DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1926, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] UNEMPLOYMENT. DUNEDIN, July 13. ’ The number of unemployed in the city continues to increase. To-day there were 285 on the register at the Town Hall, an increase of 39 in 24 hours. The relief committee is busily engaged to cope with the situation. The number of men. at present employed in the City Engineer’s Department is unprecedented, and the number working for the Corporation is double that of normal times. At the Drainage and Water Corporation works in January-1922, there were 325 men employed. On. July 7th this yctir, -there wore no fewer than 820. At a meeting of the Committee this morning, Mr Louden (Chairman of the Harbour Board) said that the Board would provide a wharf shed as shelter i f necessary.

Mr W. B. Tivenier, Deputy Mayor, said that the Salvation Army was in a position tb deal with destitute cases hut if the position became more acute, financial assistance would he required by it. The Y.M.C.A., was in a similar position. The Secretary reported that lie had communicated with the Agricultural Department, which promised to serve notice on property holders to cut gorse.

The demolition of the old Post Office in Princes Street was mentioned as an avenue for employment, and it was stated that the Prime Minister had informed the Mayor, Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P. C.M.0., that it could not he proceeded with until accommodation was found for the various Government Departments now occupying the building. Mr Jr Loudon moved and it was decided that a telegram he sent to the Prime Minister as follows:—“The committee dealing with unemployment are convinced that accommodation for the Government Departments occupying the old Post Office is easily to be obtained, and understand this is the only obstacle preventing the demolition of the building. Reply urgent.”

INFLUENZA. ' DUNEDIN, July 13. Since Sunday, two suspected cases of pneumonic influenza have been taken to tlio hospital, and the families isolated. Regarding the influenza epidemics one pneumonic ease, a man residing at Northeast Valley, was admitted to the hospital to-day. The position generally is not considered serious.

YANKEE TOURISTS. AUCKLAND. July 13. Advice has been received tljat in addition to the liner Carintliia, which is due at Auckland on December 27th., another Cunard liner, the Franconia, with a party of American tourists, will arrive on February 18th. Both the ships will also call at Wellington, and the Tranconia will also visit Milford Sound. The passengers will also pay visits to various scenic resorts in both Islands.

AUCKLAND, July 13. The Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce have decided to institute inquiries with a. view to ascertaining the true facts regarding the decision of the British Office in ahtfhdoning the slogan “British goods are best J” at the request of the Rotary authorities. Speakers expressed the view that the International Rotary in America had nothing to do- with the matter, hut it was decided to find cut the exact position from London. AGED OPIUM SMOKER-. WELLINGTON, July 13. All Tie, an aged Chinese, was fined C2 in Court to-day for smoking opium. TOOK A MOTOR CAR. WELLINGTON, July 13. Martin Howard, aged 25 years: Alfred Wollsninii, aged 33, for having unlawfully used a. motor car, appeared at Court to-day. The Magistrate lot Howard go free, hut, sent Wellsman to gaol for three months, lie having been previously convicted of being drunk in charge of a,' car, and of"unlawfully converting a car to- his own use. .MOTORIST DISQUALIFIED. ELTHAM, July 13. A case arising out- of a motor smash near Eltham on June sth, was heard in. the Magistrate's Court to-day. Frank Kemp, taxi proprietor, was fined £5 for driving an unregistered car with an unassigned number, and £5 for being intoxicated while in charge of a car. Kemp’s license was cancelled, and ho was disqualified from holding a license for three years. He liad a previous conviction last October for the latter charge. He pleaded guilty to three charges and defended a charge of driving in a dangerous manner (eventually withdrawn) ; also a charge of being' intoxicated. The Magistrate, Air Tate, said he dealt with Kemp leniently in view of his wife and children and his previous good character. Ho allowed the fines to he paid in two instalments.

APPEAL COURT. WELIIINGTON, July 13. The Appeal Court reserved judgment the case Pearce v. Pearce.