DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1924, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN'., COPYRIGHT. bankrupt builder. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. AUCKLAND, March 19. George Morris, the bankrupt builder and contractor, who was arrested in Melbourne in January, was committed for trial to-day on a charge of leaving New Zealand with twenty pounds that should have been divided among his creditors. It was stated the defalcations amounted to £5,289. Bail was allowed, accused in £SOO and five sureties of £IOO each. CONSUMPTON TREATMENT. DUNEDIN, March 18. The treatment of consumption was the subject of a deputation from the Hospital Board to the Hon Sir Maui I’om are. Mr Knight (chairman) said that the South Island was liot on an equitable basis with the North. The North Island rejected the Health Department’s proposal to take over the Sanatoria at Pilkeroa and Otaki, and the Government was now running these institutions m part of the national system. The South Island Main Hospital Boards had established Waipinta Sanatorium as part of the proposal adopted by a conference of the four main hoards of the Dominion in 1922. Ho pointed out that the rateable value of tlie Otago Board district was £22,000,009. compared with £60,000,000 for the North Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland boards. While the North Island bad not done much to make provision for treatment, tlie northern boards were on a good financial wicket. He urged the nationalisation of the system.

Mr Quelcll, another member suggested that exports be established in the main centres.

Tti replying the Minister, referring to finance, stated that the Otago Board was getting 23s 8d of a subsidy against Wellington’s 11s lid, Auckland 19s 7d. and Hamilton’s 16s 7d. He promised that the representations would he seriously considered, but would not commit himself on tlie issue of natioMalisation. He thought they had a grievance against the North Island laiards. In liis opinion the hoards should control^sanatoria.

DRAPERS’ FEDER ATI ON. AUCKLAND, March 19. The annual conference of the Drapers’ and Clothiers’ Federation was opened to-day, Mr Tail (Dunedin) presiding. It was decided to take steps to stop wholesale houses supplying mushroom businesses, commonly known as sample rooms, with goods, as being a menace to the trade owing to under-selling. The conference urged that the law and municipal regulations against itinerant sellers and auctioneers be strengthened. It was resolved to make overtures to allied traders and other retailers, with a view to creating a Dominion executive representing all retail distributors. The conference . urged the restoration ot the penny duty on cheques, the remission of one per cent, primage, and that gifts to national, civic, and philanthropic objects not exceeding 15 per cent, of income be deducted from the taxable income.

A FIRE. WANGANUI, Alarch 19. Mr w. J. Poison’s sixteen roomed residence nils destroyed liy lire this morning. Mi? HOLLAND’S COMMENTS. WESTPORT, March 20 Referring to the cabled announcement. that the Rritish Government had definitely decided to abandon the Singapore naval base project, and Mr Massey's continents thereon, M.r 11. E. Holland (Loader of the Labour Party) raid that the Imperial Government’s action was a statesmanlike one, making lor world peace, and therefore strengthening Britain in the movement towards international relationships. The decision would he welcomed, ho was sure, hv the vast maiorty of the people of New Zealand and Australia. -Mr Massey’s statement that the decision would he a disappointment to all British citizens in the Pacicii was as ill advised as it was reckless and misleading. and it was almost as much to be regretted as that Air Alasscy should have allowed his antagonism to the British Labour Government to lead hint into the indiscretion of making what was virtually a plea for their defeat by the Conservatives. Air Holland insisted that it was no part of the duty of the New Zealand Prime Alinistcr to use his official position to meddle in political conflicts within Britain. DO-MINION .MUSEUAL WELLINGTON, Alarch 20 The Moii Air Bollard stated this afternoon that the Government has decided to give a subsidy of £75,000 towards the cost of a suitable building to take the place of the present wormeaten and incommodious structure. It has been ascertained ihat the cost cu a now building will be £150,000. SUDDEN DEATH. NAPIER, Alarch 20 Air C. IT. Edwards, Manager of the Napier Gas Company, died suddenly in the street. He was conversing with two other members of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he had been attending a meeting, when he took a sudden seizure and fell to the ground, expiring before he could he removed. Deceased was a highly esteemed citizen, and a prominent public man, and at different times sat on various local bodies including the Borough Council, Chamber of Commerce, and school committee and the Thirty Thousand Club. He was also a Teen supporter of various sports; cricket, bowling, suiroming, and taking especial interest in the Hawke’s Bay branch of the Royal Life Saving Society. QUESTION OF FUNDS.' AUCKLAND, Alarch 21. It is rumoured that there is every likelihood of the proposal to send Afiss Shnnd (Champion Swimmer) to Paris Olympiad, will be abandoned on the score of expense, which including a chaperon, will involve a large sum.