DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1924, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[dy TELEGRAPH—rER TRESS ASSOCIATION,

ROTHERHAAI HOTEL DESTROYED CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 14.

'flic Rotherham Hotel. North Canterbury. was destroyed by lire, the licensee, W. Dando, losing everything of value, including COO in notes. The boarders were awakened by the smoke and they also lost a portion of clothes.

Airs Dando fainted on the fire escape. hut was unhurt.

A defective chimney was probably tho cause of tlie fire.

BABY DEAD AND DESERTED. AN ARREST AfADE. OTAKI. Nov. 11. Thc> body of a newly horn infant was found mi the Otalci Reach this morning. All arrest has been made in consequence.

LARGE ayoolsiikd burnt. DUNEDIN. November If. Teviot Station wnolshecl, owned by the Government, the largest in Australasia. "as destroyed hv lire this morning. PRESBYTER TAX ASSEAIBLY. PA LAI ERSTOX N„ Nov. 9.

The Presbyterian Assembly resumed this morning. The report of the Hoard of Education was presented by Professor Cummings, in the absence, through sickness, of the convenor, Rev. Davies. It dealt- with lona, Columha, St. Andrews and John Alc-Glaslian Colleges. It also stated a conference between the Board and Principals was not held last year, changes oil the stall and the fact that vacations did not coincide, making such a meeting dillieull. II was hoped to arrange a Dunedin at the end ol 1925. The reports of the colleges were appended, each recording steady progress during the past year. Speaking to the report. Rev. Cummings said i he responsibilities of those controlling the schools had been heavy, hut they were dutifully carried out. Dr Gibb presented a report of Scuts College and (.lueeii .Margarets remarking Hint during tin* past few years ibey. bad had a veiy hard row to hoe, hut he was pleased to report they were lighting their way through successful-

I’A LAI ERSTOX X., Nov 13. The Presbyterian General Assembly set up a committee to go into the question of regulations. The report of the Chaplain’s committee which was presented stated, inter alia, tnat now that the Defence Department has definitely brought into vogue the policy of an annual period in training camps with Chaplains detailed for duty therein, arrangements, from the point of view ol the church, may lie ‘.-onsiclered fairly satisfactory. A new phase of work lots originated as a result of New Zealand’s maintenance of a c ruiser hut in the absence of authoritative information as to the regular procedure in ap.ipinling a naval Chaplain the Chaplain Department of the War (Mice in Loudon was communicated with on the question. The uniform, the subject of caustic- comment cm the pari of hanlains of all denominations (luring the last few years, seems likely to he setth-l at last and it is umltTslnod the Defence Department has decided recently on the uniform in vogue during the war. A trihe.le was paid to the oflieers of the Defence Department for their courtesy. The Chaplains who had been in camp reported on the improved tone of camp life. Whatever the Churches pronouncement about the general question oT war they cannot neglect the men who were compelled by law to undergo military training. The report recommended the reappointment of the Revs Wiitson, Shaw and Alel.ean, representatives cm the C.A.C. of the northern, central and southern commands; also antlioritisocl the committee lo outline a definite procedure in reicrcucc to the uoieinatiou of Chaplins. ’I he repurl and ie< ommeiicliil ions were adopted.

RAILWAY DEVIATKIN AGITATION LENIN. November 11.

A meeting of Levin. Fusion, and Mill ton Railway League resolved to actively pursue the objective ot the deviation i.f the main system, via Foxton, which it is claimed, will reduce the distance by 10 miles, time by nearly nil hour and running costs by £28.800 annually. on the Welliiigton-AiH'kland-Xow Plymouth journeys and render un-no'-essiiry the proposed local deviation at Palmerston. The League has been proposed by the Chambers of Commerce and local bodies in tlie* district*' and "ill press for the inolern survey promised by the Prime Minister; also for reports by Railway experts. The ease for tbe ilcviutii.il which is estimated to cost £190.000 for 35 miles, "ill also be laid before the British Commissioners, as one of national impoi tain o.