DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1928, Page 3

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.

AVHITE ISLAND,

AUCKLAND, June 27.

About eight days ago AVhite Island was more active than it had been for ►some considerable time, /telegraphs the “Herald’s” Opotiki correspondent tonight. Whether the earthquake which was felt here on June 19th. had any connection with the activity is not certain, but tho fact remains that during last week the activity gradually diminished until all trace or steam issuing from the crater practically disappeared. Towards evening on Sunday last no signs of any activity could be seen from the mainland, although atmospheric conditions were most favourable for the condensing of any steam rising from the crater bed. Although no earth tremors were felt during Sunday night it is presumed that the island became violently active durin gthe night. Tho view of tho island on Monday morning was very clear and it was easy to see that something unusual had occurred, the volume of steam rising from the blowhole being enormous. Throughout the day great columns of steam rose. Tho activity showed no signs of diminishing yesterday morning. The steam presented a most beautiful sight in the clear, frosty air, rising to a height of approximately 2060 foot, and blown by a gentle breeze stretching away towards Cape Runaway in a long white cloud about a mile long. As far as could lie seen, the steam was rising from three separate sources, tho main cloud issuing from the south-eastern end of the crater bed. Every now and then a

great cloud of steam would rise from tho main mass of steam directly above tbe island and ascend high into tlie air where it would bo caught by the wind and driven eastwards. Great activity continued throughout yesterday. Owing to heavy rain clouds to-day visibility is so had that it is impossible to see whether tho activity continues. AVhcther anyone is still on the is'nnd is not clear, but the local radio station has not heard anything in the air from tho island recently.

DOCTORS DIFFER

USE OF STATISTICS.

DUNEDIN, June 27

Dr Moore, of Dunedin, replies to Dr Cray’s statement in reference to Archbishop Averill’s use of an article

by,Dr Monro for his facts and figures. Dr Gray stated in effect that tlie Archbishop had used as he basis of his reproaches of New Zealand an article which contained misstatements of fact. Dr Moore states: “This pamphlet is a reprint of an article published last year in the New Zealand Medical Journal, and any criticism by Dr Gray should have been given in that periodical months ago. All the facts and figures concerning New Zealand given in that article were drawn from official Government returns. Any calculations made from them were checked by a chartered accountant. Dr Gray’s criticism of Dr Moore’s the facts is therefore a criticism of official figures.” Dr Moore, in his article, said: “In numbers New Zealand seems to lead. It would be rash, however, to suggest that in fact wo arc in worse conditions than those of other countries, as many factors determining the magnitude of numbers differ in many countries.” His conclusions stated in the article were : “It would appear probable that the mental hygiene problem in New Zealand is proportionately about as great ns it is in other countries, e.g., England and the United, States. It is just as necessary as is tbe case in other countries for tlie medical profession in New Zealand to give attention to the subject of mental hygiene.’’ Hr Moore deprecates alarmist statements and also the blindness of the ostrich.

MOTOR CAR CHARGE,

PAIIIATUA, June 20

A case of unusual interest to Pongora was heard at the Pnhiatua Court yesterday before Air Free, Magistrate, when Michael Francis Dillon was charged-with being intoxicated in charge of a car and assaulting and resisting the police. In connection with the same incident Henry Dillon was charged with assaulting and obstructing tlie police, William A. Reid encouraging a person to obstruct the police, and Frederick Wright obstructing the police on the night of June 9th. Constable John McTntosli stopped the car in Pongavoa township driven by M. Dillon and endeavoured to arrest him on a charge of being drunk while driving a car. Defendant resisted, and Henry Dillon, as well as Wright came and Michael Dillon eventually getting away. Witness for defence said Michael Dillon was sober and the other defendants declared they interfered only because the constable had Dillon bv the throat in a drain and choking him. Decision was reserved.

WAR FUNDS COUNCIL

VOTE FOR UNEMPLOYED

WELLINGTON, June 28

-The thirteenth annual meeting of the National War Funds Council was i held to-day. Reference was made to J tlio position of the East Coast Maori Soldiers’ Fund, now under the administration of the Native Trustee, and tlie opinion was expressed that, considering the efficient management now evident, the fund eventually would show a surplus which could he utilised for the benefit of Maori soldiers. A report regarding assistance to the imperial ex-soldiers showed that relief to the extent of £2,128 8s Id had been disbursed, an increase of £428 2s lid over last vear. This question was. discussed in detail, and the opinion was expressed that as the grant remitted by the United Service Fund had been expended, and as the responsibility of cavino- for these men was inclined to become heavier, the Executive should make every effort to secure a further grant, and that Earl Jellicoe’s services in this respect should be sought. The return covering- grants to district. societies for the relief of ex-so - diers in necessitous circumstances, due to unemployment, was reviewed, the amount disbursed to 23 societies totalling £4,885. The opinion was expressed that this type of relief had been of great benefit to returned men, ant Wh it was held that conditions prevailing this year were considerably brighter, a further £SOOO was voted to returned soldiers who are unfortunate enough to he unemployed. This assistance will be rendered through the district societies. Comment was made as to the genera relief disbursed which totalled 15s 3d. The Chairman. Sir John Luke, M P referring to the strong financial position of the Council, stating that the total funds now stood at £1b0,30u s lid. The income and expenditure 'account showed a surplus of income over expenditure of £33.944 11s lid due to the transfer of balances of patriotic funds, notwithstanding tie fact that relief of £9,383 15s 3d had been disbursed and depreciation ot £629 2s allowed for. The surplus was very satisfactory.

CANTERBURY PETROL SCHEME. CHRISTCHURCH, June 20. The first shipment of petrol, for the Canterbury Automobile Association’s scheme to supply the members will arrive at Lyttelton on July 27tli. The petrol will be sold through the bowsers and also in case lots. Tlie bowser prico is not yet announced, but the price per gallon will be 14s Bd, equal 'to Is lOd per gallon.

EFFECT OF REGULATIONS. CHRISTCHURCH, June 28. One result of the new motor regulations is that no more licenses will he issued in future by the Christchurch City Council to one-armed drivers in Christchurch who have held licenses for years, but the City Council officers consider sat the regulation prohibiting a driver from removing both hands from the wheel of a moving vehicle, or taking ono hand from the wheel, except when the vehicle is under full control, makes the case of a one-armed driver impossible.

The matter was referred by the City Council to the Department, which has upheld the Council’s decision not to grant licenses. The reply of tlie Department states also that in the event of an applicant having one sound arm and one artificial arm, the question then would hinge upon tlie efficiency of the latter arm, and would appear to be a matter for the Council’s discretion.

OILFIELDS REPORT. GISBORNE, June 28. Taranaki Oil Felds report to-day:— Gisborne No. 1 well, bottom join of 45 inch diameter casing dropped, necessitating pulling the string. Expect to be able to fish up loose joint and resume drilling in about one week. A POLL. GISBORNE, June 29. A poll' is lieiiig taken on a proposal to scrap te trams. A’ery few electors visited the main polling booths this morning.

A GUARANTEE CLAIM. CHRISTCHURCH, June 29

Judge Adams in tlie Supremo Court to-day heard legal argument in a claim arising out of a guarantee given to a bank in respect to a customer’s account. Harry Digby James, of Greymnut, priii tor? claimed £2,500 from Edward Ernest Bayly Alabin, of Nelson, bank manager, alleging 1 fraudulent representations by Alabin to give a guarantee on account of E. J. Bundle and Co. The statement of claim set out that when Mubin was manager of the. Bank of New South Wales at Grcymouth, he advised James to enter into a guarantee of the account of E. J. Bundle and Coy., timber merchants. In Septenil>er last the bank demanded from James and two other guarantors, payment of £32,000, and to secure release from bis liability, James paid tbe bank £2,500. The company was unable to pay that sum to James. The plaintiff alleged that to induce him to enter into the guarantee, Muhin fraudulently and falsely represented that tlie Company’s financial position was quite sound. Air Myers, K.C., of Wellington, with him Mr Ward, of AVellington, appearing for Alabin, on the motion to strike out tlie writ and Air J. A. Murdoch, of Hokitika, and Air J. W. Hannan, of Greymout.h, for James, to oppose. AL- Murdoch had not concluded his address in reply when the Court adjourned at midday.

NEAV TOWN PLANNER. AVELLINGTON, June 29. John AV. Afnwson E.R. LB.A. A1.T.P.1. London, has been accepted by the Cabinet for the jiositioii of town planner in New Zealand in succession to Hammond, who retired some time ago to enter a private practice. Alawson’s credentials show lie has had a large experience ill town planning undertakings and bis career is outstanding.

CHICAGO LUXURY. NEW YOR K, May 14. Much as it resents being called the “crime capital of the United States,” Chicago has just decided to spend £1,500,000 in the erection of a new model central gaol, which its clients declare will he the “swollest jug in which a criminal ever took a nap.” The existing gaol is fearfully overcrowded. Work on the new one is being rushed and it will he completed this slimmer. Of palatial proportions, it will accommodate 1,500 “guests,” each of whom, in accordance with the latest style of hotel ’building,- will have «■ separate room equipped with hot and cold running water anil all electric push-lnitton for calling the guards.