TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMW - -»*♦«— BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. FINANCIAL. WELLINGTON, April 5. ! As far as can be ascertained, money ' continues in short supply, and there are no prospects of any immediate change. When one looks around Wellington, i everything appears to bo going on as ! comfortably as was the case last year, and. no one would believe that there were any unemployed about. Shopkeepers complain that business is not as brisk as it was, but the people appear to be spending money as usual on pleasures. There is a ".rowing anxiety as regards coal, owing to the aggressive attitude displayed by tbe coal-miners, ft is felt that the men here will follow the example of the British miners and strike if their absurd demands are not conceded. There appears to be some difficulty in getting coal from Newcastle, and this is adding to the anxiety. The probability is that the retail price of butter will be maintained at 2s 3d per lb. The value of butter is declining in importing countries, and it cannot be held up here. It cannot bo said that the people are getting the benefit of the recent fall in the prices of live stock. Suburban butchers are quoting about the same prices as were current about six months ago ,while restaurant charges have not altered. The Prices Investigation Tribunal talks about the negotiating with the different sections to have prices reduced. COMMITTED FOR ARSON. AUCKLAND, April 8. Fred Hutchison, aged 14, and Margaret Metcalfe, aged 18, charged with arson in connection with fires at the Door of Hope, came before Mr Boynton S.M. for sentence. The Magistrate said he bad decided not to follow his first intention of permitting a reduction of the charge to one of miseljef, notwithstanding tile youth of the accused and the fact that they were partly irresponsible. Tffe crime was so serious that it should bo dealt with by a judge. The punishment would not be more severe, but to reduce so serious a charge might raise an undesirable precedent and raise public suspicion of a special favour. Hutchinson entered a plea of guilty, and Metcalfe pleaded not guilty. Both were committed to the Supremo Court for sentence. GETTING STONE. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 8. About two tons of explosives were used for tiring the first shot in Paritutu this morning with the object of procuring stone for the harbour extension. About thirty thousand tons were dislodged. The engineers profess satisfaction with the results, much large stone being made available. The mutilation of Paritutu which is an historic landmark, is much canvassed, but the results are said by Die engineers to justify it. I SLY GROG SELLING. AUCKLAND, April 8. George Holt, an hotel porter, was fined fifty pounds for sly grog selling. The accused sold a bottle of whisky • after hours to a constable for 20s. COMMITTED FOB TRIAL, PALMERSTON NORTH, April 8. i At the police court, Henry Levy Welland arid Francis Cassidy were committed for trial for theft of woollen t goods valued at £417/19/6, the property y of Maeky, Logan and Caldwell Ltd. from a truck at Awapuni on February , 11th. f GOVERNOR AT GREYMOUTH. n 0 GREYMOUTH, April 9. 3 Under the efficient guidance of Mr I- 1. A. James, Manager, tbe GovernorGeneral, Lady Jelileoe and daughter visited tbe State mine this morning. ir Lady Jellicoe fired two charges at the I- face, and also used a pick. They had ,n on enthusiastic reception. It is beau--30 tiful weather. The party leave tomorrow for Kumara and Hokitika.