VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1921, Page 4

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAM —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, Feb. 19. The quarterly meeting of the Dominion Executive of the Returned Soldiers’ Association is being held, Dr Boxer presiding. The President said important matters were for discussion and sittings were likely to be prolonged. Mr Long (Auckland) congratulated Dr Boxer on the honour of C.M.G. conferred on him, and expressed appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the Association. The motion of appreciation was carried. Dr Boxer replying, said the country had been financial and been called on to do a fair square thing for returned soldiers. Mr Leadlcy I (Christchurch) forwarded his resigna- | tion, as did L. S. Graham (Otago). The Conference went into committee until 7.30.

WHITT A FOUND GUILTY. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 19. In the case of William 1 . Whitta, who appeared at the Supreme Court on four charges of bookmaking, the juiv returned a verdict of guilty on all counts. His Honour said as there was a question of law reserved for the Appeal Court he would postpone sentence until the point was decided. Meantime the prisoner would be admitted to hail in his own bond of £.500 and another surety of £SOO.

LIGHT WEIGHT BREAD. AUCKLAND, Feb. 18. Three more bakers were fined this morning in the Police Court for exposing lightweight loaves for sale, the Magistrate, Mr Poynton, remarking that whoever baked the loaves was not allowing enough for lost weight in cooking. “That is the crux of the whole thing,’’ said the Magistrate,” and until bakers allow more as a safety margin these cases will continue to come up.” One fine of £2O was imposed and two of £lO each. A NX PAL CONFERENCE. DUNEDIN, Feb. 18. The Commercial Travellers’ Conference concluded to-day. Mr H. IT. Wauchop (Christchurch), was elected president. It was decided to hold the next conference in iC'hristchurch. In t' e matter of the exemption of commercial travellers from jury service, it was stated that objection was raised that it was difficult to identify travellers. It was resolved to write to the Minister enclosing a copy of the association’s certificate, this being suggested as a means of identification. It was decided to approach the Prime* Minister and ask for an absentee voter’s permit for travellers in Australia at election time.

The general secretary submitted details of a scheme of sickness and accident insurance as a result of investigations made by him since March, 1920. It was proposed that the scheme should come into operation on June 1, 1921, provided 500 proposals were received and that the benefits would he the same as under the policy of the United Commercial Travellers’ Association of Australia. The premium would he £2 12s 6d, and only associated members would he insured. The conference adopted the scheme. The following remit was carried:— That in view of the fact that, where no-license obtains, accommodation suffers, tltis conference asks the committee of each association to use its utmost endeavours to secure "continuance” in the interests of tho man on the road.

PRESENTATION TO SI I? JAMES CA'RROLL. GISRORNE, Fob 18. During the proceedings«to-niglit opportunity was taken to make a presentation of an address and cheque to Sir James Carroll, as the district’s tribute to his Parliamentary work for thirtytwo years. The Mayor, after paving a tribute to Sir James Carroll and Lady Carroll, presented the address and cheque. Mr Lynsnar said that Sir James Carroll had only one public fault; he was too loyal to his party and former ideals. Mr George Witty said he spoke as the oldest member of Parliament present. He had sat in the House with Sir James Carroll for seventeen years, and their guest had earned the respect of every member of Parliament, irrespective of views on politics. Both Europeans and Maoris were proud to have such a man to represent them. He paid a tribute to Sir James Carroll's work for the district. Mr Veitch (Wanganui) referred to the advice and assistance given by Sir James Carroll in Parliament, especially to younger members of the House.

Addresses also were delivered by several prominent citizens. Sir James Carroll in the course of an eloquent reply referred to his early career in politics. He said that great responsibility lay in the hands of present members to carry on the work of their predecessors. He did not seriously contemplate re-entering political life. He thought that after thirtytwo years it would be unwise to go back. Perhaps it was better that young men should fill responsible positions in the country. He was satisfied with his career and he had little to regret. ,

TOOL GATES FAVOURED. WELLINGTON, Feb 17. A meeting of local motor traders discussed tho question of toll gates as a, means of solving the question of good roads. Several speakers spoke strongly in their favour. It was considered, however, that they should be under Government and not local supervision, and with this provision the meeting passed a recommendation to the national executive in their favour. Mr Stuart Wilson, who at one time was a strong opponent to toll gates, has nltero dhis mind since seeing the Taranaki roads, which he considers are the | best in th 0 Dominion, and have only been made possible by toll bars. "Every one there,” he says "is in favour of them.”