DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1926, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] MINE FIRE AT AIILLERTON WESTPORT; June 17. That the fire at the Alillerton mine is not so serious as was originally antiepated, may be gaatherd from the fact that to-day’s output was 970 tons which is back to just about normal. It is indeed higher than it was a month ago.

The mine managers and employees worked well together to seal off the affected area, in which, before the fire occurred, some six pairs of bands were employed. The men displaced are transferred to another part of the mine. As the coal workings are up on the hill top, different from the conditions obtaining else when?, it is not possible to Hood the affected areas, but the seal-ing-off process prevnts an extension of the (ire to other parts of the mine, and makes it possible to eventually suppress tire- lire, or restrict it to a very limited area.

• Air Parker, Westport Branch Alattager of the Coal Coy., interviewed, stated the Alillerton mine fire was not as serious as had been anticipated, and was now well in hand. No inconvenience was expected. The coal supply was now normal. WAITOAIO STATE HOSTEL CLOSED. HAMILTON, June 17. During the last few days, the Government hostel at Waitonm Caves lias been closed, and some visitors, after having an itinerary arranged for them by the Government Tourist Department, have been refused accommodation on arrival at the hostel. Great inconvenience lias been cirsed to a visiting party from abroad as a result.

A PRIVILEGE ABUSED. AUCKLAND, June 16. “ From the evidence in this case it appears that tho privilege a hoarder has of entertaining his guests during prohibited hours is being much abused.” said Air ,T. AY. Poynton, S.M .. in delivering judgment in the Police Court in a case in which E. Af. Johnston (Air Ale-Liver) was charged with selling liquor, and with keeping his premises open during prohibited hours. “ Three persons,” said Air Poynton.

“ met the sou of the licensee in the street. They were thirsty, and asked him if they could get the thirst nssaitged. Ho there and then promptly made them his guests, and took them to the licensed premises of the defendant, his father, where they got drink. When the police entered, they round, in a boarder’s room, nine men, three of whom were claimed as guests by the son. and the remainder by the boarder. Neither son nor boarder knew even the names of their guests. There were, in the boarder’s room. 20 bottles of liquor, six full and 1-1 empty.”

Defendant was convicted on the first charge and fined 62. with costs. The charge of keeping the premises open during prohibited hours was withdrawn.

LOAN PROPOSALS. AUCKLAND, June 18. The ratepayers of Ahnmt Albert Boroue.li carried loan proposals foi C 750.000 for works, extending over ]4 years, including improved road ins and drainage, the erection ot municipal offices, attention to reserves and public conveniences. There was a majority in favour of Ihe last issue tit every booth. HOCKEY DISPUTE. AUCKLAND, June 18. At a .meeting of Auckland Hockey Association, the dispute between the executive and Kent (selector) reached a climax, Kent’s resignation being tendered and accepted. The meeting by 11 to 3 bud previously resolved to accept an apology and withdrawal bv Kent of bis statement in the press that the Association had refused an A. and B. trial match. Kent declined, saying lie was justified in acting as lie did. The Secretary was instructed to notify J. Newslinm of his appointment as selector.

TEACHERS’ REG ULATIONS. AUCKLAND, June 18. Whether the new regulations on tlr subject. could be interpreted as directly prohibiting .outside work by schools’ full-time teachers, was a question that the Board of Alanagers of Seddoii ATemorial Technical College discussed, when dealing with tine merits of one case that the director referred to the Board. 1 Have a draughtsman who acts as an instructor with my consent, said Air A. Burt, and my attitude is that I have no objection so long ns bis outside activities do not interfere with his ordinary duties. T think you will find there are ntnir instructors in this college who do outside work, said Ah' J. I’. AlcPhaiT. Director. AH J. Park said it was quite allowable formerly, but tbe position was different under tbe new re-

gulations. % Finally memhers interpreted the regulations as meaning that outside work was not permissible if it interfered with an instructors’ conduct of his classes, and the matter was referred to the Director whom it was held was a competent authority to decide whether the class was suffering owing to the outside activities of the instructor.

A COURAGEOUS ACT. CHRISTCHURCH. Juno 18. While a cadet named Robertson was

chipping the side of the steamer l'evon at Lyttelton lie overbalanced and fell between the ship and wharf. A watersider, E. Perry, at great risk of crushing jumped down and rescued the lad. It w,as courageous act.

DAIRY POOL PROTEST. TE aWAAIUTIT, June 18. The Co-operative Dairy Coy. resoiutioned strongly protesting against tie proposed enforcement of absolute control on the grounds that it is an unwarranted interference with the rights of private property ; also any proposal to establish .a dairy produce poll involving twenty millions sterling, will create an inordinate delay in the final settlement of accounts, thus causing serious financial embarrassment to small dairy farmers.

CENSUS PROSECUTIONAUCKLAND, June 18. At the Police Court Joseph Battern, Harry Batten and Alfred Batten were each fined £3 in default , days, for refusing to fill in the census forms. The defendants refused to accept the delivery of the census forms on three occasions, owing it is understood to their religious ideas or beliefs. ALLEGED BURGLARY. AUCKLAND, June 18. Tn connection with the recent burglary at Onehunga. a third man, Francis John Tannier, aged 19, was before the Court to-day and remanded. Accused was stated to be a member of the crew of the ill-fated Afanaia.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, June 18. At the annual meeting of the Bank of* New Zealand held this afternoon Sir G. Elliot moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet and Air .Watson seconded the motion nine was carried. In view of the increased responsibility entailed by the proposed long dated loans, Air T. S. Weston moved to include the provision m

legislation to increase the directors remuneration by £ISOO. This was carried. DUTY ON LEMONS. . WELLINGTON, June jG. Despite strong representations of Auckland growers, it is considered unlikely that the Government will take any steps to erect a tariff wall against Italian lemons. Recently the Auckland Citrus Fruit Growers’ Association expressed its opinion that Italian lemons were becoming a menace to tho New Zealand industry, and it was stated that the imported lemon had been iesponsiblo for the fall in prices paid for Dominion lemons this year.

To-day, Mr .T. A. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, gave his opinion that it was improbable that the Deparment would recommend the Government to act in that matter. Air Campbell gave his opinion t-hat it was almost imnossible for New Zealand lemons to compete with the imported article, and that freight charges made it out of the question for Auckland lemons to be serious rival of foreign fruit. In the South Island, for instance', it wqttld not be fair to the consumer to give local lemoois protection. There was always a point where protection became an imposition, and where the

consumer would not stand it. The New Zealand climate was not eminently suited to lemon growing. Jt was too damp, and the. Government would have to think twice before it granted protection to an exotic industry, which might never take root, and become really healthy. Various statements having been made as to the length of time which New Zealand and Italian lemons will keep the Department of Horticulture is now making experiments with both, to discover the average time for which tliev will remain sound.