TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1922, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. JC'OAL AGNES' ACT. WELLINGTON, Aug. 17. _ The Coal Mines Act Amendment Rill which has been introduced in the House, and is now set down*for its second reading, provides that ecu I leases may bo granted in respect nl scenic reserves, and tlmt prospecting licenses may be granted over education reserves. The area over which coalprospecting licenses may relate is to lie reduced from 3000 acres to 200 b acres. Tig-re are clauses dealing with the qualifications of inspectors and mine managers and others, and providing regulations for greater safety in mines, 'ey. ther with increased' fines for breaches of these regulations

There is also a clause which debars any holder of a position under the Crown in connectieon with the administration of the Coal Alines Act from holding any pecuniary interest in any coalmine lease or license RESCUE REWARDED. AUCKLAND, Aug. 17. The rescue by H.M.S. Chatham of portion of tbo crew from the wreck of the American schooner Columbia River on Sunday Island on October 3, 1921. lias officially been recognised by the American President. On the Chatham, prior to her departure for the Islands, Commodore Hotliam was presented with a gold watch and chain inscribed, “From the President.” Sur-geon-Lieut Commander Patterson was presented with a pair of binoculars, and Gunner Taylor and Able Seaman Oliver with gold medals. The American Consul made the presentations.

OBITUARY. CHRISTCHURCH. Aug 17. Charles B. Gillespie, operator at Greater Crystal Palace Picture Theatre. died suddenly to-day. while cycling along the street. He suffered from heart disease for some years. Dr John Guthrie, senior, one of the oldest medical practictioner s in Christchurch, died yesterday at the age of 75 years II i s two sons, John and Neil, are both well-known Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH SLUMS. CHRTSHCHURCfI, Aug. 17 Slum conditions and unsatisfactory housing conditions were discussed at a meeting of social workers, and the following resolutions were carried: (1) That the Health Department he asked to use the powers it possessed under the Public Health Act to insist on all insanitary houses in Christchurch being put forthwith in a sanitary condition. (2) That the Health Authorities lainformed that children are being born and bred in these insanitary dwellings; that the children themselves are indescribably filthy; that attention has boon drawn to these matters for some time past, Imt that whatever steps may have Ih-oii taken hv the authorities. little improvement has taken place in either the condition of the houses or of the children dwelling therein. GD That in some few eases parents mentally sub-normal are living together and mothers* are giving birth to subnormal children constituting large families. the care of which will in the near and distant future cause considerable expense to the State. It is' advisable that power he taken to separate such parents, aml segregate each sex in special institutions such as farm colonies, or that provision he made for surgical treatment.

theft 'CHARGES. AUCKLAND. Aug. 17. Charles Murphy (aged 21), and Archie Taylor (aged 33) were'charged with the theft of four motors on July 11. 1920. and on four charges of breaking, entering and theft at Oreenbmc. Mount Albert, Auckland and Pokeno, .... July 9, 1920. At Pokenn ~ Sil fe was removed from a store, and L'tiO in cash and goods stolen. the total value being Cl9O. A farmer near Pokeno said he hoard three explosives about five n clock on Monday of July 21. at dnvbrcak Murphy informed him the accused s ear was stuck on the road, witness dragging it out with horses. The police found a safe on the roadside l>v gdiff* l *^** A garage proprietor at Newmarket said he saw one of the stolen cars in the street and watched it. Murphy went up and began pouring benzine- m, but ltecnme suspicious, and rail away. Witness followed him into a tramcar. and banded him to the police. Taylor pleaded not guilty, but was committed lor trial. Murphy pleaded guilty, and was com milted for sentence. A MAN’S DEATH. AUCKLAND. Aug. TB. About midnight, a man’s coat and wore found on Grafton bridge. w |,icli led to the discovery ill a gully ninety feet below, of a man of thirtyfour.' named AY. N. Grinliiigton, residing i„ that locality. He had one leg fractured and was semiconscious aim died in the hospital this morning. PRICE OK BUTTER. AUCKLAND, Aug. 18. First grade butter is reduced by one penny per lb to Is 7:|d wholesale, and Is lOd retail.

ELECTROCUTED. HAMILTON. August 18. E. Moult. employed at electric work in tlie Government workshops was electrocuted this morning by coming in contact with live, wires.