss Walrond also had done exceptionally well, and she liad received great .praise from Miss Fanny Durack.