DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1928, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

ANOTHER AERO CLUB. (By Telegraph—Press Association). NAPIER, October 10. Following the example of other centres spurred into action by the visit to the Dominion of the Southern Cross, a largely attended public meeting in’ Napier to-night resolved to form an aero club. A committee Was appointed to obtain information regarding the acquisition of land suitable for an aerodrome. UNDERPAID CLERGY. AUCKLAND, -Oct. 11. The fear that the low stipends paid to many of the clergy was likely to interfere seriously with the spiritual value of tliefr work was’expressed by An(bbishcip Averill in his charge to the Auckland Diocesan Synod. The question was of vital mportance to the diocese, he said, as the standard of stipends was below that in the other dioceses in New Zealand. From that the inevitable result was that they could not hope to secure and retain the services of a really efficient body of clergy when a more adequate living could be obtained elsewhere. Assistance was now; offered by - the Central Fund, which was; saying the. diocese from disgrace and many of the clerrrv from semi-starvation.

An amending Bityi was ■ later introduced providing * for a' minimum stipend of £350) with free house and, travelling expenses. After discussion, however,, it was decided .that the * minimum stipend should be raised from £250 to £3OO, and the Bill as amended was read a first time.- ' ; BAPTIST UNION. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 13. At the Baptist Union Conference, Rev. J. Joseph Kemp (Auckland) w r as elected to the office of Vice-President of the Baptist Missionary Society for the present year. He will automatically become President next year. Rev'. W. M. P. Lasoelles was reelected Secretary and Treasurer. The invitation of Auckland Churches to hold the 1929 Conference in that city, was accepted. Motions were carried pledging the Union to do its utmost to carry prohibition and eradicate gambling. *• A' motion was also carried urging the abolition of compulsory military training and in the meantime exemption to all conscientious objectors.

BANK OF N.Z. WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. The Bank of New Zealand announces that the amount of its long-term mortgage loans at 30th. September, 1928, was £559,277. Some £150,000 of furher loans are in course of arrangement. In connection with the issue by the Treasury some months ago of £400,000 of the rural advances bonds, the Bank absolutely denies the statement which is in circulation that ,it issued a circular to its managers reading : “The Manager must not solicit applications for these bonds, as the bank is desirous of keeping up its own fixed deposits, and I do not wish application forms or prospectuses displayed in the office. P.S.—Posters may be exhibited in the bank chambers.” Gn the other hand, instructions were issued as follows: “Branches will please bring the issue under notice of any person who may V seeking an investment. The bonds would give 'a Government-secured investment with a return (including redemption) of £5 9s Id per cent.” It is to the interest of the bank that the loan should be successfully placed.

FATAL POISONING CASE. WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. Frank H'antilton Roach, a salesman, aged about 60, and known as Frank Thorpe, died at the hospital to-day an hour after admission, suffering from poisoning.