TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1921, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

, VARIOUS DOMINION ITEM'’.

[by telegraph—per press association] INFANT’S DEATH. foul play disclosed. WELLINGTON, February 13. Evidence of crime was revealed m an inquest held into the circumstances of the death of an infant, whose body was found on the foreshore at Thorndon. Dr. C. M. Hector, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that the body was that of a newly-born male child. He found that the skull had |]eon fractured and the seal]) was much bruised. There was no doubt that the child was torn alive, and the marks on the head were probably the rcsul of blows inflicted while the child was alive The Coroner decided to adjourn the inquest to enable the production ot further evidence.

COMPANY TAXATION. WELLINGTON, February 14. At the annual meeting of the ‘Wellington Gas Company the, fchaimwn referred to the stringency of the money market at the present time, which was very acute and probably would become more acute as time went on. “H is very apparent,” he said, “that the company cannot hope, to raise tic money it needs at the low rates of interest obtainable, even a short time ago, He had previously referred to t m heavy taxation to which the company had been subjected. For the year just, tHosed the income tax amounted to £22,699 2s fid the assessment being at the rate of 7s 6<l in the pound. This amounted to almost one shilling per thousand feet on the total volume of gas sold or over 10 per cent on the paidup ordinary shares capital of the company. For the present year fho rate of assessment would be at the rate ol 8s 9d in the pound. The shareholders would thus see the tremendous disadvantage under which gas companies had to labour as compared with municipal undertakings of a like nature. ‘ BODY FOUND. 1 WELLINGTON, February 21. I \ gruesome discovery was made on Tinakori hills by a member of the wireless staff, when lie cam c upon the body of an elderly man lying near the tiack with his throat cut. It was identified ' as that of Thomas Bernard Slieeliy. a married man, sixty-eight years of age. | who left his home at Hawkestone Crescent yesterday. There was no intima- | lion that deceased had any intention of taking his life.

FRUIT MARKETS. DUNEDIN, February 1L Heavy arrivals of fruit have reached the market during the week. Prices have been irregular owing to the holidays. A considerable quantity of Nel-son-grown tomatoes have come to hand, but as they were more or less green they are difficult to quit. Local and Christchurch, tomatoes have eased in price in sympathy with the prices realised for Nelson grown. Large supplies of apricots and poaches came forward in the middle of the week, but supplies were easier to-day. Plums arc more plentiful, but good demand exists. Dessert and cooking apples continue to meet a good sale. Pears, mostly of the Bon. Chretin variety, meet a ready sale. A few small lines from Nelson have been condemned, as they were infected with the oodliii moth. Peas and French beans are plentiful. Prices for marrows are more regular. Sound cabbages meet a fair inquiry.

applications for revision. AUCKLAND, February 14. The Arbitration Court lias before if eighty-eight applications for revision of bonus, which was reduced from 9s. to 3s. Mr F. Bloodwoirt’h, opening the ease for the employees, said he did not asecopt the decision as a just one, and asked for its reconsideration. Mr S. E. Wright .for the employers, said the Court had considered the matter very fully. On the basis of th 0 Government Statistician’s figures there was no call for revision. BAND CONTEST. DANNEVIRKE, Feb. 15. The Brass Band I) grade contest commenced to-day. Seven visiting bands were entertained at a garden party in the afternoon, and accorded a civic welcome. Solo results so far are:—E flat bass, T. Barton (Marton) 94 points, first; E. Prout (Masterton), 90, second; A. Lane (Dannevirke), 90, third; 12 entries. BB Flat, S. Booker (Pnlmersston North) 93, first; H. S. Rowe (Auckland) 88, second; thirteen entries. A military display and quickstep competition takes place to-morrow.