DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1927, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) .MINISTER OK LANDS. NELSON, July 2(5. The .Minister of Lands, Hon. A. D. -McLeod, paid a visit to Tapawera yesterday, where he met a large gathering of Crown tenants. Referring to a petition from a number of Crown lessees stating their rentals were too high, the -Minister stated his intention to bring down legislation during the present session giving any Crown tenant the right of revaluation. With this in view he proposed to set up a permanent regulation hoard, consisting of ttio \ aluer-General. Under-Secretary of the Land and Land Purchase Controller. Under the present Land Act, a lessee has the light of revaluation not earlier than three years or later than six years after the commencement of the lease. The Minister reiterated tlie Government's policy, which was to assist the trier to the utmost limit the law alfowed. The meeting carried an enthusiastic vote of thanks to the Minister for Ills visit.

SUPREME COURT. AUCKLAND, July 2(5. In liis charge to the Grand Jury at the opening of the criminal sessions. Justice Herdinan said there was nothing to indicate any wave of crime. The number of cases for trial was less than usual. In a charge against a young probationary nurse in Auckland Province, who gave birth to a child and the child was found in a locker with portion of a singlet round its neck, there was evidence that an attempt had been made to strangle the child. The girl was over-wrought and possibly her mental condition might have been affected. Under the circumstances lie took the responsibility of suggesting to the jury that they would he justified in finding there was not sufficient evidence to prove a primn facie case of attempted murder had been made out. The grand jury found no hill and tlie nurse was discharged.

SALVATION army home BURNT. AUCKLAND, July 2(5. Salvation Army Women’s Industrial Home at Parnell, was destroyed by lire at midnight. The large building was almost a total los> within ten minutes and the whole structure crashed to the ground within an hour, leaving only three gaunt chimneys standing. There were 25 inmates together with the stall, and they had a narrow esca[-c. the alarm not being given until a large portion of the building was In llaines. The girls had to rush out in their night attire through dense masses of smoke that filled corridors, some being struck by embers. They were taken to the police station nearby and accommodated for the night. One house adjoining was damaged and three across the road badly scorched. The fire was one of the most spectacular seen in Auckland for years. The wind was so strong that blazing pieces of wood were hurled into adjoining streets. The lack of water was pathetic, and the flow so weak that jets wen; deflected by the wind, which was easterly, otherwise a whole block would have been dcstroy-

ULIMAROA IN GALE. AVELIRNGTOX, July 20

Huddart Parker Coy. received wireless advice yesterday from the I’fimaroa, which left Sydney at noon on Friday for Wellington, stating that the vessel was hove to in an easterly gale. No time was given at which she expected to arrive here, hut most probably i( will not be till this evening.

BANKRUPTCY ACT. RANXEVIRKE, July 20,

The proposed amendment to the Bankruptcy Act was discussed by Danlievirkc Chamber of Commerce which resolved:—This Chnnilier views with grave concern a number of the clauses in the proposed amendment to the Bankruptcy Act, which are detrimental to the trading community and urges that considered recommendations of tlie Associated Chambers of Commerce in regard to the Act he given effect to.

FORGERY OHaluuy

PALMERSTON N., July 20,

That his downfall was brought about by drink and that lie had forged his brother-in-law’s name to a cheque in order to obtain money for this purpose was stated of Thomas David Thomas', u young man who appeared at the Supreme Court for sentence on a charge of forging and littering a cheque for £O. His Honour, .Justice Ostler, placed prisoner on probation on strict conditions, including abstinence from liquor.

FARMERS’ UNION. WELLINGTON. July 2G. Farmers’ Union Conference opened to-day and was addressed by Hon J. G. Coates. Mr Poison (President) delivered bis address on the future of co-operation.

AUCKLAND FLOODS. AUCKLAND, July 26. Heavy rain caused a big flood in Mongonui County. Bv midnight the whole flat portion of land surrounding Kaitaia. was converted into a lake. Fences were carried away in all directions by the running river. Five houses that had water inside were hurriedly vacated by the occupiers. Aroua.' Fairburn and Peria suffered considerably. Miles of boundary fences are down. Many farmers had to drive stock to the high country before the flood water submerged their land. At Peria a big land slide 'brought down half tho hillside. A bridge leading to the court house at Reban, Kaitaia was washed away. The damage is thousands of pounds. Tho flood water is now receding.

OILFIELDS’ REPORT. NEW PLYMOUTH. July 26. Taranaki Oilfields report in Wa.ia.pu No. 2 well, water is not effectively shut ofl. Drilled to 1919 feet in hard shingle, preparing to cement again. Gisborne No. I well commenced drilling on Monday. NEW ZEALAND APPLES. LONDON. July 25. Five thousand cases of New Zealand apples, ex-Tainui. which arrived June 10th were cold stored at Southampton as an experiment. They are in excellent condition. Stunners 17s to 21s, Statesman 20s to 235.

TEA KIOSK BURNT. ROTORUA. July 26

The Whakarewnrewa Tea Kiosk, an extensive building was burned tr> the ground at five this morning. There was a heavy wind blowing and torrential rain. When the brigade arrived it was hopeless to try to save the building, so they concentrated on surrounding dwellings which were effectively isolated. The Kiosk was owned by Nathan and Coy., of Auckland, and leased by Mrs Donaldson. It was used for refreshments and dancing. The carved bouse adjoining was undamaged. The insurances are unknown.