VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1921, Page 3

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

i TELEGRAMS.

[by telegraph—per press association]

WHEAT GROWERS’ CONFERENCE

THE SEASON’S OUTLOOK

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan 20,

Regarding Wednesday’s conference of representatives of the Dominion’s wheat growers, the Hon. Mr Nosworthy, Minister of Agriculture, informed a reporter to-day that as a result of the conference it was his intention to discuss the question generally with the Prime Minister and other Ministers and to put before them every aspect of the subject that was brought before him by those present, at the conference. Mr Nosworthy will also place before his colleagues his views regarding the general outlook for another season. He felt very pleased with the 'efforts made by the farmers under adverse condition and labour scarcity and high cost of everything that goes to stimulate production. “In response to my appeal to grow'wheat, judging by the. observations I made in districts in the northern part of the South Island through which i travelled this week and also during my visit to Otago and Southland the farmers have made generous responses to- my appeal,” concluded Air Nosworthy.

ACTION RESENTED

WELLINGTON, Jan. 20

The District Council of the Workers’ Educational Association passed the following motions:—l. That this Council strongly resents the unjustifiable attack made by the Chancellor and some meml>ers of the University Senate which convey to the public the idea that the W.E.A. lias been carrying on revolutionary propaganda, instead of performing the educational work for which it has been formed. 2. That the Council welcomes the appointment by the Senate of a committee of inquiry into the way in which funds granted by the University for W.E.A. purposes are being used; and, as inaccurate statements about the W.E.A. will do harm to that organisation, urges that the committee should be set up at once and report at an early date.

CASTLE HILL MINERS «>UT.

DUNEDIN, Jan. 21

Some of the Castle Hill miners nearby came out to-day in sympathy with the Kaitartgata men, but otherwise the position is unchanged. The men arc still holding stop work meetings. Ten unionists are still at work in defiance of'them, and the management still declines to interfere.

The proceedings have been very quiet and orderly, but all tht parties are taking a very firm and determined attitude, which offers no appearance of an early settlement. The other small mines in the neighbourhood are working as usual.

The Taratu miners adopted the goslow policy in sympathy with the Kaitangata men and have offered financial and moral assistance.

DISCRIMINATION ALLEGED

WELLINGTON, Jan. 20

Sir William Herries* Minister of Labour, has replied to a conimunicafTon from Mr W. T. Young, secretary of the Seamens’ Federation, in regard to the question of the prosecution of employers and workers for alleged seditious strikes and lockouts in breach of the War Regulations. The Minister says that Mr Young’s letter infers that while the workers are prosecuted for, taking part in certain strikes, the Go- ' vernment had refrained from similarly , prosecuting employers in alleged lockouts. Regarding the occasion cited by Mr Young, the Minister refers to the Crown Law Office opinion previously quoted by him, stating that while technically both employers and workers might be liable for a breach of the War Regulations, a prosecution was not recommended because the regulations in force were passed expressly tor publicsafety during war time. Previous proceedings, the Minister points out, were instituted in 1917 during the war. The Minister agrees that last year’s legislation renews certain provisions contained in the War Regulations, aiid says that, as in the past, no discrimination will be shown by the Government between the employers and the workers.

COAL OWNERS MEET.

WELLINGTON, Jan. 21

A meeting of the executive of tlie Coal Mine Owners’ Association was held at Wellington to consider the action taken by the miners in connection with the Blackball dispute, and particularly the Prime Minister’s suggestion that the dispute should be referred to a committee of two representatives of both sides with an independent chairman. Meantime the go-slow policy is being applied in most of the mines in New Zealand.

CONFERENCE WITH PRIME

MINISTER

WELLINGTON, Jan. 21

A conference regarding (tie trouble at the Blackball mine t«?>k place this afternoon between the Prime Minister and the mine owners’ representatives. Approached afterwards by a pressman Mr W. Pryor, secretary of the Mine Owners’ Federation, stated that by an agreement with the mine owners, tire otrly person from whom information was to be obtained was the Premier. Mr Massey for his part would only say: “I can make no statement whatever at the present stage.” THE HAMILTON ACCIDENT. HAMILTON, Jan 22. The funeral, of the firemen, Prince and Graham, the victims of the fire engine accident, took, place this afternoon. All business was suspended and the streets were densely packed. The cortege included firemen from all over the province, the military and returned soldiers massed bands. The Mayor, Borough Councillors, and a record attendance of the public. The Mayor received a telegram from the Governor-General asking him to con vey their Excellencies sympathy to the Fire Brigade and relatives, and enquiring after the other injured men. The latter are progressing favourably. -