DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1929, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

ROTORUA-TAUPO RAILWAY. (By Telegraph— Press Association). ROTORUA, April 4. At the Bon,ugh Council meeting bust night, the Mayor, Mr M’Loan, brought forward a motion: “That immediate steps be taken to organise a petition to Parliament praying that the construction of the Rotorua-Taupe railway be ■ proceeded with.” The Mayor spoke to ,tlie motion at length. The only speaker against the motion was Mr Clinkard, M.P. for the .district, who is also a councillor and who supported the Government decision to abandon tlie railway. Fie moved an amendment. “That, this council wishes to place on retort! its disappointment and that tlie Government Ims deemed it advisable to suspend work on the Rotorua-Taupo railway, and respectfully requests that the question lie reconsidered in the near future, and tout in tlie meantime better reading facilities be provided to enable development to take place.” This was eventually earned. It is understood that other district organisations are getting up a petition to Parliament protesting against the stoppage of the railway.

N.Z MADE Guo US

UNIFORM TRADE MARK APPROVED.

DUNEDIN, April 4

The New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation lias- made good progress with the scheme by which New Zen-land-made goods of all descriptions will be branded with a uniform registered trade mark. Competitive designs were invited and a suitable design lias now been approved bv the federation. The machinery by which the scheme will be put into operation is at present under consideration. Several technical and trade difficulties have, however, arisen, but it is hoped that these will be overcome as tlie arrangement progresses. The purpose of the scheme is to enable the purchasing public to identify what are and what are not New Zealand-made gcods. Permission to use tlie brand will be granted only to those manufacturers whose goods come up to a recognised standard of quality.

WELLINGTON RATES

WELLINGTON, April 5

The Mayor (Air Troup) said at a public meeting last night that lie thought he was safe in saying that rates would be reduced. By how much lie could not say. as lie had not yet examined the estimates, nor had any pruning process taken place, but there would be reduction.

An elector: But you’ll get more niohov ?

The Mayor (smilingly) : Possibly

CASES* OF HARDSHIP

AUCKLAND, April 5

Six inonthe ago several business men asked the Rev. J. Scrimgeour. assistail City Missioner, to co-operate with them -in the examination of the bona lidos of individual applicants for assistance. Since then thousands of eases have been dealt with by Mr Scrimgeour to whom applicants are now referred, and to-day the business men interested decided to widen the scope of the scheme. Six fi,mis are prepared to donate £SO apiece, and a strong executive was appointed.

MAORI CHILDREN

GISBORNE, April f

Replying to statements made to Hon. Stallworthy (Minister of Health’' by members of the Waiapu Hosnital Board last week, Dr Turbott. (Medical Officer of Health) emphasises that Maori children at present, very favourably compare with those of European parentage in the percentage of weak chests, and the alarm is without foundation.. Examinations made last month revealed the percentage'of weak chested Maori children is 3.0 as against 5.2 amongst European children examined. Hygiene taught in the schools is having effect, said the doctor. .Teaelm/s of native schools take a very personal interest in the health of the children.