DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH--I>KE PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BUSES SHOW FIGHT. AUCKLAND, June '9. The position regarding the motor bus regulations, which come into force to-morrow, is creating the greatest interest. The bus proprietors, pursuing their determination to defy tho regulations, have posted notices on their buses as follows: “All fares as usual.” A committee of tlie City Council which is the licensing authority for Auckland, will meet meet to-morrow. The Council announces that it proposes to withdraw all the feeder services outside the tram area, on the ground that tiffs is a legitimate scope for private enterprise, hut the Council will itself run express bus services at the rush hours to Onehunga and other routes where the private buses at present run. WELLINGTON, June 8. Air Coates, in a statement, indicates an important alteration in the clause in tbe Bus Regulations relating to tiie charge of 2d extra to be made by buses running in competition with the tramways. This will not he mandatory. It will he left to tlie discretion of the local bodies where bus services are legitimately meeting the public convenience. HARBOUR. TATPRO VEMENT. AUCKLAND, June 9. Tbe Auckland Harbour Board has decided to proceed at once with the first section of its scheme for the further development of the port. The cost, of the first section is estimated at half a million pounds, and of the whole scheme at five and a-half million pounds. Tlie most important work in tho section is tlie western reclamation. a new vehicular ferry landing for Northooto, a boat harbour to accommodate six hundred pleasure boats and tho construction of a viaduct to give railway connection with the western wharf. LOST OVERBOARD. WELLINGTON, June 10. An inquest was held into the death of Alfred Henry Edwards, a fireman on tbe Tntanekai who fell overboard about 1.30 a.m. on May lltli., while the steamer was between Aitutaki and Palmerston Island. Deceased was seen sitting on a rail whence he fell. Tlie ship was stopped and a search was made for four hours. Capt. Boiions asid lie was probably struck by the propellor. It was practical to sit on the rail on liot nights. There was no evidence to suggest suicide, and the coroner’s verdict was accidental death. ART UNIONS OPPOSED. CHRISTCHURCH, June 9. At the Christchurch Presbytery, Dr K. Erwin moved the following motion supporting tlie Prime Alinister in Lis stand against art unions: “That this Presbytery desires to express its appreciation of tlie stand taken by tlie Prime Minister against lotteries, which by their frequency and by the large prizes offered, and by the strenuous efforts made to sell tickets, are demoralising the public by fostering and diffusing a spirit of gambling.” The motion was carried unanimously. SCHOOL G YAINASIUAI EIRE. GISBORNE, June 0. Prompt work by the pupils of the Gisborne High School to-day saved the school gymnasium from serious damage, if not destruction. Shortly before one o’clock, smoke was seen issuing from tho building. A number of boys in the vicinity clambered in through the windows, the door being locked, and they passed out rifles and school books. Other lads ran and got the school hose, and rang up the Eire Brigade. The boys did such good work with the hose that, on the arrival of the Brigade, there was practically little work to do. Ono corner of the Gymnasium was slightly burnt. There is no clue to tho origin of the fire, but it is believed to be duo to an electric heater. Tho gymnasium is detached from the main school, the building being used as a class room. DAIRY CONTROL PROTEST. NEW PLYMOUTH, June 9. An emphatic protest against tho Dairy Produce Control Board assuming absolute control of produce, as from September 1, was made at a meeting of over 90 dairy farmers in New Plymouth yesterday, and it was decided to ask Parliament to prevent “this unconstitutional and unwarranted seizure of lawfully-owned property,” 'and to ®pposo any alteration in the present method of direct voting by the individual producer. The meeting was called by the Tree Alarketing League. Two staunch defenders of control submitted an amendment, expressing confidence in the Board and its policy, but no-no but themselves voted for it.

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. CHRISTCHURCH, June 9. The following resolution regarding tho Agriculture College was adopted by tho Canterbury A. and P. Association to-day: “That, in the opinion of this meeting, neither tho number required, nor the finances of the Dominion warrant tho immediate establishment of two Agricultural Colleges of University standing capable of turning out first class agricultural experts, that, tho Government be urged to considei the feasibility of both reconciling the conflicting claims of the North and South Islands, and of economically and efficiently meeting the present requiremeats by the establishment of a single agricultural college, located partly at Lincoln and partly in a central position in tlie North Island. It was decided to send a copy of the resolution to all members of the Cabinet.