DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH —I*ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

POVERTY BAY STORM.

GISBORNE, -May 27

A severe easterly storm is raging on the East Coast, with the rivers flooded, the Waiapu being especially high. Much low lying country near Kahukttra fs under water. One oi the piers of the old \\ aiapu bridge was swept away this morning, and fears are entertained that other supports, to which the telegraph poles are attached, will also he washed away, thus cutting off communication from Kahukura northwards. The Tokoniarti Bay coach which leit for Ruatorea yesterday, with mails, had to return owing to the flooded creeks. Over four inches of rain fell at. Ruatorea in the past. 18 hours, hut further hack Ihe fall is probably heavier.

I lON. POMARK'S REPLY. WELLINGTON. May 27

The Health .Minister was approached to-day regarding tin* Auckland Press Association message that the Chairman of the Kelvin Hospital Commission took strong exception to his criticisms of the Commissioner's report, lie characterised as "too absurd lor anything” tin* suggestion that the report was held hack in order that the chief recommendation of the Commission could be put in force before it was published. As a matter ol tael, said tin* Minister, the report was submitted to Cabinet in the ordinary < nurse and he could mil possibly publish it nnlil it had come back from I'ahillet. "I certainly iliil sav: -I am indignant that failure to notify was glossed over in the report.” he added. "They merely mentioned in the report the failure of the doctors to nolily eases of puerperal sepsis. I hey never laid any stress oil it. That was the trouble."

OPOSSUM SKINS. WELLINGTON, May 28. In ils past season, nearly 12,000 opi~s.iiin skins were taken in Wellington list riel and for the last three years .'I,OOO. It is not anticipated that the ield this year will be nearly so

A WONDERFUL INI 'll EASI-

LY EXPORTS FOR (.HARTER

WELLINGTON. May 28. Exports for tln* lirst- quarter of 1021 were 220,070.008 and imports 211,SlO.S.'ll. For last year the ligivres were 211,085,021 and 220.8110.5ii5. Weal provided 28.510,.0(11 this year, more Hum double the return for tin* same i|uarter ol 1020. THE 8-HOUR WEEK. CHRISTCHURCH. May 28. 'l'li.* Commitiee appointed by Addington branch of the A.S.R.S. to draw itji a motion re the IS hours week has draw n up a general mol ion ol protest-. pointing out that the I l-hour week was introduced as the outcome of a full investigation of the Wages Board, and was concurred in by the General Manager and Mr Ma~-i*y. Ihe motion adds that in view of these facts this meeting can only regard the Government’s action as vindictive, and not worthy of men who claim, as rtllets of the country to l-e fairminded in their actions. We reipiest all members to discuss the ijuestion in tin* llniise next session. THE MURDER OT WHAI.L. BARNES BEFORE COURT. WELLINGTON. May 28. Joseph Barnes, aged HI. apneared a!* •.In* .Magistrate's Court to-day charged with the murder of Walter John W hall in Boulcott St. on Ist ot Maw the ('row'll Prosecutor said it was alleged Hu* accused plunged a knife into the :,.f, coin of W'liall. lae.-ing hi- death. Doctor Ander-.il! evidenced that death was due to haemorrhage as a •a* oil of the wound.

IIFAVY DA.MADE. NAI'IER. Alay 28. The damage done to th" Harbour work- hv the easterly gale i- estimated at B'lil.iu;) sterling. NO CONFIDENCE. NAPIER. Alay 28. A largely attended meeting ol Napier railway workshop employees .passed ihe following motion:— I hat this masmeeting l,f worksnop employees has no confidence in the Executive of the A S.IDS. or its ollirers and calls on them to tender their l esignalions. weather cdkaeino. TA I'll AND A. Alay 28.

A ftirllier 1.l inches oi rain I ell to () o’clock this morning. The wind dropped hist, night, and rain ceased at davhrenk. The weather is now ini;-.