VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1921, Page 3

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

DRO WNIN G FATALITY

CHRISTCHURCH Jan 12

The decomposed body of a man was found floating in the surf at Sumner today. It is believed to be that of the man who jumped into the sea from the pier a fortnight ago, leaving his coat and vest on the pier. In the pocket of his coat was found about t 7 in cash and an address: ‘ John Baird, Care of J. Studholme, Hinds.” The departure of S(H) immigrants, who were booked on these vessels has accordingly been delayed. NURSERYMEN’S C<)NFERENCE WELLINGTON, Jan 12. Mr Nosworthv, at the opening of the annual conference’of tlie New Zealand Nurserymen’s Association to-day, said that the increase of 31 in number of nurserymen registered under the regulations, was considering the conditions, eminently satisfactory. Amended regulations for grading fruit for export were now being prepared, and would shortly be placed before Cabinet. He hoped that New Zealand nurserymen in future would be able to meet all the re-

quirements of New Zealand growers. He assured the conference that he was doing his best to cope with the menace of fire-blight and was trying to confine' the outbreak to the present area by drawing a wide belt around it. He did not intend to enter into the question of compensation, beyond saying that it was not the intention of the Government to foot the' Dill for every disease that found its way into the country. FORESTRY DEPARTMENT. WELLINGTON, Jan 12. I The organisation oT the Forestry Department which is being carried out by the Public Service Commissioner, will soon deal with the appointment of forest conservators for Auckland, Westland, Invercargill, Rotorua, Otago and Canterbury. It is intended also to appoint special officers, an expert experienced in timber and an engineer for forest products. EMIGRANTS FROM ENGLAND. WELLINGTON, Jan 12. 1 Cabled advice lias been received by 1 the Immigration Department that, ow- ’ ing to the strike of ship carpenters, accommodation for immigrants cannot j ho provided on the Corinthic or Athen- ;

IC. BOROUGH OF OTAKI. LEVIN, This Day. A proposal to form Otaki into a borough was carried by 295 votes to 117. A FATAL BLOW. CHRISTCHURCH, January 11. William Downing, aged 56 years, an employee at the Addington Workshops, dic'd at Christchurch Hospital on Sunday. The deceased, who received a blow on the head while at his employment, was admitted to tlie institution on December 10th. as an out-pa-tient, and showing signs of improvement-, was discharged on December 22nd He was admitted again to the hospital on Sunday last and subsequently expired. . j A LAD IN TROUBLE, j DUNEDIN, January 13 William Pickering, a messenger • n the Post Office, was arrested for stealing a postal packet containing a pair of earrings. Tt is stated that other charges are pending.

AN APPEAL DISMISSED. NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan 13. Justice Edwards dismissed the appeal in the Stratford election betting case, Sharp versus Morrison. AUCTIONEER FINED. TIMARU, Jan 13. At the aMgistrato’s Court to-day, H. T. Marton, an auctioneer was arraigned for having sold a quantity of liquor less than five gallons, without being licensed. The facts were admitted, but it was contended that as the whole amount offered was 30 gallons, he had the right to sell. Defendant was convicted- and fined £5, since the Act distinctly stated that an auctioneer could not sell less than five gallon lots.