TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1922, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

Tby TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'!

NAVAL RECRUITS. WELLINGTON, Feb. 16. Statistics in connection with recruiting for New Zealand naval forces, shew marked differences in the number of recruits who presented themselves for <ntry into New Zealand naval forces in the various recruiting districts. The vital number was 304, and as regards districts, Auckland heads the list with 80. Christchurch is shewn with 10, Invercargill follows with 32, Dunedin 28, Palmerston North 26, Hawera 22. In each of "the remaining six districts less than 20 candidates presented themselves.. In Wellington district they were 14 only. The number medic illy examined was 265, whilst 11 were rejected without medical examination, being under the physical standard. Of the total of 276, the number finally entered was 111. This gives a percentage, of 2 out of 5, cr 40 per cent, rejected on medical grounds. The remaining 28 were rejected on other grounds.

WOOL SALES. WELLINGTON, February 17. There was a. satisfactory rise in wool prices to-day, and generally there was a much improved tone. All sections were well represented by buyers and there was a better French demand jp| Crossbreds were a slight shade above par on January sales. Lambs were penny hngher. There were 25,000 hales offered. The French buyers were after lambs’ wool.

HOUSING ACTIVITIES. WELLINGTON, Feb. 18. The Premier announced yesterday hat the Housing branch of the Labour Department will be closed down immeliately. as the results have not justified This, however, will not -ean that Government were going out of the business of providing homes for '-be people. The workers’ dwelling •rheme remains in existence and will be administered by the Labour Department. 'Die Advance to Workers branch will also continue to operate, and Government is still advancing money to local bodies within prescribed limits, and may be able, presently’; to increase the advances, but the attempt to solve the' housing problem by the direct efforts of Government officials is bejng abandoned.

HON DOWNIE STEWART. WELLINGTON, Feb. 18.

Hon Downie Stewart, Minister of Customs sails for Australia on 3rd March for the purpose of negotiating a reciprocal customs tariff with the Commonwealth. Any agreement reached will be subject to ratification by Parliament. ANOTHER BODY FOUNT?. SO FAR UNIDENTIFIED. GREYMOUTH, February 18. Another body has been found on the beach at, Camerons. It has not yet been identified. BARQUE VALMERIE ASHORE. AT FAREWELL SPIT. GREYMOUTH, February 18 Captain Pearson of the Orepuki, which arrived from Wellington, reported he sighted off Farewell Spit a three master schooner which he thought was the Valmnrie, The vessel was ashore with the head on to the beach, about 9 miles west of Spit lighthouse. The crew were camped ashore in tents, In answer to signals offering assistance of a tow, the master signalled that the vessel was 'too hai'd and fast at the then state of the tide, but would possibly refloat with the rising spring tides. The Valma-rie is of 256 tons and is owned by Rosenfeldt and Co., of . Sydney. She was due at Wellington from Clarence River with hardwood timber

~ obituary. AUCKLAND, Feb. Obituary—Mr Thomas Peacock, or of Auckland in 1878. He represented Auckland constituencies in Parliament for nine years and held many public positions. He was a director of various companies. ,