DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1923, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TKI.KGRArjI I>Elt IT.ESS ASSOCIATION".] MAIL SERVICE CHARGES. WELLINGTON, July 20. A deputation of South island members waited on tbo Postmaster-General to-day to ask that a flat rate he instituted for the main ports of New Zealand on goods brought to New Zealand from ’Frisco and Vancouver by subsidised mail steamers. Hon J. G. C'eates replied that the subject was by no means new. but on going into it in the past it had been found that the cost was altogether two excessive to be considered. However, he would make further investigations with a view to seeing whether anything could he done. LYTTELTON TUNNEL. WELLINGTON, July 20 Handicaps imposed upon Christchurch and Lyttelton as a result of the present railway service connecting Christchurch with its port, were discussed by a deputation to the Minister of Railways which urged the electrification of the tunnel and duplication of the line. Hon J. G. Coates sfi«l the question of electrification of 1 lie railways was one of absorbing inlerest, hut it was a matter of (he differences in cost. He promised to give a considered reply later, alter consultation with the Departmental experts.

STIFF FINES. AUCKLAND, July 20 At the Police Court Cyril S. C. Clarke and llandd K. Clark, two dental surgeons, in business as Kean, Clarke Bros., Whangnrei, were each lined LIDO on each of four charges of having failed to furnish income tax returns, plus expenses. Each defendant will have to pay £4OO. Defendants had made no returns for seven years and the Government had been defrauded of a considerable sum, said counsel for the Crown. There was

no suggestion that defendants had endeavoured to defraud, Inti they had failed in their obligations. Counsel for defence questioned the extent of taxation payable and added that their (limits had paid all other taxes. Mr Boynton, S.M., said on a triple assessment defendants were liable for £4003 which were due to the State.

AN ISLAND DEATH. AUCKLAND, duly 20. The police received news, late on Wednesday night, that a death had occurred on Little Barrier Island, of a man named Weidmait. In order to investigate the circumstances it was advisable to semi down a party of oflieers. They left by launch at 4.30 a.m. yesterday, but have not returned. Information received came through a. telephone from the owner of a buimh who staled he had called at the islands and had been asked by the Caretaker to notify the police that a man staying on the Island had died and that he had buried him.