VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1921, Page 3

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

f BY TELEGRAPH— PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] OBJECTION A RLE FILMS. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 25.

Jhe following resolution was passed by the National Peace Council: “The Council views with satisfaction the growing feeling against objectionable and depressing films that continue to be shown in the picture polices of the Domfliion. It is most regrettable that pictures which are so large a source of healthy amusement as well as conveying much useful information, are often degraded by pandering to vicious tastes and immoral tendencies. The Council objects to the continuance of pictures which, during the war "ere part of the propaganda of hate faked incidents got up to represent our late enemies as inhuman in order to fan the spirit. Now the war is over, surely it is time to manifest a sane attitude and a more truthful recognition of the actual facts.

DIPLOMA OF COMMERCE. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. A scheme for establishing a Diploma of Commerce was considered by representatives of the Bankers’ Insurance and Shipping Officers’ Guilds of New Zealand and the Society of Accountants yesterday. The scheme was presented by tlie Dunedin Committee, representatives of tlie Otago University, the Society of Accountants, Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers’ Associtaion. It was explained that the suggested groups are an industry group, banking and finance group, shipping and transport group, insurance group and political and science group. The proposal was most favourably received, the guild representatives undertaking to get into touch with the employers asking them to co-operate in furthering the scheme which in due course will lie placed la-fore (lie University Senate for its approval.

HARBOUR BOARD FINANCE. TIMARU, Feh. 25. At the Timaru Harbour Hoard meeting, the Chairman reviewed the state -of the finances during the last year. The year had resulted in a debit of £3OOO. This year would probably see it doubled, unless an increase of revenue were somehow provided. The dues on exports would be less, as the meat stores were empty. It was hopeless to look to loan money. He suggested the increasing of all the port charges. Other memliers opposed the increasing of the harbour rate. Dredging is costing over £BOOO a year, and as the channel is in good order, it was decided to lay up the dredge. A special meeting will lie held on March 4 to discuss the finances.

SALE OF BLOODSTOCK. WANGANUI, Feh. 25. At Mr (J. M. Gorie’s annual sale of thoroughbreds, twelve yearlings by Absurd realised over J 0,000 guineas,the highest price .being 1500gns, paid by Mr A. B. Williams for a sister to Humbug. It is generally considered that these yearlings are the finest lot ever offered in the Dominion.

MATTHEW’S SENTENCE. CHRISTCHURCH, Eeb. 25 At a large meeting held in Victoria Square to-night, the following motion was carried :—“That this meeting of Christchurch -citizens urges the Government not to carry out the death sentence 1 on Reginald Matthews until a medical re-examination proves bcyuinl all dispute tiiat.he was sane when lit 1 committed the act for which he has been sentenced. A large number held up their hands in favour of the motion. The chairman announced he had seen only about 12 hands held up against it. He declared the motion carried. An invitation was extended to tin 1 people present to sign the following petition:—“We, the undersigned, desire the commutation of the sentence of death passed on Matthews. (N. 8.) People may sign this petition either because they object to capital punishment in general, or, because, believing otherwise, in capital punishment, they think in this particular case the sentence should ho commuted in view of the prisoner’s heredity and environment.” A large number signed . the petition.

.JURY AGAIN DISAGREE. IN CASE AGAINST BOOKMAKER. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. The second trial of James Patterson on a charge of bookmaking was held to-day and the jury disagreed. The Chief Justice said lie was sorry the

jury was unable to agree because the fact and law were equally plain. He could not understand how a jury was unable to agree and hoped it was not because they were in favour of gambling. The case emphasised the need for an amendment of the law in respect to a total agreement of juries, it. was useless to order a new trial and same other form would have to be sued in cases of this kind, for it was useless wasting the time of the Court in Wellington. Justice could not be administered if there was an. infraction of the Gaming Act charged. Who was to blame? He did not know. That was for the people to consider, not for him.

COVER NM ENT "RUB I /[CITY AGENT. AUCKLAND, Feb. 25. The lion G. J. Anderson (Minister of Internal Affairs) announced that Mr H. B. Drew, of the Wellington staff, has been appointed Publicity Agent under the Internal Affairs Department, which intends publishing for advertising purposes outside the Dominon, booklets and pamphlets on New Zealand, from a scenic, commercial and agricultural standpoint.