TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1922, Page 4

TELEGRAMS

[by TELEGRAPH- —PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION]

SHOT HraSM.

CAMBRIDGE, Jan. W

A man, William Todd, a farmer at PukerorG, near Cambridge, shot Himself dead this morning, deceased was single and of middle age. He is reported ias not being in good health and bad only been in the district) a few 1 months.

Race permits

COUNTRY CLUBS’ CLAIMS,

WELLINGTON, January 13

An item for expenses of the Racing 'Commission, included in the estimates of the Internal Affairs Department, gave Mr Hockly (Rotorua) an opportunity of suggesting that the Minister of Internal Affairs should take into his own hands the Redistribution of permits. He would, have a useful guide in the report of the Racing Commission, which made recommendations with the object of doing justice to country clubs. Quite a number of these clubs, unless they got a second day would be unable to carry on. He thought it an excellent suggestion to amalgamate the Gtahuliii and Auckland 0 Clubs, giving Otabuhu’s permits to Auckland dountry clubs. Mr Parry considered that if some of the findings, of the commission were put into practice it would justify the expense of t-he commission. He particularly noted the suggestions which would make racing safer for jockeys. Mr Field put in a word for the extension of permits of one-day racing dubs. He considered that winter races should be reduced to seven in a day, thus enabling extra permits to be issued without increasing the actual amount of racing. The Minister of Internal Affairs replied by declaring that it would not bo easy to give substantial effect to the Rac|ing 'Commission’s report without referring it to the 'House which had already rejected this report. As for the suggestion to cut down the number of races and grant an equivalent number of permits to country clubs it was unworkable, as he granted permits for days of racing, not for numbers of races.. He had no spare per mite. Mr Wilford: There are some at largo under tho Act of 1910. Mr Stewart: None except for huntclubs. He considered the question of safe conditions should be regulated by the Racing Conference, beenuso ho had no power to limit fields.

STEAMER LAID UP. A STOKEHOLE TROUBLE. WELLINGTON January 13. Trouble hais arisen regarding the stokehole complement of the Chatham Island Fishing Company's! steamer Rama, as a result of which the vessel has been laid up in the stream indefinitely. The Rama is a vessel with long bunkers. "When she was running to tho Chatham.? she carried three firemen and three trimmers. Of late, however the steamer has been trading on the Coast. During her overhaul she was fitted (with seUf-jtrimmJng ibufnkers, which, in the opinion of the owners rendered the services of three trimmers unnecessary. Accordingly they were dispensed with. The union, however, contends that there is need for three trimmers and has demanded that these must be signed on. On behalf of tho owners it is held that the presence of three extra men is required neither by the law nor the amount of work to be done and rather than comply with tho demand of the union, the owners have withdrawn the Rama from the coastal trade. It lias been decided to lay lior up in the stream at Wellington for an indefinite period. GAS STANDARD. DIFFICULTY OF LEGISLATING. WFifvTJINGTON, January 13.

“I saw the first draft of a Bill that was prepared, and I was not satisfied with it,” replied the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, when asked by Mr Parry what had been decided upon in connection with the measure to regulate the calorific standard of gas. The member for Auckland Central reeled that when he last mentioned the matter the Minister bad stated that a Bill was on the stocks, but there was no possibiliy of bringing it down this session. Mr Parry asked had not the prolongation of the session afforded the Minister an opportunity of bringing the Bill down

Mr Stewart replied that he would be glad to make inquiries, hut he doubted very much if the Bill could bo prepared this session. It would require to be drawn very carefully. He realised the importance of the question and the interest taken in it. After adding that ho was not satisfied with the portion of the Bill that had been drafted the Minister said that if it was not feasible to introduce it this session he would do so next.

PROTEST AT HUNTLY. THE MEN STOP WORK. AUCKLAND, Jpi 15. The miners at 1 Huntly and Rotowara did not work yesterday, as a protest against a clause in the new award which provides that eight houfs shall be worked on the Saturday,, other than pay Saturday. Previously they worked only four Jipuw.,