DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

By TELEGRAPH —PKEBB ASSN., COPYRIGHT. WIRELESS ON COASTAL SHIPS. MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICS. WELLINGTON, Jan. 0. Correspondence has been published on the subject of the new wireless regulations which came into force on the Ist January as the outcome of the agitation over the loss of the ’Ripple. Exception is taken to the regulations principally on the ground of interference with regular wireless operators. The Minister of Marine, (Hon J. G. Anderson) has drawn up a lengthy reply upholding the regulations. He says it is quite clear the objectors conception of the safety life at sea is limited to the question as to whether the operation of ships, wireless is performed by special operators who are members of a union, or bv deck officers snecially trained for the jvork and duly certificated.

The statement had been made that soino operators had received notice, hut the Minister finds these notices were withdrawn, lie also says some of the statements made as to ships carrying certificated operators arc absolutely incorrect. The objectors, in

the Minister’s opinion, were only concerned with the employment of union operators and not with tin* extension of the use of wireless on ships, which, is the object of the regulations horn the point of view of safety ol life at sea. The New Zealand regulations are of tiie highest standard in the world and there is no immediate necessity to amend the regulations. UNGRATEFUL BATHERS. WELLINGTON, Jan. 0. Three more rescues were effected by l.yall Bay Life Saving Club members, hut the persons concerned evidently showed a complete lack of appreciation of the efforts made to conserve their interests.

As in these cases, all were bathing between tihe marks erected to indicate a small portion of the beach which is dangerous owing to the meeting of currents. causing a backwash. The beach authorities draw the attention of t-lie thoughtlessness of some of tlhe bathers who, actually on going into the surf, hang their towels on the danger discs. One of the latest trio rescued was unconscious for some time. The other two were sisters and were hauled out before badly affected by the surf.

INCREASED PAY REFUSED. CHRISTCHURCH, January 6. The demands of the Canterbury freezing workers for increased pay was refused. Work is proceeding.

MONOWAI AS BREAKWATER. GISBORNE, January 6

The Harbour Board this morning decided to purchase the Union Company’s Monowai for the purpose of sinking her as a breakwater and jety at Whareongaonga, ton miles south of Gisborne, where a qaurry is being opened to provide stone for the large harbour scheme. The purchase price is twelve hundred sterling, which includes the delivery of the .Monowai at Gisborne. SAMOAN STORM. WELLINGTON. January 6. Further details of the storm in Samoa on New Year’s Day received by Secretary of the General Rost Office show the wireless station is intact except for the aerial and the counterpoise wire was brought down. No reports yet from Savnii. It is believed considerable drainage was done in Ttituila, and Manila group. In the latter place sixty-three Samoan houses were demolished in one village.