DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1926, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TCI. EG It A Pit I’Elt MESS ASSOCIATION.] P.O. SAVINGS BANK. MINISTER DEFENDS SYSTEM. WELLINGTON, Feb. 8. Sir James Parr. Postmaster-Gene-ral, stated in refutation of Mr Justice Alpers’ criticism of the Post Office Savings Bank, that its system was not faulty. The regulations under which the Post Office Savings Bank employees worked provided for the marking on a ledger of the details of the cheques deposited. Had the regulation been observed, these could not have been drawn against. The ledger keeper must satisfy himself that sufficient time had elapsed since a cheque bad been lodged to permit notice of the . dishonour of the cheque being received; if payment therefore had, for any reason, been disallowed. The precautions taken were identical with those of the commercial banks. If the ledger keeper failed in his duty, no system could prevent fraud. The Minister added that the negligent officers will be disciplined. LEVEL CROSSING FATALITY. TWO BROTHERS KILLED. MASTERTON, Feb. 8. A distressing level crossing accident occurred at Kent Street crossing Carterton, at 7.30 to-night, resulting in the dentil of Jacob and John Rzoska, middle-aged brothers, who wore farming in partnership at Parkvale. The two men had spent the afternoon in Carterton, and, afer dining in a local hotel, left in a gig for their home. The light was failing, but was still possible to see a fair distance. It is slated by an eye witness that the train whistled as it approached the crossing, but it was apparently unheard l>v the brothers, who drove to the middle of the track, where they were struck by the engine. Both were carried some distance, and they were mangled beyond recognition. It is believed tltnt their vehicle was unlighted. The deceased have relatives in Masterton, while it is understood that Jacob is married, and that his wife and two children reside in the South Island.

MASONIC' HOME FOR ORPHANS. NELSON, Feb. 8. Bv the will of the late Mr S. Kirkpatrick, his line residence “Barkston,” situated in Mount Street, was bequeathed to the Freemasons of New Zealand I'm; the purpose of providing a Home for the orphan daughters oT deceased Freemasons. Various Masonic Lodges throughout New Zealand have- now elected a Board of Governors to manage Ihe trust, and a local executive committee has been sot up. The house is now being altered to suit the requirements. Mrs ITenniker, of Groymouth has been appointed Matron, and lias taken up her residence at the Institute. Several girls are expected during the next few days, and there is no doubt the Institute will provide valuable assistance to those in need.