VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1921, Page 1

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

TELEGRAMS.

[by telegraph—per press association]

LIBERAL CAUCUS

WELLINGTON, March 10.

The Liberal Party held a Caucus today in their room. The Leader, Mr T. M. Wilford, and all members were either present or accounted for

The Caucus lasted three hours. It considered the various questions to come before Parliament during this and the next session, and the other grave matters calling for consideration at the present time. The Caucus decided unanimously on a certain course of action.

Referring to the Liberal Caucus Mr George Witty (M.P. for Riecarton), stated that only Mr T. M. Milford of tho Liberals was present. Not one of the old Ward Liberals was present, and not one had any intention of being there. At most there were seven out of 18 Liberals present. Mr Wilford says all memb?rs of the Party, some of whom were row in Wellington were either present or accounted for.

TALISMAN MINES,

AUCKLAND, .March 10

At the Talisman Mine Company’s meeting, Mr Blanchard (chairman of directors) said their London investments, when made were no doubt considered gilt-edged, hut _ they had since depreciated, and were still liable to do so. Thy directors were compelled to take £(5,500 of the New Zealand War Loan. This script was now at 15 per cent, discount.

The working of the mine last year resulted in a loss of £-13,784. Ibis was duo to the fact that the company apparently had reached the end of its payable ore. 4he attitude ol Lahoui and the high rates of wages did not encourage the taking up ol their othei property. They were compelled to install water-feed drills, which meant a. cost loss of £3OOO, and when they applied to the Government for compensation they were laughed at.

MP POWDRELI/S DEATH

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

■WELLINGTON, March 10. A sensational development is reported in connection with the death ol Mr Powdivll. member for Patea.

It is stated that early last night ho left his bedroom in tile private hospital. stating lie was going to the bathroom. Boon afterwards a heavy fall was hunt'd and the unfortunate man was found at the foot ol a- steep gnnk with his neck dislocated. An inquest- opens to-morrow morning.

THE SUGAR POSITION

WELLINGTON, Afareh 10

An important statement regarding the sugar position was made to-dav by Jinn Lee, .Minister of Industries, and Commerce. The settlement of the shipping trouble would bring relief to many parts of the Dominion that are short of sugar. The steamer Ivanna, was in tho stream for some days, was now discharging a cargo of sugar for AA ellinglon of 215 tons; for Lyttelton, 320 tong; for Timnru, 10G; for Oamaru, 44; for Dunedin ,300; for Nelson, 10G; and for Invercargill, 100.

Nelson, lie said, was almost without sugar. A consignment, would, if possible ,bo forwarded there to-dav. The steamer Waitomo whose movements had been affected by the shipping diflieulty, had 200 tons for Lyttelton, and 200 tons for ports further south. The Manuka which took 300 tons of sugar back to Sydney last trip, should bring a much larger quantity on her second trip. An officer of the Industries and Commerce Department had proceeded south to-night to superintend and expedite the transport of sugar. TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. CHILDREN lUIRNED TO DEATH. . WANGANUI, March 10. \ terrible tragedy occurred to-night. Three children lost, their lives as the result of a tiro in a dwelling house in Nibgle Street. Their names are: Krederick Arthur Bishop aged six and a-ludf years; Lloyd George Bishop, aged four; Gordon Harold Bishop, aged two years. Eight children were in the house. They were in charge of Miss Gray, their mother having gone to a neighbour’s. The brigade were on the scene in good time, but the flames had a good hold. On learning that children were in the bouse, the brigadesmen searched in a smoke-tilled room and found the bodies of the children named. Evidently they wore dead long before the alarm was given. For some time consternation was caused by a report that live more children were in the building, lint, later it was discovered that a neighbour had rescued them, though one was so badly burned that she had to lit' sent to the hospital. The origin of the fire is not known. NAUTUT PHOSPHATE PRICES. WELLTNTON, March 10. The Hon. Mr Nosworthy explained that the e.i.f price for Nauru and Ocean phosphates at the five mam ports, in cargoes of from 4000 to 6000 tons, is 80s per ton. This price rules until 30th June, when the price will depend on freight, rates that can He sccured. All sales by the Now Zealand Government, ara n.Lf,