DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1924, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

nr TKLEGIIAPD-—ntKSS ASSN , COrYEIGIIT. .SABBATH DESECRATION. DUNEDIN, November 0. At- a meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery, the question of increasing Sabbath desecrating, duo largely to the lacilitics offered by the motor-car, was discussed.

One speaker said that when people gut motor-cars their loyally to the Sabbath was affected. He was not referring to ministers but to ordinary people, lie was not going to sav that every 111:111 who took his children out on Sunday in a motor-ear was breaking the Sabbath, but lie contended that in many cases it made it impossible for the children to attend church themselves.

Another speaker said lie thought the matter should he brought under tlie* notice of the people by means of the manifesto from the Assembly in Scotland. The manifesto had been issued by all the Scottisli Churches, and he thought that something on the same lines should lie done here, lie regretted that, there was growing laxity on tlie part ol Church people themselves.

The matter was eventually referred to tlie i’liblie Questions ('oinliiiltee for furl her eonsidei alien.

AN OFFICE RESIGNED. ASHBURTON, November (i. It is announced that Mr I''. \Y. Walt chairman of the Ashburton Electric I’nni-r li'tai'l lias heen compelled to re sign Ids office. On being interviewed in 1 lie matter, Air Watt stated that I lie immediate cause of lii-i resignation related to the decision of tbe board to supply him with free power service for his house during the period of Ids chairmanship, lie pointed out that though the decision was rescinded on the matter being brought under the notice of the hoard, and that the resolution only actually applied to one month’s current which was paid by him. about twenty-four days later, the Audit Department lias held that disqualification under Subsection FI (i) and 1.-) fg) of tlie Electric Bower Board Act, ISMS, bad taken effect. Consequently it would lie impossible for him to officiate further in the capacity of a member of tlie board until such time as lie can lie and is re-elected. .Subsection T of section It, to which the Audit Office refers provides that a person is incapable of being elected or appointed a member of a Bower Board it lie bolds any office or place of profit under or in gilt ot such, hoard ; and Subsection fg) of Section lo provides that tlie office of a member shall become vacant if lie holds any office or place of profit under or ill gift of such board. Any further statement, Air Wall said, he felt should be made at a special meeting which will lie called to appoint a new chairman.

AUCKLAND TRADE. AUCKLAND, November fi,

AFoney for investment in mortgages continues scarce in Auckland. Some authorities say that the market is hardening, and with one exception all are agreed that tlie investor does not look kindly oil rural securities. Several reasons are advanced for this shyness. the chief being high taxation, legislative interference, artificial valuations, and tlie superior advantages offered by other investments.

Small mortgages are not so difficult to place as large ones. Generally speaking, it seems to be agreed that although money is scarce it can still he found for first-class securities. Tlie lull in building construction in Auckland continues, though there is a slight tendency towards an improvement as the summer advances. There is however, a good deal of work in hand, and employment for skilled workers is steady.

Activity is must marked in respect of residential buildings, the eit-.v area and the principal suburbs maintaining progress. There Is a definite slump in commercial premises, and very few new buildings are in architectural preparation.

Land agents report that there is a fair demand for bouse property at a reasonable price, and also that there is little or no difficulty in selling new well-equipped houses. The boom period for apartment houses is said to have passed. Tn fact Auckland conditions "as regards building construction and real estate business are practically normal.