THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1924, Page 2

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Progress ok Cantkrhury. In the early nineties the Crown Lanes Commissioner reported that practically all tlio Crown lands in Canterbury had been sold or parted with, and the Liberal Government of that day started the policy of resumption and subdivision. Under that policy 172 estates of an area of 447,000 acres have been purchased and settled at a cost- of £3,444,000. Thus about 2000 families have been settled on the land, and on the whole have proved successful. The supreme need of Canterbury to-day is that once more tbe same policy oi resumption and subdivision should be restarted with renewed.—aye, with redoubled energy.

North Island mails and passengers by the ferry steamer connected with the West Coast express at Christchurch ’this morning.

A general meeting of the Pirates (Junior) Football Club is to bo bold on Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock.

The annual meeting of the Kiwi Football Club, both Senior and Junior takes place on Thursday night next. All members and intending members are requested to be present.

In another column tenders are invited for tlie handling of coal, etc., from the Awatuna railway station to the dredge. Specifications may Vie seen at the dredge or at Mr G. Linklater’s, Hokitika.

20 only Ladies woollen knitted frocks mole fawn, blue, grey, white, putty etc., shades. Special bargain price for one week 29s lid at McKay’s, ’Hie Lending Drapers.—Advt.

Tho Christchurch “Press” says: “The National Peace Council recently wrote to the Prime Minister urging the icmoval of the disfranchisement of conscientious objectors. It has now received a. reply to the effect that Cabinet lias considered the matter and has decided to take no action.

Stone was struck in the Scotia-mine No 5 level on Friday morning. Driving was continued upon it, and by four o’clock the stone had widened out to one foot, and was still extending in width. The fact that the reef carries gold visible to the naked eye is very satisfactory to shareholders, who generally had no doubt but that the stone would be struck somewhere about the distance from the shalt where it was met.—Reel ton “Times.”

The euchre and dance held last evening was well attended. Mrs C. Ross proved the winner of the ladies first prize and Miss M. O’Connor was second. Mr It. Nightingale won the first gents prize, Air Keys securing second. The music for the dance was supplied by Misses A. Daly and M. Gie.se. Air J. McMahon having charge of the floor. During the evening the Rev. Dr Kennedy thanked those present for their patronage and solicited their support in connection with the forthcoming concert to be held on March 26th.

A motor car accident occurred at Black’s Point shortly after midnight on Friday night, .Mr J. Banks was driving Mrs Cuthtish and children, of Crusliington, home, when by some means the car struck the rail ot the bridge and toppled over into tlie creek throwing tho passengers out. Mrs Cutbush received severe cuts in the arm am Banks had a leg badly cut. r l lie children, however, escaped with only a lew scratches. .Mrs Cutbusli’s injuries necessitated medical attention, and Mr Banks is suffering from shock as well as other injuries, was still unconscious at mid-day on Saturday.

Dismissing the question of salaries in the Civil .Service in conjunction with the cost, of living, the "Public Service Journal’’ says editorially :1 o-day we find the cost of living (all groups) not live points below what it was in 1920, while the. food groups alone are in the vicinity of 4S per cent. AYliat is the Government going to do about it? When lie announced the salary cuts the prime Minister admitted the understanding. Even on his own curious manner of assessment —tho adjusting, of service salaries on food groups, though the Arbitration Court naturally includes all groups when determining the wages of workers under its jurisdiction there is now an increase due the public Service. Is there to be another interminable wrangle on this question, or will the Government gracefully recognise the situation, which has already been forcefully put before it bv the railway employees. Publicity has been given our claims, but at the moment of writing full pressure has not been brought to bear oil the Government itself. * Failing some favourable announcement as to its intentions, there will be but one course for the association to follow. The next lew weeks will probably produce developments.

Ford Truck with chassis complete, in good going order. £lls in Greymouth. Ford Touring car. good second hand, £0(). —Alar!; Sprot and Co., Ltd., Greymouth. —Advt,

Sale of Men’s Shirts! -Not an accumulation of old stock, but a genuine -ale. of the very latest and best shirts on Hie market. Inspection invited. W 11. Stopforth, Revell Street. —Advt.