VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1921, Page 4

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

TELEGRAMS

. —• [by telegraph—per press association] BANK CHARGES. N.Z. RATES FURTHER RAISED. WELLINGTON, February 23.

An advance in the Bank rates is announced. It is as follows, and is taking effect on March Ist. Overdra fjts.—Minimum rato 7 per cent. Discounts.—Minimum rate 61 per cent.

HON. COATES CRITICISED. DUNEDIN", February 23. At a meeting of the Dunstan Presbytery the following resolution was . unanimously agreed to:—“That the | Presbytery regrets that in connection I with the visit of a prominent official in the Government service and of a Minister of the Crown to Central Otago, violations of the sanctity of the saltbath occurred. It commends the action of certain Alexandra residents in endeavouring to prevent such violation and directs that a copy of this resolution, bo forwarded to the gentlemen concerned." It is understood this refers to the Hon. Coates, who along, with the officials of his Department, paid a visit to Monorburn Dam on Sunday. BOY KILLED. GISBORNE. February 23. The police received advice to-day from Tola go Bay. of the death of a Maori hoy. Acta Tcknna Matcte, on Tuesday night. The boy was riding on the Pawn County Councils motor lorry, which was returning from a quarry with five tons of metal. The lad lived near a bridge, and evidently intended to get off near home. Apparently he slipped off when the lorry was proceeding slow, struck the railing of the bridge and was thus thrown hack. lie fell under the lorry, his head being crushed to n pulp. BOY DROWNED. CHRISTCHURCH, February 23. Ronald Herbert Yates, aged eight years was drowned in the Heathcote River, Opawa this afternoon. With another boy he was playing in a punt and fell out. His companion went to his assistance, but got into difficulties and was rescued by a passerby. The body has not yet been recovered.

BLACKBALL MINE TROUBLE. WELLINGTON, February 23. The Special Board to which the alleged victimisation trouble at Blackball coal mine was referred, held its first meeting to-day. No report was made to the press. It is probable that the Board will require seven days to complete its investigations.