TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1922, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

[by TELEGRAPH PER PnESS association]

SCHOOL BURNT. AUCKLAND. Dee. 9. The infant school at Onehunga was totally destroyed by fire early this morning. The indications point to incendiarism, there having been three other suspicious fires in Onehunga recently. The school accommodated 259 children and cost about £3OOO. SEAMEN’S STRIKE. WELLINGTON, Dec. 10 With the election over it is anticipated that the seamen will look for an opportunity of effecting a compromise through the agency of political intervention. The first step may be -a suggestion that' the suspensioa of the Shipping Act, enabling the employment of free labour, should he removed. In fact, it is now definitely contended, in Labour circles, that the result of the general election justifies such a course being followed by the Government. “The suspension of the Act should never have been put into operation.” remarked an official of one maritime Union yesterday morning, “but now the Prime Alinister should see that it is removed. The trouble with seamen was at no time an issue in the election hut the changes that have taken place on the political field show that there is a marked turn of the tide against the Government, and it would he only right, therefore, for the Government to alter the policy it has assumed In connection with the seamen’s trouble.”

EMPLO Y EES ’ A TTJTUDE. AVELLIXGTON, Dee. 10 The shipowners are still waiting for some move on the part of the Seamen’s Federation in the direction of bringing about a settlement of the trouble with the seamen. It seems unlikely, however, that anything will he done for a few days, but whatever happens, it is more than probable that the shipowners will insist on a settlement on their own terms. DEATH OF J. FRANK ANDREWS. WELLINGTON. Dec. 11 Obituary—J. Frank Andrews, 1.5.0. aged 64. He was Private Secretary to six Premiers and later on Clerk to tho Executive Council. - The late Mr James Frank Andrews was well-known in Westland in the seventies, when he was a resident of Okarito. Later, be joined the Public Service, and was a very efficient telegraphist, being stationed for some years at Dunedin. While residing there lie married Mrs Coles, relict of the late Air James Coles of Friend and Coles of Okarito. Subsequently, Air Andrews joined the secretarial staff of tlie late Premier Seddo.n with whom he made several visits to the Coast. He was a member of Mr Seddon’s staff at the time of the Premier's demise in 1906. A little later during the Ward Government, Mr Andrews was appointed Clerk to the New Zealand Executive Council, which important post lie held till quite recently when he was retired on account of the age limit. In 1913 he was appointed for his important dominion services in the New Zealand Civil Service, a companion of the Imperial Service Order. His wife predeceased him some considerable time ago, and a son residing in Wellington lias been of late private .secretary to Sir Joseph Ward. Air 11. G. F. Coles, postmaster at Hokitika, is a stepson of the deceased. The late Air Andrews was of a very bright disposition and liked by all who knew him, being held also in the highest esteem in the public service where be Tilled so important a post for so long. WELLINGTON. Dec. 11 A. Duncan won the senior golf championship of Wellington, alter a

keen fight with his brother, K. Dun can. HUNTLY COLLIERY AFIRE. AUCKLAND, Dec. 9 A Huntly telegram states that the Extended Aline has been on fire since Tuesday. Every effort is being made by the Company to cope with the outbreak, which is regarded ns serious. A LIQUOR FINE. TIAIAIIU, Dec 9. Before Mr Platts, Magistrate .1. AlacKenzie was .sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for keeping liquor for sale in a proclaimed area. Alary AlacKenzie, his wife was fined £2.5 for taking liquor in, and £SO for keeping liquor for sale. Security for an appeal was granted, and the warrant for imprisonment was suspended.