TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1921, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

VARIOUS DOMINION ITEMS.

[by telegraph- yer press association]

SOLDIER SETTLERS

BELIEF REQUIRED

DANNEVIRKE, July 25

Replying to a deputation from tinDannevirke branch of the Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association, which asked the lion I). H. Guthrie what the Gnversmont intended to do in affording relief to soldier settlers who were having a big struggle owing to the conditions prevailing, the Mini ter said that the Government was lining everything possible for them. It i.as prepared, in cases of emergency, to pe. '■ pone the payment of rents until the soldiers were able to get mi their feet, and also prepared to lake payments in instalments spread over a number of years, without the payees sacrificing

any privilege/, and without the payment of interest on instalment moneys. If, at the end of the period, men could not pay, the amount owing could lie capitalised. In cases of extreme urgency the Government could remit t inpayments due, but il could make no general rule. Each case would have to be considered on its merits. In regard to grassing, the Government was pne pared to meet the soldiers in a similar manner to settlers who were burnt out. He wauled to emphasise one point—the contract between the soldiers and the Governmest would lie kept, hut the soldier must ho a trier, as otherwise lie would only be wasting his time.

FBUIT MARKETS

DUNEDIN, July 25

business has been brisk in the fruit marts during the week. A l'ajrly large shipment of mandarins, oranges, pines and passions came to hand by the Kaptangata from Syd-cv. A small line ol Island oranges also arrived during the week. The Paloona, from Melbourne, brought Some 800 cases of oranges, navels, lemons and mandarins, also seven tons of pie. melons, part of n shipment of Adelaide fruit, which had evidently been held up at Melbourne, and this arrived in poor condition. The bulk of the fruit, however, was in good ortler. The Tarawera, from Auckland, brought a line of Island oranges, Poorpnan oranges and a few eocoamits. A few hundred eases of Fiji bananas are on board tbc Kniton, due in a day or two. Owing to the large quantity of citrus fruits bn. the market the demand for apnles and pears has not been very brisk.

Oaulifloweis and cabbages are in good demand, but other vegetables are slow of sale.

BREWERY KIBE

DUNEDIN, Julv 20

A fire at ( owie’s brewery at midnight. damaged the premises seriously. There is a heavy loss on the building and machinery. The insurances are: £2OOO on the buildings, and £IOOO on 11 it* stock and fittings.

FARMERS’ UNION CONFERENCE WELLINGTON, July 20.

The Dominion conference of the Farm its* Union opened to-day. Mr G. W. Leadley, president, delivered an address, and received a. vote ol thanks by acclamation. Some 200 remits are on the order paper. It was resolved that the occupiers of all Crown lands should ho granted the option ot buying same. The conference resolved that the Government he urged to legislate to provide better facilities for holders of native leaseholds purchasing freeholds of their holding It was resolved that the granting of the freehold of national endowment lands be made retrospective so that the present occupiers shall have the right to obtain the same.

The conference adopted an Auckland remit that all third class Crown lands Ik? thrown open for selection under homestead systems. It was resolved that the Government be asked to re-submit all acquired lands wlpch have been vacant tor 12 months or more, at such terms as will ensure their immediate occupation.

INSPECTOR RETIRES.

NELSON, July 26

Mr G. A- Darkness, Senior inspector of Schools for the Nelson District is retiring on superannuation, after 28 years service. He is believed to be Senior Inspector for the Dominion.

RAILWAY ALTERATIONS

WELLINGTON. July 27

The fact that the expenditure is overtaking the revenue in the railway service is receiving the attention of departmental officers ai the present time. It is understood important recommendations are to he placed bolero the Minister of Railways for consideration of Cabinet these recommendations are expected’ to involve economies in the operation of the railways by reduction of unprofitable services. The Department cannot cut out all trains that are seemingly run at a loss, hut savings -ire '■Tiered to he possible without reducing the facilities for travel and transport below a reasonable level.

TIMARU SUPREME COURT . TIMARU, July 27

At the Supreme Court-, ’I henna's James Smith was found not guilty on a charge of theft. Noel Janies Ashton for assault received !) months.

SHEAR HRS’ DISPUTE ADJOURNED DUNEDIN, July 27.

The Arbitration Court heard th { > Shearers and Shed Hands dispute, hut after the evidence it was decided not to labour the main issues till the principal final hearing of the ease at 'Wellington on August 25th. The Union claimed to be asking onily to he placed on the same relative footing as in 1911. The employe!? endeavoured to show that prices now realised failed to clear the cost of uro(lneti..;i.