TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1922, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION’]

FIRE ON ARAWA

WELINGTON, July 20. Tlie gas was cleared out of the A rawn to-day by means, of a suction pump, and an examination of the hold showed that the bulkhead behind the insulation had become heated and had set fire to some of tlie woodwork in connection with the insulation. The hold contained 6000 carcases of mutton and a quantity of beef which was loaded at Auckland; and of this amount it is estimated 100 quarters of beef have been spoiled. A quantity of mutton has suffered through being "smoked.”

A start was made this morning on discharging the meat and it is expected all tho cargo in the hold will be out by this evening. Tho reconditioning of tne meat will then be proceeded with.

WESTPORT COAL. WESTPORT, July zO.

The Bnller Progress League to-night resolved to make strong representations to the Government to remove the imposition of an additional 6d per ton on new coal leases.

Tlie mover of the resolution sail that the old leases paid only 6d per ton, but the new leases had now to pay Is per ton. This was an unfair handicap, as, very often, tlie acceptance or rejection of tenders depended on 0’ per ton or less. Tlie mover further said that if the Government imposed Id per lb on all butter or cheese produced in the new factories, or on the wood produced Innew companies, or extra charges per foot on all the timber produced by ne.v sawmilling companies, there would be a bowl from one end of the Dominion to the other. Yet it was an injustice such as this that was being done to tlie new coal companies, and it wou.c* seriouslv hamper tlie coal development if tho extra royalty were not removed ARBITRATION COURT SITTING. WANGANUI, July 26. The Arbitration Court commenced sittings here to-day-, when tho Watersido workers’ dispute, as applicable to the ports on this coast, was partlyheard.