DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1929, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

RIMUTAKA SLIP PROBLEM.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 5,

In reply to criticism on the Public Works Department’s alleged slackness in-clearing Rimutaka slips, Mr Furkert (Chief Engineer) says all possible is being done. If the road were completely closed, until properly cleared, it would be quicker, cheaper and less risky. People were always ready to take risks, and endeavoured to cross the slip. The road is really dangerous and it needs only the slightest swerve lor a ear to go over. Men were working in 9$ hour shifts, but not. at night, as it was toi dangerous. As to blasting, it had been done several times, without satisfactory results. There were deep cracks in tin* hill si-’e, and no sooner was one lot cleared than another eaime down. The place was unsafe for pedestrians. How long it would take to repair'the damage he could not say. The men were working as quickly as possible, but had to go carefully. TAW A FLAT TUNNEL. WELLINGTON, September 6. The flow of water in Tawa Flat tunnel, which interfered with construction last week, was got in hand by Sunday and since then the pumps have, been able to keep pace with the flow,.which is now small. 1 1 STRUCK BY MOTOR-CAR, DUNEDIN, September 6. While riding a motor cycle- along Wiikie road yesterday evening,-Edwin Arthur Garchow whs struck by a motor car, receiving head injuries and fracture of both legs. In the sequel, David Craig Miller Andrews pleaded not guilty at the Police Court to being intoxicated in charge of a car. He was remanded on bail to October 18th.' Garchowjs condition is fairly serious.' FOUND DROWNED. AUCKLAND, September 6. Peter Hand, aged between 45 and 50, a labourer by occupation, -was found drowned in the harbour. A letter addressed to “ Mabel,” supposed to be his-daughter, was found in his clothing, which indicated he was tired of life and intended to commit suicide. He had been out of work but otherwise did not appear to have any financial worry.

AIR TRAINING. GISBORNE. Sept. 6,

Though Gisbonie is without a permanent airfield, arrangements have been made with the Hawke’s . Bay Aero Club to give flying instructions to local enthusiasts and the first flight was made to-day from Makaraka racecourse, Captain White, of Hastings, being in the instructor’s seat. Ten aspirants for. licenses took a . preliminary course of instruction to-day.

ENA STOCKLEY TQ LIVE IN SYDNEY. AUCKLAND, September P. Miss Ena Stockley, Dominion sprint champion swimmer, left by the Ulimuroa to-day to live in Sydney. METEORITE FALLS. AUCKLAND, September 6. Two Mb. Albert residents state Unit last night from the top of Duncan Avenue' tliey saw a meteorite fall into Mission Swamp (a big stretch otf waste land in the vicinity)., It was so near they thought it was going to strike houses between Mt, Albert road *nd the edge of the swamp. , UNUSUAL ACCIDENT. DUNEDIN, Sept, 6. An unusual accident caused the hospitalling yesterday, with a compound fracture ot the nose, of Harold Crawford aged 23, an employees at a service station. He was removing a tyre from a car wheel when the tube burst, blowing the rim against his face. POWER BOARD LOAN POLL CARRIED. lIAWERA, Sept. 6. By a five to one majority, the ratepers of South Taranki Power . Board area yesterday sanctioned a loan of £187,500 to enable the, Board to purchase and develop Hawera Electric Lighting Coy’s undertaking at the price of £125,687. This ; price was fixed by arbitration after seventeen days’ hearing last month, and aroused the Dominion-wide interest of accountants. engineers and legal profession. Mr Myers was counsel for ,t,he Board, this being one of his la<=t cases before his elevation to the Bench.