DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1927, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) RATANA VISITED. WANGANUI, Dee. 22. A Japanese Bishop, Dr Juji Nakada, when he arrived at Ratana yesterday afternoon was awarded a most enthusiastic welcome, according to the old-time Maori custom. \I lien the Ratana touring party visited Japan some three years ago they were hospitally entertained, and mi assurance was then given by Ratana that the compliment would he returned should Japanese guests visit his pa. hence the enthusiasm over the bishop. Ratana on his return also brought with him a Japanese hoy. who rapidly acquired a knowledge of the English and Maori languages. During the last few days, from the various parts of the North Island and a fev the South have been arriving at tlie pa for Hie big Christmas gathering. Some of them will remain until January 25th. when Ratana’s birthday will be celebrated.

TAWA FLAT DISPUTE WELLINGTON, Dee. 23

A further conference was called today in connection with the Tawa Flat tunnelling dispute, hut it proved fruitless, neither party agreeing on the wages. The contractors stated that if the present workmen did not agree to their offer of 18s for shevelleis, the contractors would lake slips to mail the tunnel on January 4th As the conference had failed, they re served the right to engage whatever labour tbev liked.

INFANT KNOCKED DOWN BV CAR CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 23.

Thelma lvede, aged four years, residing at 342 Stainiiore Road, was knocked down lie a motor car this evening and received a fractured Jaw. fractured lefi leg. and uiiiiries to the head. She was admitted to the hospital. Her condition is sc'oiis. RAILWAY SHED AFIRE. WELLINGTON, Dee. 23. About 4.L1 p.m to-day, a lire occurred in one of the completed sheds of the new railway workshops at Lower Hn{ t. The Lower Hull Eire Brigade were communicated with ‘in ! on arrival found the roof blazing fiercely. Abf.nl ball file roof was totally dvI roved, only Ibe steel girders remaining. Tlie cause of the lire, is unknown.

ROTOROA ISLAND INQUIRY. AUCKLAND, Dee. 21

An inquiry which lias been held in connection with complaints made by several of the inmates of the inebriates’ island at Rotoroa terminated yesterday. The inquiry was presided over by Afr F. K. Hunt. S.M.. who was assited by Messrs J. H. Lux ford and A. .T. Stallworthy, members of the visiting committee to the island, which is controlled by the Salvation Army. A number of complaints were recently made by voluntary inmates of the island, including a man who was until some years ago a Superintendent of Police in India. As a result of these complaints the Minister for Justice appointed the gentleman named to investigate the whole matter. “The inquiry lasted for many days, and we heard voluminous evidence,” said Mr F. K. Hunt. “I have made several recommendations in my report, which is to he forwarded to the Minister. AA’e did not even have power to place witnesses on oath. There was nothing sensational in the complaints made.’’