DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1924, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH- —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELSH COAL FOR AUSTRALIAN NAVY. MELBOURNE, March 14. With reference to press statements that the Australian Navy intend to import Welsh coal, instead of using Newcastle coal, the Naval Department explains that a war reserve of coal was always maintained at Newcastle. This reserve was formerly imported from Westport, New Zealand, but now owing to its greater suitability, Welsh coal was being imported instead of it.

DUNEDIN LOAN. DUNEDIN, M arch 14. A poll of ratepayers of the city on n proposal to authorise a. municipal laon of £200,000 for the purposes of reconstructing certain streets in permanent paving, also kerbing and channelling in backward or undeveloped portions of the city, anil generally provide funds for the improvement of streets, under the control of the City Council, was taken to-day, and was carried hv a two to one majority, on a very small poll. The figures were : For the proposal 2093 Against the proposal 1010 Informal 31 The number of ratepayers and freeholders on the roll totals ] 6,300.

DAIRY PRODUCE. WELLIGTON, March 12. Advice received by the Dairy Division shows Australia graded during February 211,990 boxes of butter, and 4042 crates of cheese. The shipments from Australia to the United Kingdom during February totalled 184,755 boxes of butter and 4172 crates of cheese. A cable from the Argentine Dairy Association reads as follows:—Shipments 3596 tons of butter, 125 tons of cheese, 1400 tons of casein. The estimate for March shipment is 400 tons of butter.

FLOODS IN BLENHEIM. BLENHEIM, MARCH 15. Dining the last/ week heavy rains have been experienced through the Knikoura district and communications between Knikoura and the South have been interrupted for the last three days. A considerable number of visitors arc held up in tho Kaikourn. A fresh in the Kowhai river on Thursday washed away the approaches to the bridge and the Conway is also uncrossable. ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN. LEADS TO COURT CASE. DUNEDIN, March 14. A George Street advertising campaign which has attracted much local interest lor some months past, was further discussed before -Mr H. W. Bundle S.M., in the police court this afternoon. Arthur Barnett was charged that on February 12 he did establish or commence a lottery or scheme whereby a prize ol .£lO9 was offered ior the correct solution of the letters “M.F.8.” being competed for by mode of chance.

\\ lien the case commenced in the afternoon, Air S.,Solomon K.C., for the defendant, pleaded not guilty. Chief detective Lewis, who conducted the prosecution, said the information had been laid on February 25. Defendant advertised that £IOO prize would bo given to the person obtaining the correct solution of the words “M.F.8.” fn consequence of this advertisement Air Barnett had been sent for and asked to explain what it- meant, at the same time being told that lie might he prosecuted for running a lottery. Air Barnett made a statement to the effect tlmt ho was responsible for if and explained the system of working it. After hearing evidence the Alagisti'ate said it was unfortunate that the case had come before the court before the competition had closed. He suggested that it be adjourned until then, and Air Barnett could he examined fully.

Mr Solomon said the best plan would be to close the competition. The case was accordingly adjourned for two weeks. TEACHERS’ APPEAL HOARD. WELLINGTON, March Id. The Appeal Board set up to hear appeals in connection with the classification of grading of teachers in the secondary and technical schools met in Auckland on the 6th. and 7th. March, and in Wellington on 10th and 11th. March. Out of a total of 466 classified secondary school teachers, 11 appealed against their classification. Of tlie.se appeals 2 were allowed, 2 were not allowed and 7 were withdrawn. Out of a total of 38(5 classified technical and manual training school teachers, 12 appealed against their classification. Of these appeals 7 were not allowed and 5 were withdrawn.

SHORTAGE OF WAGONS. AUCKLAND, 5 larch 14. A most alarming condition of affairs in regard to the lack of railway freight wagons in this district was revealed in the course of a. tour of enquiry in the city to-day. Firm after firm, which handle heavy commodities in considerable quantity join the general chorus of complaint, not against the local railway traffic authorities who all admit are achieving wonders with the plant at their disposal, but against fihe (general management, which has allowed the plant to fall so deplorably short of requirements. As one man put it, the largest business in the country has displayed a lack of foresight that could hardly he excused in a six dray carrying concern. Already complaints have been made as to the shortage of coal trucks at the mines.

Some startling information was obtained as to the shortage of trucks on the wharves. The Waihora i - now discharging phosphates, her average daily discharge for 10 days was 370 tons. If there had been sufficient trucks, 800 tons would have been discharged. Coal boats are repeatedly hung up for lack of trucks. A striking case was that of the Wniruna, which arrived with 6300 tons of coal on February 13th., she did not leave until February 26th. It is computed that with reasonable railway facilities the vessel could have been discharged in five and a-half days, thus allowing for a half-day on Saturday and for Sunday. The Wairuna was nearly six days longer in port than was necessary.