DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1923, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by telegraph—per press association.]

AfEAT EXPORTERS

AVER LING-TON. Mav 2,

A progress report from the Meat Export Control Board was presented to the Dominion Executive of the Farmers’ Union to-night, and was declared by the chairman, Air Leadiey of Christchurch, to be very satisfactory. The report stated the elimination of small parcels had resulted in improvement of 'the conditions of discharge and delivery, and the. number of softened carcases and torn, dirty wrappers owing to excessive handling had been reduced. 'l’be regulation of the .shipments was very directly related to the state of the markets. The shipments fra: November to April last year totalled 2,757,911 carcases against 3,181,530 last year. Negotiations with the shipping companies bad resulted in the companies agreeing to 1-Sd per lb from April 23th to October 31st this year, which meant about is Gd per bead. The reduction of pork freights had secured most satisfying results, exports for the current season totalling 19.318 hun-dred-weight, against 12,109 last year. Reference was made to the prevalent’ rumours that oversea meat interests are conemplating the purchase of freezing works in New Zealand. The Board was unanimously of opinion such purchase of erection of freezing works by overseas concerns would not be in the best interests of the meat producers. The Board bad decided that in the event of such purcJiase or erection, without the approval of the Board, it would take action to prevent such inlerest controlling any meat going through such freezing works.

THE PACIFIC CABLI

AVELLINGTON. Alay 3

Referring to to-day’s message regarding the duplication of the Pacific cable, the 3’ost and Telegraph Department states that the laying of the duplicate cable begins at Sydney in July, and finishes at Auckland in August. Tlie duplication of the cable Irani I iji to Ramliold has not yet lie'll decided upon. IH NEDIN SAVINGS BANK. DUNEDIN, .May 2. The annual report of the Dunedin Savings Bank shows that the deposits received during the year amounted to £393,33!), and the withdrawals In £350,315. The sum of £32,16(1 was credited to depositors lor interest, and the deposit account stands at £765,633. Interest has been allowed at the rate of -I;} per cent for the whole year. As showing the increase of the bank's business, it was noted that 'it 1918 the total amount standing lo the credit of depositors v,as £2)6,895. PRICE OK BUTTER. DUNEDIN, Alay 2. The wholesale prue of butter ba = been reduced to Is 7d a lb. AUCKLAND. Alay 2. The wholesale and retail prices of butler are being reduced by twopence to-morrow, making the retail rates: Superline factory Is 9d. medium Is s'd, lower grade Is 7d. CHRISTCHURCH, Mav 3. The ju ice of butfer was reduced yes- I terday.by a penny a pound, the wholesale price now being Is 7d per lb and file retail price Is 9d. WELFARE OK THE BLIND. A\ ELLINGTON, Alay 2. Tlio Commission for the Welfare of tt'c Blind, A losses J. Caiighley (clmir-j man), Clutba. J. Alackenzie. li. 11. No- J lan and W. Tibbs, held a sitting to- i day. Evidence was given by two blind per-ons as to the conditions under

which they are earning a living, and -Mrs Bessie Osborne, making various suggestions for the amclinraiion of tlm conditions ol the blind.