DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Ber Press Association.)

“BTG BILL” OF CHICAGO. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7

Dr V> . E. Harper, a dental surgeon of Chicago, was a visitor at tho "Wellington Rotary Club yesterday. Replying to the welcome extended to him, Dr Harper emphatically declared that “Big Bill' Thompson, Mayor ol Chicago, did not in any way reflect the intellectual and intelligent classes of Americans in that City. Dr Harper added “Big Bril’’ Thompson had surrounded himself with the negro vote, and disreputable business agents, including certain elements of Labour unionism, who intimidate rob and murder on his behalf, and by That vote he has been sustained in office. I hope this in his last- session, and I apologise for him. WESTPORT. Feh. 8. Through a fire breaking through tho stoppings and gaining the rope haulage, an explosion occurred which completely wrecked the clay pit of the coal mine at Seddonville yesterday. The mine was owned bv a co-operative party. It was closed at the time, hut once the fire reached the liuulagc rope, the ventilation caused it to spread rapidly, and a few minutes later an explosion mcurred and completely wrecked the tunnel. The mine is a total loss. All tubs, rails and tools were destroyed. The clay pit mine was part of the old Cardill’ mine. The lire had been burning for the past thirty years, and for years has required constant attention, and before Christinas was giving a great deal of trouble.

A COSTLY TARGET. AUCKLAND. Fob. 3

A huge battle practise target in the form of. a vessel, for use by the New Zealand Navy, was launched this morning in the presence of the -Mayor (Mr Ba.ildon), iCoiiimandor Bradley, the officer in charge of the naval base, and Engineer-Commander Marchant. As Mrs Bradley deftly performed the champagne christening, the vessel slipped gracefully into the water hut she heeled over and capsized, hut gradually righted and rested on an even keel. The vessel was built at a <-ost approximately of £IO,OOO. The target is the first of its kind attempted in this pari of tho world.

LIBRAR I ES’ CONFERENCE. CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 8.

The Dominion Librarians’ Conference opened this morning. The delegates were welcomed by the Mayor of Auckland, Chairman of the Canterbury College Board of Governors. Tho business includes consideration of many papers dealing with library management.

AN 'EXPLOSION. . TAURANGA. Feh. 8

While engaged in singeing pigs with brosn blow lamps, at a local bacon factory slaughter house this morning, an explosion occurred as a result of which a youth James Clifford was severely burned on the arms, face and legs and a .Maori youth, .Tack Napier, was burned on his face. Both were removed to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the explosion is not known. HOUSE DESTROYED. BLENHEIM. Feh. 8. Fire this morning totally destroyed a five or six-roomed dwelling occupied by 15. O. Field at Canvastown. The occupants (Mr and Mrs Field, a lodger, and four children) escaped in night attire. The building and its contents are a total loss. The insurances are unavailable.