TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1922, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSN., COP fRIGHI. FUNDS MISAPPROPRIATED. WELLINGTON, Nov 15. . James George' Bruce, ex-secretary of Wellington. Watersiderq’' Union, was charged at tlia Magistrate’s Court with theft of £§4(3, the union funds. Secretary Lawrenson stated the membership of the Union was about 1650. and the revenue consisted of a. yearly contribution of £l, a death benefit levy of. 3s, legal aid, levy of Is Id,, defence levy of £1 and .seamen’s tickets ss. The expenses,, were, mainly, tlie secretary’s salary ghd general expenses, lie slated that oil August sth., accused attended a meeting at which his position was discussed and made an explanation. Herbert Bolton , (accountant) statofl ho Jiad audited the union’s books for about eight years. Owing io irregularities found .this year’s audit was profoiiged. The defence levy butts wor missing, and Bruce was asked for themi, They were on witness’ table two clays later. A total shortage of £lO3l was found. Accused was shown the statement and said it was unnecessary Up go through the figures which he would take as correct, though lib did not know the amount was so large. Bruce reserved ln s detente and was committed for trial to the Supreme Court in bail of £SOO and a surety ol the same amount was allowed.

ACQUITTED. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov 10. At tho Supreme Court, Roland Bo bert Todd was acquitted on thq second trial on a charge of bookmaking,

PRESBYTERI AN SYNOIj. AUCKLANj), Nov lo

The Dominion Jubilee Session of tho Presbyterian General Synod »•»»*■ opened at St Andrew’s Church this morning. Hev D. Hutton conducted tho opening services, and delivered the sermon. Rev W. T. Comnmc, the new Moderator delivered an address o’l the struggles of tho Church.

SUGAR SUPPLIES. OAMARU, Nov. 15

The shipping holdup is having a had elicet on tlie distribution of sugar in both North and South Islands, and the Department of Industries and Commerce is doing what it can to assist in providing facilities for the transport of supplies to districts which have small supplies on hand. The arrangements being made were briefly stated to a • •Mail” reporter this .morning by Hon L t e iMinister of Industries and Comeerce). "Immediately on receiving intimation of tlie shipping trouble,” said the Minister, “T instructed the Department in Wellington to assist in arranging for supplies of sugar to bo railed to various parts of the North Island as required by merchants. In regard to the South Island steps will he taken to facilitate tlie railage to Wellington hut in the event of no sea carriage being available between Wellington and Lyttelton then no other course is open than to ask merchants and retailers to adopt a modified system of rationing in order to eke out the present supplies as long as possible. Fortunately just prior to the strike, cargoes of sugar were landed in the main ports of the South Island, and these consignments if carefully distributed and the public assist by Using reasonable in their orders, should prevent any undue shortage for some time.” Mr Lee stated he lead also instructed his Department to keep a close watch upon tlfc prices of necessary commodities in order to ensure no undue advantage is taken of the public during tho abnormal conditions that may arise out of tho dislocation of transport. “Tho Government realises,” said -Mr Lee, “that traders are entitled to obtain from the public any extra costs involved in ’ securing supplies through more expensive means of transport, hut the public can rest assured that tho Department of Industries and Commerce while permitting justifiable increases of this nature, will use the power conferred by the Board of Trade Act to prevent unreasonable charges being made. 1 have little doubt that merchants and other distributors will co-operate with and assist, the Department in preventing any unfair advantage being taken of the present crisis.”