DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—l’er Press Association

BUSH FIRES. AUCKLAND. Jan. 23. A fierce lire raging over the hills between Kiiiukapakapn and Waimaiiku has destroyed some hundreds of acres of scrub and green hush, and is rapidly approaching closer to the settlement in the Waikoukou \ alley. The smoke is visible for miles around. The damage so far is confined to pastures and fences, farmers having been able to remove their stock to safety. NEW ARRIVALS. AUCKLAND, Jan. zi. The Arawa from London this morning brought 137 immigrants described as a good type. A good proportion are Scottish and MV-'*. Included are ten young women * igagenieiit as teachers on three ye; . ■ contract, mostly for private schools. Eight daughters of British seamen arc going to Flock lions' for training. Twentysi': domestics have positions to go to.

INQUEST \ EBDTCTS. TAI'M ABUN UT„ Jan. 21. An inquest at Ohura before Coroner A. *S. Laird concerning the death ol the brothers Gordon Jenks and Albert .Jonhs, who lost their lives in a swimming pool near Ohura on Suudnv afternoon, a verdict ol accidental drowning was returned. No one witnessed the tragedy hut the hoys were seen bathing in the poo! alone prior to the discovery of ihe bodies. An inquest was also held af Ohura concerning the death of a Maoii infant. Harry ITowe. who died when his mother was taking him to a doctor. A. verdict that the evidence was insufficient to show the cause of death, which probably was due to improper feeding, was returned.

ALLEGRI) FORGERY. GISBORNE, Jan. 24. Theodore Thomas, alias -Miller, was charged at the Police ( ourt with ioiging and littering the name ol K. Berliiig to a cheque at Owhanga oil November Sth. He was remanded to appear at Tanmariiiuii on January 31st. OILFIELDS REPORTS. GISBORNE, Jan. 24. Taranaki oilfields report AVaiapu No. ■_> well to a depth of 3330 lent in shale; 8J inch diameter casing to 3070 feet. Gisborne No. 1 well cementing was ineffective and they are now endeavouring to free the easing and cement again. As Gisborne No. 2 well construction work is in progress.

CAR OVERTURNS. GISBORNE, Jan. 21. A service car for ’lokomaru Bay this morning went over a hank near .Mangatuna, falling 20 feel. There were no passengers and the driver escaped with a cut across the lace. COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 24. Herltort Barrington. 19. to-day pleaded guilty to six charges of breaking entering and thett. He was committed for sentence. The evidence showed that accused slept in Brighton sandhills tor several nights. He had in his possession a toy revolver, miniature jemmy and turkeys. SAMOAN EDUCATION ALTSTS. AUCKLAND, Jan. 24. r Two Samoans, representatives of Govermnet Schools in Samoa, arrived by the Tofua. to study educational | methods in New Zealand. Tawaa is native superintendent of the whole of the schools of \oa a»d Karene. is an inspector * ■ schools. They will visit technical and primary schools, training colleges and normal schools in company with Mr Rutherford, Director of Education for Samoa Territory. FOR BURY PARK TROTS. DUNEDIN, Jan. 24. Dawson Ringer is scratched for all engagements at Forlmrv Park I lots. WAGES INCREASE. DUNEDTN, Jan. 24. I want the Court to justify itself to the public why local bodies should have to pav 66J per cent, increase in wages since 1914 and private employers only 61 per cent. Tt is driving us to private contract. Thus said All Lewin. Town Clerk, wiien telling the Conciliation Council this morning that the claims of the labourers employed in Dunedin local bodies would he strenuously opposed. The claims of

various classes of labour ranged from Is lid per hour to 2s 3d. Lew in staled Is lOd fully covered the increased cost of living and taking the actual figures, the demand worked out at 66 2-3 per cent, increase. OPERATIONS AT SEA. AUCKLAND. Jan. 24. Dr Upton, ship’s surgeon on the Arawa, on January 7th, when the vessel was encountering fairly heavy weather operated on one of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, bound for Christchurch, for appendicitis. Ten. days later he operated on a Scottish lady for a cancerous growth. Three minor operations were also performed including one on the ship’s electrician for a poisoned arm. During the operations the Arawa was hove to. All the patients made a quick recovery and on arrival at Auckland were convalescent ,