DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

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IX DUSTRIA L R ESEARCH. WELLINGTON, February 4

Sir Frank Heath, secretary of the British Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, who has come to New Zealand at the invitation of the Government to enquire into and report on industrial research, will, ns the result of a conference with Cabinet, include both primary and secondary industries in his work. The visitor’s investigations in Australia have convinced him that the most urgent need is to improve production in primary industries.

TAKAPUXA COURSE. AUCKLAND, February 4.

A meeting of the Auckland District Committee was held to-day. when matters relating to the enquiry concerning the Tapakuna Jockey Club’s racecourse were again considered. The following resolution was passed :

“ That after having taken expert evidence from a number of witnesses, and carefully considered same in connexion with the question raised by the cliiel stipendiary steward, the committee is of opinion that if effect is given to the recommendations made to the committee In- Mr R. P. Worley, civil engineer, and Mr A. C. Hill, course manager to the Auckland Racing Club, the Takapuna racecourse will he rendered quite safe for flat racing. That a copy of the above-named report be furnished to the Takajnma .Tockev Club Committee. with an intimation that the work recommended be put in hand forthwith. so that it may ho completed bofnre next .Meeting.”

POLICE PROMOTIONS. WELLINGTON. February 4. The appointments are Gazetted of Inspector Ward George Wohlmann and Inspector Albert Tivv Emerson, to he Superintendents; Sub-Inspectors John Walter Hollis and Sub-1 inspector Thomas Simpson Charles Kemp to he Inspectors; and Senior-Sergeant Peter Harvey to lie a Suh-Tnspector of the New Zealand Police Force. The appointments take effect from February Ist. SURVEYORS’ HOARD. WELLINGTON, February 4. The Surveyors’ Board, constituted under the Act of 1908. now consists of Messrs George Henry Dullard, Thomas Brook Samuel, Thomas Seddon, M.C.. and Archibald Hugh Bogle, the two first-named persons having been nominated by Hie Minister for Lands and tlie two last-named by the Council of the Institute ol Snrvevors. as required by the Act. SWORDFISHLYO AT CAPE BRETT.

AUCKLAND. Eeh. 4. Great excitement prevailed at Capo Brett on Thursday, when eight launches were out swordlisliing. The record catch for one day’s operations was made, and never had so many fish been seen in the virility in one day. They were leaping and broaching in all direction. One lady angler secured a line swordfish, after playing it for 2.1 hours. Had all the lisli been landed that were hooked, the catch tor one day would have totalled to. The catches wore as follows:—Mr F. A. Burr, of New York, swordfish, 3001 b: Commander Edwards, two swordfish.. 396!1> and 22816; Mrs Sparrow. of England, swordfish. 30016 : Mr W. Branson, of Napier, .swordfish, 14411) ; Mr F. I. Milne, of England, mako shark, 38616; Mr C. Alma Baker, of .Malay States, with Mr Zaiie Grey’s party, swordfish, 27211); Mr Zane Grey, two swordfish. 26816 and mako shark, 2581 b. AUCKLAND SAVINGS HANK. AUCKLAND. Feb. I. Tho appointment of .Mr Clem Bartley as manager of the Auckland Savings Bank in succession to Air .1. Muir Barr, who has retired after 10 years’ service was made at a meeting oi the directors yesterday. Air Bartley has been on the staff of the bank for 43 years, having liegun as a clerk in 1883‘at a salary of £4O a year. The retiring manager, Air Barr, joined the staff" in 1879 as a junior. At this time the stall numbered four. The amount to the credit ot depositors was less than £160.000. while the amount on his retirement was in excess of £4.500.000, and lie bail about 40 members on bis stall, am. seven branches in his cluiige.

CHRISTCH TECH CHILDREN TO GO TO EXHIBITION. CHRISTCHURCH, February n. It is orobalde that one thousand children’will he sent to the Dunedin Exhibition each week under the scheme approved by the- Christchurch headmasters and the committee men last evening, hull provision has been made for the care of the children in Dunedin. WEALTH IN TREES. ENGLISH EXPERT’S VIEWS. AUCKLAND. February 1. The potentialities of New Zealand as a producer of soft millable woods are regarded very highly hv Sir Herbert Matthews, of London, who returned to Auckland yesterday, after an investigation of the afforestation methods in the Rotorua district. The Government forests were visited by Sir Herbert Matthews, and he was enthusiastic in referring to their growth and possibilities, and the ideal nature of the pumice land on whidli they were situated. He had inspected trees planted 22 years ago, which had made three times the growth of trees of the same age planted in England. This was no doubt due to New Zealand’s prolonged growing season, ideal climate, and the peculiar suitability of the pumice land for this class of cultivation. The Government was performing a great work in encouraging afforestation, and was to bp congratulated on its foresight in establishing its own forests. There could be no question but tbat the world was faced with the prospect of a famine in soft woods, hut this could be prevented if trees were replaced as they were hewn. The industry opened up immense possibilities, and the tremendous natural water power now rushing to waste in the Dominion offered an excellent opportunity for economical millling. “ But, there. I am talking of the future, and one cannot he emphatic about that,” Sir Herbert said.

A MONEYED. CRIMINAL

AUCKLAND. Feb. 5. A rarity, in the person of an habitual criminal, with an independent income of -C7 :i week, was disclosed in the Supremo Court to-day. when M illiam .Ttunes C oircene was found guiltr of the theft «*f n -old watch and some other articles of a total value of £l3 Its. It was stated that the income was derived from liis father’s estate, and the trustees were empowered at their discretion to stop his income. if. and so long as he v.as in gaol. After the jury had returned its verdict. Mr Justice Stringer said the jury would be interested to learn that the prisoner had a number of convictions. and had been declared an habitual criminal. It was extraordinary that anyone in that class should he receiving an income of £* a week. He find committed the offence while out on license, and. through his conviction would revert automatically to his old status. The prisoner was remanded until Monday for sentence.