DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1925, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.

HARBOUR BOARD TO PAY DUTY GISBORNE, April 9.

When the dredge Korua was purchased from the Australian Government and was preparing to sail for New Zealand the Federal Marine authorities compelled the dismantlement of a portion of her machinery which was brought over by a cargo steamer and the New Zealand Customs Department claimed duty on this, and the Harbour Board sought a refund, and has now been informed that there arc no means under the Customs Act by which the ladder and buckets can be admitted free of duty.

MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF. WESTPORT, April 10. Word has just reached town that Duller Gcddcs, a well-known resident, a single man aged 24 years of age. shot himself dead at Millcrton at 3.45 p.m. to-day. FOR PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. WELLINGTON. April 9. After next session, work xvill lie started on the remaining wing of Parliament buildings. The foundations will be put in by the Public Works Department, and during this time, the upper rooms of the present building will he retained.

Tenders will then he called for tho construction both of the wing and a

central dome. It has been decided not to remove the Library into the new wing, on account of the space required, but to retain the present building. The new wing will contain Bellamy’s, the committee rooms, and tho rooms for the Ministers and Members. MR LYSNAR’S CHARGES. WELLINGTON, April 9. Mr David Jones to-day continued his evidence. Referring to the legal opinions in regard to the Admiral Codringtou contract, Mr Lysnar asked if it was not a fact that Mr Harding, a member of tho Meat Board, had made a statement that the reason the Board had excluded tho boat was because the Poverty Ray Company cut freights. Mr Jones replied that Mr Harding may have made that statement but it was not with the approval of the Hoard.

In reply to further questions, Mr Jones said that the evidence he produced yesterday, proved that every farmer in Poverty Hay to-day, through the action taken hv tho Board, was benefiting to the extent of Is 9d per head for every GO pound of sheep. No losses had yet been proved. Tho Hoard had not power to interfere with foreign intersts building,' but had power to take control' of meat going through iheir works. Tho Board had not forfeited that right in Poverty j Bay. Mr Lysnar asked if it was not a fact that there was a feeling of dread regarding \ estcy’s in other parts ol the world beside New Zealand. Mr Jones replied: I stated that tho Board recognised the necessity for care. The Commission adjourned till April 29. when it will resume at Gisborne. The evidence of Mr Jones xvill ho continued on the return from Gisborne. BANKING returns. WELLINGTON, April 11. The hanking returns fhr the March quarter this year again disclose a satisfactory improvement in financial condilions compared with the returns a year ago. Deposits exhibit an increase of £2,863.935 anil advances have a moderate contraction of resulting in an increase of £3,337,107 in excess of deposits over advances. In last quarter last year the advances exceeded deposits by £1,259.055: so the present excess of deposits, which stands jit £0.166.966. is an improvement of £7.420.921. I'ii the quarter the excellent returns for our main products, especial- / )v |'„r wool, are no doubt mainly responsible fun, this improvement. Movements in free deposits as they affect the several hanks, during the March quarter of 1 <)2.~> arc shown ns follows, being eomparo*l with the figures for the March

quarter of 1924 thinks 1 924 nuar. 1925 quar. x £12.974,417 .013,780.381 l’ 11 ion 3.511,001 3,908.545 a .092.127) 3.215.22,S 21,084,025 2.910.308 5.401.092 4,938,387 Commercial 772,213 896.008 A similar con pari son oi fixed deposits shows:— llnnks 1924 f(iiar. 1925 f|uar. £10,050,081 Now Zealand .. £9.428.340 2.305.278 2.424,240 2.490,357 3,018,340 Australasia 1.453.012 1.597,008 2.005.747 248.390 2.788,417 Commercial .... 247,620