DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1927, Page 1

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by telegraph-—per press association.]

EL DORADO DRAWING. NEW PLYMOUTH, Feb. 17

The El Dorado Art Union was drawn at Lfnwera to-night. The prizes wore won as follows:

First prize of £2OOO.— T. Weight, ol Roxburgh, Otago. Second prize of £SOO- —F. E. Fauchell. of Riwaka, Nelson. Third prize of £loo.—Alec. H.vndman, of Cromwell. Otago.

X. Z. PR OIIIBIT rONISTS. DUNEDIN. Feb. 17

The temperance bodies of Otago, gave an enthusiastic welcome to-night to Mr Charles Todd, a. prominent prohibitionist and business n(:m in Dunedin. In replying to the toast of his health Mr Todd spoke at length of his experience--in the United States, and strongly contended that the reform had worked for good in that groat country. Tfo touched on the efforts Hint the party in New Zealand intends to make prior to noxi poll to win the cause. "Hie part\. In* said, was now talking earnestly to Members of Parliament, and was receiving a lot of attention from them. Mr Edmond (Secretary of tlio Alliance) stressed the fact that the present Parliament must consider licensing legislation, and he believed tlie. party would secure, from it a democratic ballot paper for the poll in 1928.

AUSTRALIA'S REASON'S STATED WELLINGTON. Feb. 17.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has now replied to the protest made by the New Zealand Government against an embargo being placed upon the importation of potatoes into Australia from New Zealand. This reply reads as folows : —“With reference to your telegram of the 2nd ol February. regarding the importation of potatoes, this matter has been receiving very serious consideration since the discovery in June last of an infected consignment This Government had a very natural and sincere reluctance

to imposing any measure udverselv a 1 feeling trade •between the Dominion and the Commonwealth. There is a strong apprehension amongst the growers that the effect of their industry of the introduction of a new disease. This apprehnsion might have been combated by educational methods, and if our exports had been positively assured that importation might he continued without risk. The experts, however, held contrary opinions, being influenced chiefly by an unknown phase in the natural history of the disease concerned of its being maintained in Australia, if accidentally introduced. Tt was felt suc-h an accident was possible, even with the best inspection system devisable. Under these circumstances, this Government, with the greatest reluctance and after long consideration, decided that the bulk importation of potatoes involved a greater risk than could be justifiably taken. After the fullest consideration, T have, with great regret to inform you that this Government considers the present arrangements should continue until it is clear that the importation of bulk consignment can be resumed without flic slightest risk of the importation of the disease.’’

It is greatly regretted that the Commonwealth Government lias found itself unable to alter its previous decision, and, having regard to all the circumstances, a further communication has been sent by the New Zealand U vernment, in the hope that some arrangement may yet be possible, under which our potatoes can be marketed in Australia.

NEW WATER SUPPLY CAMBRIDGE, Feb. 17

A new gravitation winter supply, to icplace the present supply pumped Horn springs, was formally opened al Cambridge this afternoon', bv Mayor T. F. Richards. Ibe loan authorised for the scheme was £37,900, of which £33,000 was £:used. The scheme actually cost only £28,500. The pipe laying was done by day labour, and resulted in a saving of £BOO compared with the lowest tender. Ihe supply should sullice for many years to come as there is ample pressure and water equal to the best, in the Dominion.

Air U. Roche was engineer for iho scheme. CHEQUE FRAUDS. AUCKLAND. Fob. 17. Alter pleading guilty last week to llircc diaries of obtaining sums totalling £3O by means of valueless die(|lies John Francis Holcombe, aged 20 years, who stated be bad been in the motion picture business in Hollywood before coming Lo New Zealand, appeared for sentence in tile Police Court to-day. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to comply with the terms of ids release on pro bation. Chief Detective Cummings said that since his previous appearance in Court accused had .sent a cablegram to a friend in America, in an attempt to obtain money to make restitution, but so far no reply has been received. The accused asked for a further remand stating that the person to whom the cablegram was sent might have been absent from homo ,at the time of its arrival. A reply should ho received within a few days’ time. The Assistant Probation Officer said tbo accused was admitted to probation for one year at Wellington on Nov, 25 on two charges with false pretences. Ho had gone to Gisborne and their incurred debts to the extent of £3O, apart from money which was due to numbers of peoplo who did not wish to lay complaints. Accused had left Gisborne without notifying the Probation Officer.

The Magistrate granted a remand until Monday.

NOT A FACTORY. FEILDING, Fob. 17. A judgment of interest to local bodies was given by Afr Stout, S.M.. today. The Inspector of Factories sued Or'awa County Council for using a place on a river bank for the stone crushing plant which was not registered as a factory. The Magistrate found that, ns the plant was portable, and was worked by a,traction engine, both the plant and the engine being on wheels, it could not come within the definition oi a factory. The information was dismissed. MOTORIST COMMITTED. DUNEDIN. Feb. 17. At the Police Court, arising out of a motor car accident. whereby Neil Gould, pedestrian, lost his life, Asldey George Faigan. driver of the car, was charged with manslaughter and committed for trial.