DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1925, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

UT TELEGRAPH —PRESS ABSN , COPYRIGHT. A QUESTION OF PAY. (TIRJSTCHUR.CU. -May IT The watorsiders who worked yesterday on the Union Co’s steamers. Poolla, Waikonaiti and Kaikorari, refused re-engagement this morning on the grounds that they hud been discharged at noon yesterday a.s a mark of respect to the late Premier and were not paid for the half day in conformity with what was done by other companies. Union officials say the men had all been willing to stand by lor halt an hour without pay.

THE CO AH ENQUIRY. EVIDENCE AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON. May 15. The Hoard of Inquiry into the use o!<. New Zealand coal on locomotive engines on the New Zealand heard evidence here to-day. Mr H. D. Thomson ; Umler-Sceretnr.v of I immigration) said that since 1922 no special inducement had been made to bring miners to New Zealand. In 1022-211, .'lO7 miners came here, in 192321, 277 and in 1921-25, 2(19. A total of 913. There had been no special requisition for miners by the companies. Arrivals at the mines were now dropping off. About two years ago he was advisei I that he had better tell the miners coming here that they might not he fully employed as the miners > then wore working short time. In 1919 lhere were inquiries and the Government proposed that Now Zealand should take 509 Cornish miners, but this olfer was turned down.

CARGO PILLAGING DECREASING. AUCKLAND, May 14. Less through the pillaging of cargo is always fairly large in the yearly aggregate in a port such a.s Auckland, engaged in a great import trade, but it would appear on a survey of lire position to-day that the evil is less pronounced than it has boon for w number of years.

It is hard to arrive at any definito figure showing the loss occasioned hy the dishonest action of a section of the workers who handle cargo in its various stages of transit from the manufacturer until it reaches tho sheds on the Auckland wharves, or actually comes into the possession ot the importer, hut the total compensation claims received by one large shipping concern may be taken as typical of what has been going on. Three years ago this company handled.claims which represented ajijiroximatcly twopence a ton on the whole of the cargo landed at ‘Auckland from its many overseas vessels. A year later this was reduced to ltd a ton. and last year the figure was nearer 1 id. The head of a large fashion house, importing great quantities of a certain class of goods which make an appeal to cargo pillagers, said that the position had greatly improved in vhe last four years, and his firm had had iv.) complaints to make concerning pillage.

COAL IMPORTS. WELLINGTON, May 15. The Coal Inquiry heard evidence from Mr M. Eraser (Government Statistician). who said this was not a statist- * tical. hut an economic and political matter lie suggested calling a Professor of Economics to give evidence. MAN KILLED. CHRISTCHURCH, May 15. Henry Kempthorne (-11 • married, was Ilium[ dead on the main road near .Soekburn. ll.e was last seen alivo*v-‘ rilling a bicycle, and it- seems as it be had collided with some vehicle, as hi- skull was fractured am) his body terribly injured. It a car did strike him—ami there is little doubt about this fact —then the motorist must have ealinitslv made away into the darkness without slopping to find out what damage bad been done. FRANKLIN SEAT. TWO REFORM CANDIDATES. AUCKLAND. May 15. The election committee of the- Inti Prime Minister lias informed Mr J. X. Massey of its unanimous wish that he should stand for Franklin seat, so long held hy Ids father. Although he has not yet given a definite reply, tho members of the Committee feel lie will comply with their wishes.

Another candidate in the Reform interests, is definitely proposed. A meeting of Reform supporters at l’apakura to-day decided to ask Rev. W. C. Wood to stand, and are urging the Reform I’arty to choose him as its official candidate. No announcement of candidates has yet been made by the Liberal or the Labour Parties. TAI’MARA.YUI FLOODS. RIVERS STILE RISING. TAUMARANI’I. -May 15. Rain has been falling heavily, and it continues. The Ongarue River is now in high llood, being 13 loot aliovo its normal level anil 2 feet above the previous record in 191-1. The swing bridges crossing this river have been washed away. The ir.omeiid.His volume of water in ti.e Ongarue is gradually hacking up the Wanganui, and unless there is a steadying in the rise of both rivers, the lowest portion of the town is bound to be flooded. There was a slip on the railway above Waimilui at; 7 o'clock this morning. It was cleared in two hours.