DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1925, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

BY TELEOBAPB —PBESB A*SN., COPYBIGHT. BUTTER CHAMPIONSHIP. THE WINNING FACTORY. AUCKLAND, Aug. 19. Rangitrnhia is a typical country settlement boasting a hotel and a post office. It is 13 miles from the Main Trunk railway at Mangaweka, and 36 miles from Feifding. The township that lias won the world’s championship has a population of 234, and is little known except for the defeat indictee on the Maoris there in February, 1864. During the year ended March 31st. the itaugiwahia Company’s export butter received an average of 93.36 points. It was twelfth on the official list published by the Department- of Agriculture, the highest average for the season being 94.17 points. 'Hie manager of the factory is Mr G. J. Arnold. WOOL SALE. WELLINGTON, Aug. 19. It is no exaggeration to say that the crutching sale was a huge success from every point, of view, and not a little of tlie credit- is due to the sellers who were sensible enough to be willing to meet the market. The reserves were reasonable and as lot after lot- was “knockd down” the confidence of buyers increase!. There was a big attendance, more than could Ik* accommodated in tho meeting room of the Chamber of Commerce, but this was not owing to any fault on the part of '' the Woolbrokers’ Association, who were unable to secure any other suitable hall in which to hold the sale. There was an unusually large attendance for a crutching sale, and while some were there merely out of curiosity the majority were after wool. The bidding was brisk 'and keen, and at times very animated, reminding one of tlie scenes at- a seasonal sale. Dominion fell mongers were prominent and secured many lots. It is believed that a fair quantity of wool was secured for Japan and the local woollen mills were also buying. The sale exceeded expectations, and many lots of crutchings which wore expected to make 8d or S-Ll as the limit, fetched a penny or twopence more, and under the circumstances, it. is not surprising that tho = hulk of the offering was cleared. For good crossbred crutchings. up to IOUI per lb. was obtained, and in a few cases a little more. The impression gained by the -spectator was that wool is in demand at a price, and yesterday that, price was a shade above what many in the trade thought would be realised. Altogether the sale was such that it has given rise to a feeling ol optimism. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. AUCKLAND, August 21. At the Supreme Court, Justice Herdman and a jury heard a claim for L 760 lamages hv Hugh Gardiner, father of Krnest Gardiner, aged 19, who died from injuries in Pukemiro coal mines. They found J’ukemiro Collieries Ltd ruiltv of negligence and assessed damages at L'3so. Counsel for the company objected to the judgment being entered. The Judge granted an adjournment lor further consideration. When summing up before the jury retiled. Justice Herdman said it was important that the Government inspector had examined tlie mine on the day if the accident and had not found •imse for complaint. This should 'tie ■onsidered in conjunction with the report of the miners’ representatives. If fa mages were considered, com pen sation should be assessed with an observance of the actual financial loss of the family. It would he a public scandal to award damages out of sympathy, if logligcnce was not established. SHUNTING ENQUIRY. PALMERSTON NORTH, Aug 21. After hearing further evidence, tho Hoard adjourned owing to Mr Mack | being required to proceed to Wellington. .Meantime, until the sitting is resumed locally, tho Board will resume its normal function and investigate { •ailwa.v matters generally. ROBBERIES. AUCKLAND. August 21. Gelignite was used on the door < the .-afe in Hutchinson Bros’ grocery (hop in Khyber Pass Road last night. The cracksman gained entrance via the front door, using a jemmy on tin lock. Whether or not the burglar gained his ends is unknown, since tho door of the safe could not lie opened to-day. The safe which is let into the wall is situated in the manager’s office, and contained the takings of the afternoon after hanking time. Judging by the appearance of tho office, the assault on the door was eviI Jently made by an experienced cracks- • man. Soap was used to block up tho ‘ -revives when the explosives were ; packed up against- the door and the employees found the soap scattered , around the office in much disorder, i A glass transon above the door was 1 n-okeii by the force of the explosion, i The neighbours did not hear any uii--1 usual sound during the night. Fortunately the cash register drawers were* left open, following the custom of most establishments, and the machines were not tampered with. A quantity of cigarettes and tobacco was stolen from tlie shelves. “It is possible,” experts say. “that tlie safe door was opened, and pushed hack into | position.” Before tlie truth can lie ascertained, the door will have to be cut through. •NEW YORK, August 20. Chicago reports that- four robbers late on Tuesday headed the proprietor and several employees of a manufacturing jewellery firm into a corner and rilled the safes, securing jewellery, mostly diamonds, valued at 260 thousand dollars. OPOSSUM SEASON CATCH. WELLINGTON, August 22. Notwithstanding the excessive wet season, opossum hunters have dono very well during the six weeks of tho season. Between forty and forty-h thousand skins were taken and 268 licenses issued as against 199 last yen: Some men made up to £3-30 each, but the more usual rate was £l5O to £2OO. After paying all expenses the pri. paid are 6s Cd to 11s per skin. PRESS DELEGATION. ROTORUA, 'August 21 1 . This morning at Wairakei tho weather was abominable for sight-seeing. Heavy rain was continuous. The party visited Waimungu. Interviewed after- 1 wards Lord Burnham said they had been overwhelmed by the kindness and consideration shown to every member of the party by the Governments*, and citizens. The transport arrangements were splendid, but the roads could stand mending. He would never forget his visit, or the magnificent reception of the Arawa race. Every member of the party endorsed this. Tlie ladies were most enthusiastic. Lady Burnham added that the party enjoyed every minute of the visit to this wonderful country and its charming people. They hoped to visit New Zealand again. She would recommend all her friends to come to Rotorua. The British representatives are sending very full accounts to the press : the Homeland, and are making nianv enquiries as to the land settlement question.