TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1922, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

PLAGUE. RUMO URS. DEFINITELY DISPELLED. WELLINGTON, Jan. 24. The Minister of Health, in reply to a question by Mr Sidey, was able to give the House a complete assurance that the rumour of a plague case having developed in Auckland is not collect. Mr Parr explained that lie could understand the rumour, because there had been a case with suspicious symptoms in Auckland. The man was isolated and had been under careful observation for a week. Careful bacteriological tests had been made, and lie had been informed by the medical superintendent of Auckland Hospital, also by the Government Bacteriologist, that they could definitely say this was not a case of plague. Dr Frengley, who was in Auckland, concurred in this opinion after seeing the patient. The case, addeef the Minister, looked suspicious at first, but it would be a very extraordinary matter if it had been plague, as rat infection always prec-cdel plague in human beings, and although over 2000 rats caught in Auckland had been examined during the 1 past two monts bacteriological tests showed not the slightest indication of plague infection. THE FAT LAMB MARKET. TIMARU, Jan. 25. Prices of fat lambs at auction continue to improve. At Geraldine to-day over 2000 were sold, the great majority at over 20s. A score of lots made 24s and upwards. The top price was 28s 1 Id.

H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE. . CIVIC RECEPTION TO ADMIRAL. AUCKLAND, Jan. 25. A civic reception was tendered to-day to Admiral Dumaresq and the officers of H.M.A.S. Melbourne. Replying to the Mayor’s speech of welcome, Admiral Dumaresq said that he had no political or naval mandate, except to convey to the people of New Zealand the goodwill of the Commonwealth. The naval position as between Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific could he summed up in the one word "Anr.ac.” That word was going to he most potent in connection with the Pacific policy of the future. Unfortunately navies would continue to he a necessity, because sea girt dominions had to make arrangements for their commerce to go and to come from overseas, otherwise they jeopardised their existence. Statesmen could not use diplomacy without a minimum of force. The navy was an insurance, and the people of New Zealand knew that and acted up to it. The Melbourne leaves for Wellington I at 6 a.m. on Saturday. She remains I about four days and thence goes to I Lyttelton. The Chatham leaves for the south at noon to-morrow, omitting I Gisborne and Kaikoura from the itin-1 ■ ran', which otherwise is as published. I

HIGH CHARGES AT HERMITAGE. WELLINGTON, January 25. In answer to a request from Mr Burnett’ that accommodation suitable Unpeople of moderate means should be provided at the Hermitage, Mount Cook, the Minister of Tourist Resorts states that the present tariff is from £1 2s 6d to £1 5s per day. The erection of huts would not enable the Department to reduce the present charges which are due to the heavy cost of maintenance and freight by road from Fairlie. Before increasing the fees this season the whole question was carefully considered, and charges were based on the cost of maintenance for the previous year. In the past I the taxpayers ns a whole had been I meeting the deficiency at this hostel, I and it was considered only reasonable ] that the house should bo placed on j a paying basis. The number of per- I sons who visted the Hermitage in No- | vember, 1921 was fifty one, against j forty-six f?or November; 1920. The J month of November is always a quiet I month in this resort.

UR OQ UET CIIAMRIONSHI I>. PALMERSTON N., Jan 26 The Dominion Croquet championships concluded to-day. In the finals of the ladies’ championships Mrs Johnston (Christchurch) heat Mrs Tiffon (Napier) 26-19. This is the winner’s third successive win. Handicap Singles: Miss Hesket (Auckland) heat A, G. F. Ross (Christchurch) 26—22. Mixed Doubles Handicap: TL Cnughley and Mrs Perry (Wellington), beat S. MeCnlolugh and Airs Richardson (Christchurch) 26 22.