DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1924, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. MAYOR AND ENGINEER. THE BLENHEIM TROUBLE. BLENHEIM, March 20 Some weeks ago, following on certain criticisms levelled at him by the Mayor, Air E. S. Parker, the borough engineer, Air H. M. AY. Richardson, tendered his resignation. This was not accepted, and at the last meeting of the council it was decided to adopt a series of recommendations from a sub-committee set up to consider the engineer’s duties. The effect of this recommendation was to reinstate the engineer and to give him four days a month in which to engage in private practice. The only dissentient from the adoption of the report when it came to the vote was the Alavor.

Interviewed this morning, the Alayor said it was true that he appeared to have a lone hand in the matter; “but,” be added, “we shall see. A question of principle is involved. The question really is, is a whole-time job what it seems or not?” He indicated that during the discussion in committee on the sub-committee’s report Councillor Al’Kenzie considered that, if a vole of the ratepayers could he taken, the committee’s arrangement would be endorsed by a three to one majority. The Alayor said he promptly offered to resign the chair, and invited any councillor to contest the mayoralty with him on the question of whole-time work for whole-time pay. but could not find a taker. As three chairs were unoccupied at the meeting of the committee, the Mayor now proposes to give notice of motion to rescind the committee’s recommendations at next meeting. THE PUBLIC AVORKS DEPART- . AIENT. AVELLINGTON, March 20 Consequent on the appointment of Air C. E. Bennett as Assistant Undersecretary, the following promotions have been made in the Public AVorks Department:— Chief clerk: Air P. S. AValdie. Accountant: Air ,1. J. Gibson. Assistant accountant: Air H. Arthur. Inspecting officers: Messrs AY. S. Ferguson and AA\ T. AA’iggs. Chief clerk at Auckland: Air L. Cooper. Chief clerk at AYhangarei: Air J. A. AVhite. POLO. FELLDING, Alarch 20. The Saville Cup polo tournament was advanced another stage to-day when Hawke’s Bay A met the new Feilding Club team. Hawke’s Bay bad a runaway victory, winning by 24 goals to one. In the second game Rangilikci A met Hawke’s Bay B. This proved much more evenly contested, being both fast and interesting. For a young team Hawke’s Bay B put up a good fight against tbe veterans, but tired towards the finish. Rangilikci eventually won by eleven goals to two. To-morrow Feilding play Rangilikci B and Rangitikei A meet Hawke’s Bay 13 these being handicap matches. The ,Saville Cup final will be played for on Saturday, when Rangitikei A meet Hawke’s Bay A.

RAT AN A GOING HOME. WELLINGTON, March 20 Information is to hand that it is lho intention of the Maori healer, Katana, accompanied by a party off thirty-five other natives, to leave for tlie British Empire Exhibition. Katana proposes to sail from Wellington on April 11 for Sydney, on route for England. Ris understood there is opposition in some native quarters to Jtotnna\s proposed visit, and to contrilmtions from North Island natives being devoted to the purpose. Mr Pita Mole 6, Katana’s secretary, was in Wellington last week making arrangements for the trip. DESERTER HEFORE COUKT. WELLINGTON. March 21. At the Police Court to-day a seaman named Peter Seaton was charged with deserting from the CorTnthie. The evienco showed the detendant had come out from England two years ago and had signed off on reaching New Zealand. Recently ho had signed on the Corinthie at the English rate of wages, which was lower than the Dominion rate, ami because of this he met with a great deal of tiouhle fmm the rest of the crew and was compelled to leave the ship. He was convicted and discharged.

A COUNTRY COMPLAINT. BLENHEIM, March 21. Strong support was forthcoming at a meeting of the Marlborough Provincial 'Executive of the Farmer’s Union lor the following remit, forwarded by the Seddon branch“ That tins branch objects to the practice of Justices in sending objectionable persons into the. country, on account of the isolation of homes and the poor protection generally attached to the police who have, large areas to control.” The motion was carried unanimously. after several members had expressed themselves strongly, on the matter. POWER. LOAN POLL. WESTPORT, March 21. A fair number awaited the result of the poll to-night on the question of an electric light and power loan of £23,500. The proposal was carried by a majority of two to one. Tbo voting was:— For the loan 430 votes. Against 206. Informal 9f. Majority 224. The private connections loan of £3OOO was carried by 375 rotes for, and 206 against. The informal votes totalled 99. A street improvement loan of £3OW was carried, 440 voting for, and 193 against, and the informal votes being 84. The Fire Board proposal was carried, the voting being: 322 for: against 319: informal 45.