MISCELLANEOUS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1927, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

FLAX At ILL AY OR KICKS’ DISPUTE PALMERSTON N., June A-’.

The Arbitration Court was engaged yesterday and this morning hearing an application by ilaxmill employees for an increase in wage.

The millers not only opposed the increase, but sought a reduction on the present rates, pleading the poverty of the industry.

Evidence was brought lorward to show that white overhead charges increased, production had decreased, that the men were already receiving high wages, and production was retarded through the men not working lull time. The employees offered to co-operate with the millers in taking of tallies, upon which the Court could fix wages, but the millers were not inclined to assent, fearing the men would go slow. This was denied hy the workers advocate, who stated that as a further safeguard the men, if granted the increase. were prepared to accept the award for twelve months’ duration only in order to try out the now rate. The Court reserved its decision.

TE LE PI lON E EXTE XSI ON. AUCKLAND. June 23

It is probable that on Alonday next it will be possible lor Aurkland telephone users to converse with C.hiistelmi'cli. The Secretary of the Post Office (Air G. .McNamara) stated that amplifiers lor use in conjunction with tli enow Cook Strait telephone cable bail been installed, and a full series of tests were beign carried out. The cable had been in use for some time for conversations between AVollington, Blenheim and Nelson. The circuit connecting with Christchurch, and the intermediate points had been entirely reconstructed. He did not expect the through charge would be very greatly above'the Auckland-Wellington figures, although a special cable fee would he imposed. The exact charges were yet to bo determined.

PRICE OF FERTILISERS. AUCKLAND, June 23

ltie first move towards an inctease in fertiliser prices .since the priceting “war” started early this year, is announced by Fertilisers Ltd., vendors of Chali’engo superphosphate, which states that prices will be increased from ti 2s (id a ton to L'l 12s (id, to take effect from August I. As the Company already has booked enough orders to keep its works fully employed until August 1, no further orders will be taken before that date.

The other two Companies supplying the Auckland province. Kenipthorne, Prosser and Cov. Ltd. and the New Zealand Farmers’ Fertiliser Coy. Ltd., have not yet decided upon their futuie policy. The price for June will not be altered, but the agents have been notified that the rate from July 1 will' he advised. That means that no forward sales are being made. U.S.A. BROADCAST. WELLINGTON, June 23. The Crosley Broadcasting Station. “AALTi.AY.” from jCincinatti. "ill simultaneously broadcast a special programme for Australia and New Zealand on d2 metres, with 250 watts, and 442 B.X. 3 metres, with 50 kilowatts, commencing on Sunday at 8 p.m. New Zealand time. A preliminary test will be conducted to-morrow (Friday) at' 8 p.m. New Zealand time.

YOUNG WOMAN KILLED. DUNEDIN. June 23. AVliile crossing the railway line at Alosgiel last evening. Jean Rennie, aged 23. daughter of a superannuated railway servant, was struck by the en■gine of an outgoing train from Dunedin and killed instantly. The accident happened at about G.l2> p.m. The engine driver states that be did not see anyone on the line. The train was nearing Alosgiel. and when about a quarter of a mile from the station, the engine crew felt a hump, caused by the impact. When the train reached Mosgiel. blood stains were found on front of the engine. A search was made, and the mangled body of the young woman w" = found beside the line. Tt appeared that- tlie body had been dragged 40yds from the crossing.