VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1921, Page 3

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

{ SUGAR FOR JAM-MAKING

A’ MINISTERIAL PROMISE.

WELLINGTON, January 13 *A deputation from the Fruitgrowers’ Federation interviewed the Hon. E. P. Lee, Minister of Industries and Commerce, regarding the supplies of sugar for fruit preserving and jam making Complaint was made of the fact that /•ne, people obtained bags of sugar nile others were unable to obtain more than a pound or two. Mr Lee said it. was impossible to devise a scheme which would prevent all such instances of favouritism. The host possible was done. He had given attention to the matter of securing extra supplies and he hoped to do something quickly. The Minister also promised to have trade with South America investigated with a view of sufficient freight being obtained to warrant shipping being put on to revive the fruit export trade.

A.S.R.S. BALLOT

WELLINGTON, January 17

Hon. W. F. Massey speaking of the Christchurch telegram ire the railwaymen’s ballot, said there was some mistake. The Department had no quarrel with its employees particularly with the A.S.R.S. He had stated some time ago that in this matter of wages he would consent to the setting up of another wages Board Commission similar to last year’s. He understood that this was agreed to and the whole question would be discussed before it. They had heard nothing of a strike and did not believe it.

Mr Mack, Secretary of the A.S.R.S. says it is not a question of a strike and what Sir Massey said about the Commission was correct. Members were asked to vote, not on a straight out strike question, hut as to whether they would support the executive in any action it may take, which was purely a precautionary measure.

i THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.I MR KIM BELL’S REPORT. WELLINGTON, January 13. With reference to the Blackball mining dispute arising out of twy cases of alleged victimisation, Mr Massey has received a report front Mr A. H • Kimbell, the Under-Secretary of Mines, who states that the company will reemploy Mr McLagan, stipulating that his case must not form a precedent. Le Henderson, the company stated he was dismissed for using had language to a deputy, while the underground deputies at the inquiry, said they would resign if Henderson was again employed ; they asserted they had taken Hen-fL-i son’s case up to put a stop to abusive language to which they were continuously subjected. It was competent either for the deputy or Henderson to take action in the Court. 'Hie Undersecretary comes to no definite conclusion, but says such differences should he settled locally either by the union and the management or by the Magistrate s Court. FIRE AT WHANGAREI. W HANGAR El, Jan. 16. A fire which caused damage estimated approximately at €IOO,OOO, occurred on Saturday afternoon at the freezing works of W. and R. Fletcher, Limited, situated at Eemotahi (Whangarei Heads). The work for tho week had ceased at noon, most of the employees being away from the locality at the time. The outbreak was discovered by one of the watchmen at half past two. The flames then had a good hold despite the full use of fire fighting appliances. The slaughterhouse hide floor with frozen stock and appertaining machinery ; also all offices and a storeroom were completely destroyed. A moderate wind was bloxving and maintained ft direction away from the other buildings which otherwise would have keen involved in total disaster.

The cause cannot be accounted for unless possibly the .fusing of an electric wire is the explanation. Tiie incident means a stoppage of operations for an indefinite period, while a large number of men will be thrown out of employment. The insurances are unknown here as they are conducted through ihe s cckliind offices of the company.

LAW EXAMINATIONS. WELLINGTON, Jan 15. The following Greymouth candidates passed the University Law examination : W L. Black ,in contracts, property 1., and torts. W. i*. .ViCerthy, in property 1., iniiial law and torts. BODY FOUND. AUCKLAND, January 17. The body of Samuel Taft O’Brien, a (red fifty, a labourer, was found in Oakleigh Creek, Avondale, yesterday. He had been missing since January Ith when he disappeared from a quarry. He was last seen brandishing a knife. The body bore cuts and evidences that arteries in the legs had been opened. SUICIDE BY GAS.

AUCKLAND, January 17. ' A single man, Charles Farnsmouth, aged fifty, was found dead in his house at Pamnure Road, Otahuhu last evening sitting in chair in a kitchen with a gas tube in his mouth. Death had evidently occurred the previous evening. FULL GAS SUPPLY. AUCKLAND, January 17 'rile full gas pressure was resum *d to-day after eight days of reduced pres ;sure, the Company’s supply (of coal havihg been replenished. A FATAL FALL. INVERCARGILL, January 17. David R. .Tones, aged 48, a farmer of West Plain fell from a dray loaded with hay, injuring his spine and died in the hospital on Sunday.