DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1928, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) FALSE PACKING. WELLINGTON, July 20. A strong determination to put a stop to anything in the nature of false packing of vegetables submitted for salo at auction marts, was expressed by the Minister of Agriculture, replying to a deputation from retail fruiterers and greengrocers which asked for the introduction of regulations providing for a standardisation of vegetables to guard retailers against losses. The Minister remarked that the Government was not anxious to impose unnecessary regulations which to business people were always more or less objectionable, but if the present regulations were insufficient then regulations to meet the case of false packing would have to be introduced. It seemed to him they would have to put their foot down in such a way that the matter would be cleaned up.

CHEESE PRICES ADVANCE. MILTON FACTORY BENEFITS. DUNEDIN, July 19. Cheese prices are still soaring. An additional advance in prices is the latest information from the secretary of the ’Milton Dairy Factory. It is interesting to note that the directors and shareholders of the Milton factory have further cause to congratulate themselves on taking a risk in prices at the commencement of the dairy season. This particular factory sells one-half of its total output by consignment to the .National Mortgage, and one-lialf to the Bowler Nichols Company, of London, a firm which sells direct to the consumer. A further London quotation to hand shows that another increase in the price of cheese has taken place. The previous figures wore considered excellent—99s 6d, 101 s 6d, and lo6s 6d but the latest return for three consignments—loss Gd, 106 s6d and 108 s, Od—indicates a decided advance in price. If the present prices are maintained or, as the market is firm, a further increase takes place, the Milton dairy factory will be on a “good wicket” for this season’s cheese. At the present time there are 364 crates of cheese en route to London belonging to this factory.

DAIRY FARMERS’ UNION.

RESOLUTIONS OF CONFERENCE.

PALMERSTON N., July 19

The annual'conference to-day of the Dairy Farmers 1 Union passed a remit, urging the Government to bring down a Pure Seeds Bill or, as an alternative, make it compulsory for merchants to sell under a guaranteed germination test. ’ '■

After a discussion on the motor regulations. it was decided to ask the Government to abolish the £2 annual license fee and the practice of renewing number plates each year, which was considered a waste of money. A protest also was made; against the continual alteration of the motor regulations. Delegates considered that it would he more equitable to pay an increased petrol tax than the annual license fee as the users of the roads would then pay for them. It was also decided to ask the Government to have the Machinery Inspection Act relating to farm machinery other than steam plants altered to make it compulsory to have an installation inspection only, and that no other inspection be made provided no alteration to the original installation has been made.

The compulsory dehorning of al cattle over two years old was favour

Appreciation was expressed of the efforts made by the executive to combat the’ diseases of dairy cattle. The election of officers resulted in the return of Mr N. Campbell (Ivauwhitta) as president and Mr P. JSmall (Kairanga) as vice-president. Delegates from the Farmers’ Union waited on the conference urging that the Dairy Farmers’ Union should federate with their body. The conference favoured federation provided the D.F.U. did not lose its identity. Representatives were appointed to meet the Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union in Wellington to go into details.

FISHING BOAT STRANDED. WELLINGTON, July 20.

The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department has received the following message from the Postmaster at Whaiigiirei:—“s.ls p.m.—Captain Norton. of the scow “ Aloa,” reports from Taurikura. as follows: ‘Picked up male and female on lien Island, belonging to fishing boat 105 Hildary. Both in a collapsed state. Now recovering. Boat at present stranded on north west end of island. Prospects of refloating good.” A later message states that fishing boat 105 belongs to Whangarei.

PAINTERS’ APPRENTICES

AVELLINGTON, July 20.

An application was to-day made to the Arbitration Court by the AVellington master painters for the reduction of wages of apprentices in the painting and paper-hanging trade. Air Prime, for the employers, said that conditions had changed since the rates were fixed. The applicants wanted the rates reduced to what were generally recognised as standard apprenticeship rates in similar work and related trades.

Mr Justice Frfwer said that no decision would he given till after hearing evidence at Auckland and AVanganui.

-MANY BURGLARIES. CHRISTCHURCH, July 20.

Instances still continue- to he reported of housebreaking by day in Christchurch suburbs. Always the offences occur during the occupier’s absence. At Spreydon yesterday a house was broken into and ransacked. Thirty pounds in money was stolen.

It seems clear that these robberies are not the wprk of one person, or of one gang, as the police have made several arrests, clearing up groups of these crimes, but the robberies still cohtiifue.

CAR THIEF GETS A MONTH. AUCKLAND, July 20. On two charges of converting motor cars to his use, Arthur John Roberts. aged 24, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to lie concurrent. The police said that on the first occasion accused took three girls for a “joyride,” and upset the ear, causing damage costing forty-five pounds to repair. Chief Detective Hammond said this offence was becoming very prevalent, and it was getting beyond the police.

DRIVER. ACQUITTED.. ASHBURTON, July 20. ‘Justices to-day dismissed a case arising out of a motor fatality or. the night of June 15th, when Frances Ivy Aland Bishop, a single woman, aged 19 years lost her life. A seventeen year old lad. Donald Braby Coleman, was charged with negligent driving. After brief consideration, the Bench stated that the police had pqt made out a primfi facie case.