DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

HIGHWAY DISTRICTS. THE .MINISTTR’S SOLUTION. [IIV TELEGRAPH—I'ER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] p WELLINGTON, Feb. 28 A few local authorities in the Do- , minion have objected to th^, groupings . of highway districts as part of the r National Highway Board's programme. A representative ascertained from the Minister of Public Works that this was not likely to interfere with the ! progress of the scheme. "If the Highways Board refers t’fs . districts to me for gazetting and any local authority is not in the group,” . remarked Mr Coates, "1 shall gazette , the groupings without those authorities. They ran then get. no assistance 1 towards the construction of bridges and main roads on the selected rout is. It is a simple solution lront ray point of view, hut these authoritis must satisfy their own ratepayers that they aro doing the right thing by them ami by the travelling community.” Oimstinned regarding Public Works plans for the bituminous settling of tlie main mail between Gisborne and Napier, the Minister stated that four miles would he started straight away, the money having been authorised. It was hoped lo complete tin’s section during the year, hut completion of the whole scheme depended on improved grading and lormation of the road m many places as if would he unwise to provide a bituminous seal on had grades or places where it. was likely to fall away owing to inadequate support. THE RAILWAYS. THE GENERAL MANAGERSHIP. AUCKLAND, Feb. 28. A good deal of interest has been aroused in connection with the railway retirements as to the intentions regarding the General Manager, Mr R. W. MWilly. It can he definitely slated that Mr MWilly will not retire for twelve months, as it will require al least that time to permit the Assistant General Manager recently appointed to become fully acquainted with the work. The statement ol Mr field, M.P.. regarding three railway deviations near Wellington is also discounted. | t j_ certain that a Rimnlaka tunnel, at an estimated cost of £BOO.OOO, will not. tin undertaken for a great, many years. Regarding the other two deviations. no largo sum will ho spent immediately. although minor works may he put in train, such as straightening and making easier grades. trotting cases. CHRISTCHURCH, fob. 29. When the live men accused of being concerned in “ringing in ’ appear at, the -Magistrate’s Court on March 8, three of them will face an additional charge of conspiring to defraud by “ringing in” n horse ns All Smoke at an Auckland racing meeting. The eases are set down tor hearing nn Monday next, mid ihe remaining oart of the evidence will he taken then. prohibitionists- view. CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 29 At a temperance rally held to-night in connection with llie Methodist Con-| fore nee. Rev J. Dawson (Secretary of j the New Zealand Alliance) stated thati the liquor trade was ondoavouiing to | secure a dissolution of Rarliamyit, and | said that if this were done now, itj would he three years before atrot.hur liquor poll could lie taken. The pohttcians and country did not want Parliament to he dissolved, he said, but the Liquor Party had a-mighty subtle force at work, which was endeavouring to make this end.

HOO L CTINT’R OL. WELLINGTON. February 29. A deputation Irom the Wellington Headmasters’ Association waited upon ;1.0 Minister of Education to-day. voicing protests against the, amended rogu-. Unions, especially those providing that an assistant master should share in the management of a school, and deal with urgent matters during the headmaster's teaching period. Air V. Foster, for the Association. , S ai,i it constituted dual control, which was wrong in principle and impiacticai,!c. He also objected to the plan of daily work, suggesting a return of the work done. Anotliei regulation provided the headmaster should give the major portion of bis turn- to teaching. This v. as interpreted as class teaching and examining, to find wlint the scliula; s know or did not know. The Minister replied that such exams would constitute the highest grade of leaching. Too strict, an interf rotation bad been applied. Mr J. Caughley. Director, said there might be exceptions, but most headmasters could devote 2.1 to 3 hours daily le. teaching, including test work. The Minister concluded by saying that a consultation would have shown that the clauses were wrongly interpreted, and he came to the conclusion that the regulations were not wrong in principle, no, impracticable. However, good bad been done by tile interview. The delegates expressed satisfaction at the interpretations giron.

DAIRY CONTROL. WELLINGTON, February 29. 'Hie Dairy Control Board met at Wellington. Il received a request to remit the levy on dairy exports to the Pa, . Hlands. il was decided that no exceptions could be made. A conference took place with the National and South Island Dairy Associations on sliij.il ng matters. The Associations are to continue de-

tad work until the Board's organisation is complete, on Messrs Ground’s and Tracker's motion. The appointed Overseas delegates v.ii! leave in April, via America, for Britain and the Continent, investigating every business aspect in conjunction with tile distributing agenees. While the delegation is away. Afr AV. A. Turns is to act as Chairman of the Dairy Control Board. An occasional shipping service to tee Near East was reported. A committee was appointed to act with the Alent Board to arrange for the next shipping contract.