DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1929, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

COAL FROM ENGLAND. • 4* (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

NAPIER, August 15,

A consignment of 300 tons of coal from England for the Napier Gas Company reached here yesterday in.the steamer Hertford. The importation has been rendered necessary owing to the failure of supplies from Newcastle due to the miners’ strike. The Hertford also carries 500 or 600 tons for the Timaru Gas Company.

CAPTAIN WILDMAN RETIRES.

NELSON, August 16

One of' the best-known mariners on the West Coast shipping route has at last- withdrawn from the sea with the retirement of Captain M. A. Wildman, senr.’ He has completed fifty-three years service with the Anchor Shipping Coy. after having commanded all of the Company’s vessels at one time or other. Since 1916, Captain Wildman has been continuously in the NelsonWellington run. He first cpme to Greymoutli on board the old steamer “ Kennedy,”' and later became mate of the little steamer “ Aorere,” which traded to Hokitika, as well as to Greymouth and Westport. His record has been remarkably free from any serious mishap, and his knowledge of all the ports on the West Coast is exceptionally good,'a joke among the crews df his viessels having been' that lie -fcOuld - see in the dark’.- His son,-Captain Arthur Wildman, is at ptesent master of the ‘ 1 Ngaio' ” (formerly the Mapourika).

SCHOONER PAROTO REFLOATED

AUCKLAND, August 16

The auxiliary schooner Paroto which went ashore-at White Island On August 7th, was refloated at high tide yesterday afternoon. She was taken in tow by the steamer Apanui, and is expected to arrive at Auckland early to-morrow morning.

AUTOMOBILE PROTEST

BLENHEIM, August 17

Sir Joseph Ward’s so-oalled raid ori the highways funds, to the extent of £350,000 sterling was discussed bri the Marlboroug|i Automobile Association and the ' following resolution was carried unanimously:—That this Association views with alarm the reported intention of the Govern ment to eliminate the annual grant of £200.000 from the Public Works fund to the Main Highways fund a.nd to divert portion- of the petrol tax from the main roads to other purposes. The' : Association considersthese proposals, if carried -into effect, would constitute a distinct breach of faith on the part of the Government towards the motorists of the Dominion. ,

DREDGER SOLD,

GISBORNE, August 17

Negotiation): for the sale by the* Gisborne Harbour Board, of the dredger Maui now on hire to the Government -atf< Westport have been completed, the -i Government having acquired the vessel, for £16,000. . i