TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.ft

BRIDGE CATCHES FIRE

WAIROA, May 17

On Monday morning, at 3 o’clock, a. fire broke out on the centre spans of the Mohaka bridge. An alarm was given, and in a short time residents were oil the scene. At first an attempt was made to put the fire out by buckets of water, but a strong wind and sparks were in the fire-fighters’ eyes, and they had to abandon this method of saving the structure. The fire by this time was blazing furiously. A start was made to pull up the planking, and when several hoards bad been lifted the burning part of the bridge collapsed, carrying Messrs Hutchinson and Beale into the river. Luckily they were not very badly hurt, though they had a miraculous escape. Air Beale fell on Mr Hutchinson, and Air Beale’s ankle was injured. Assistance was quickly forthcoming, and the victims were brought ashore. The pulling up of the planks had much to do in saving the whole bridge from destruction, only two spans being destroyed. There was no sign of fire at midnight, when residents passed over the bridge, and the origin is a mystery. However, the bridge was in a rotten state, and it is thought that even a lighted cigarette was sufficient to set it ablaze. .Motor traffic on the Napier line is disorganised to-day, hut arrangements are in hand for ears to run from Napier and AVairoa, and transfer passengers, mails, etc., per ferry boat as from to-day.

THE SURPLUS

NONE TO SPEND

WELLINGTON, Alay 20

Sir F. Bell, acting Minister of Finance says the fact that there is a surplus does not indicate that there is money to spend on public works or other enterprises. The greater part of the surplus .has already been t-raof-fered to Public Works funds by various investments, authorised loans, and for payment of interest. AVith a falling revenue it is necessary to provide for contingencies. There is no balance to transfer to public works expenditure.

IMPROVING A!AIN ROADS

WELLINGTON, May 20

Among matters dealt with by the Executive of the New Zealand Counties’ Association was consideration of a proposed Main Ronds Bill. A Committee was appointed to set up the main features of a Bill, and as soon as circulated to place the same before the County Councils of the Dominion, together witli Conference suggestions to asist bodies in considering the Bill before appointing delegates to the next Conference of County Councils during next session of Parliament. In reply to tbi> Good Roads’ Association’s request for a joint conference to discuss the Bill, it was decided that a Committee from each body meet and endeavour to secure unanimity in an application for legislation to secure improved roads for the Dominion.

A SMASH

DUNEDTN, May 21

While Dr. Robertson of Tapaimi and Robert Perry, his brother-in-law were motoring to Kelso last evening he was cniglit bv an engine at the railway crossing. The car unset and was smashed hut Perry escaped with slight injuries, Dr. Robertson was seriously injured. His nose and thigh were brokeb and fractured and be received concussion and was bruised.

Kumara Borough Council

The new Council met oil Thursday evening. Present: Messrs W. J. Benyon (.\Jayor), Batson. Brayshaw, McNabli, Martyn, Burrell, Berry, Sanity, Fensom and Spiers. The Mayor and Councillors made the usual declaration. Councillors congratulated the Mayor on bis election the Mayor expressing his thanks for their good wishes and welcoming members to the Council

table. A deputation consisting ot Messrs James ltochford and J. Johnston, on inhalf of the Kumara Football Club, wait ed on the Council in reference to getting assistance towards improving the football ground, and mentioned that the Football Club had already spent sonic money on Improvements. Deferred to Domain Board for report. request from Kumara, Fire Brigade for attention to a number of matters was received and it was resolved to meet the wishes of the Brigade as far as possible. A letter was received from Steel Bros , asking permission to show pictures on Sundays. After discussion a motion that Sunday pictures be allowed ,was carried) The following committees were e]cct-

Finance Committee.—The whole of th c Council, with Cr. Spiers as chair-

man. Works Committee. —Crs (Brayshaw, Spiers, McNnbb, Martyn, Burrell, and Cr Batson as chairman. Domain Board.— Crs Spiers, Batson, mid Cr Brayslmw as chairman. Various matters were dealt with and consideration deferred for future meetings.