TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

I VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

’ G-. IiXKGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION RELEASE REFUSED. WELLINGTON, May 23. The Government lias considered the request made by the deputation from 1 the Alliance of Labour for the release of Edward Johnston, who was sentenced to a term of two years’ imprisonment for selling some seditious literature. The Acting Prime. Minister, Sir F. Bell stated to-day that the request had been referred to the Minister of Justice who had then obtained a report from the convicting Magistrate. The result of their consideration was that the Government had found nothing to justify a remission of the sentence imposed on Johnston. COUNCIL OF CHURCHES. bookmaking discussed. CHRISTCHURCH, May 23. At a meeting of the Council <f Churches, the following resolutions 'were passed: —“The Council of ' Churches regrets that in connection 1 with the remission of the sentence inflicted by the Magistrate on Whitta Junior, no sufficient explanation has ' yets been forthcoming, and that as the Council’s request for one, made more than three weeks ago, has not been acceded to, the Council respectfully points out that such remission 1 will" have a discouraging effect upon the police and juries, and in view of | the difficulty already experienced with i the Act, it is particularly to he re--1 gretted. The Council holds that the ! public should he supplied with the full j reasons that made the revision of senj fence necessary, together with some , explanation as to their non-presentation I in Court”. j “That this meeting desires to place on record an appreciation of the recent Act against book-making passed by the Government, and the support of the Press in its efforts to put down the evil of bookmaking in the Dominion, and trusts that they will also ’ use their great influence in curtailing totalisator permits.” “That it considers the recent trial of Whitta Senior’s case to have been fairly and righteously considered, and that the sentence passed is just and reasonable, in face of the crime committed. It therefore looks with disfavour on the methods adopted to secure signatures from the public f° r the remission of the sentence, or any part thereof, and prays that the Government will not set aside the laws and penalty in this c n.se.” SHEARERS DISPUTE. DUNEDIN, May 24. Consideration of the Otago and Southland shearers dispute has been deferred by the Conciliation Council pending a decision between the respective federations at Wellington. FERRY SERVICE ALTERATIONS. DUNEDIN, May 24. During the winter months, the Marti ron replaces the Wahine in the foriv service. The falling off of the winter traffic is said to he unusually heavy. The Arahura takes the Marnroa’s run on the East Coast service. WHEAT AND FLOUR. CHRISTCHURCH, May 24. Information that has been received by Hon. Lee, indicates that large stocks of flour are held by millers throughout the Dominion. The Minister states that as there is an agreement between the Government, wheat producers and millers, as to prices for wheat and wheat products for the year ending February next, the importation of wheat products will not he permitted.