DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1929, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

SHINGLE CONTRACTS. UNDERCUTTING BY PRISON LABOUR. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. V - The Minister of Justice was asked by Mr Armstrong (Ohriscchurch East) to-day if he is aware that the Prisons Department j$ tendering 'for contracts for the supply of shingle and in many ■cases its price is little more than halt that at which outside contractors can supply when paying award wages. He stated that many men employed in shingle pits were being discharged owing to prison competition ‘reducing the work of private contractors. The Hon. T. M. Wilford replied that be was looking into the matter. For the past fortnight he had been in communication with Christchurch shingle pit proprietors, and a letter from them had raised questions which would have to .be discussed with the head of the department. He also desired further information (from shingle contractors, 1 before that discussion took place.

ASSAULT CHARGE WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. Charles Archer Bryant, 37, was sentenced to two months by Mr Page, S.M., for assaulting John Riley so as to cause actual bodily harm. Accused pleaded guilty. It was stated the assault took place last night, Riley being struck with a bottle, receiving a deep cut on the head. INQUEST VERDICT. AUCKLAND, Oct. 18. At the inquest on Frank Leonard Winter, found dead in his office yesterday, evidence was given by his brother-in-law that deceased was survived by'awife and three children. Deceased was a partner with Harold Tarrant, or Wellington, in Rustless Door Pad Coy. A letter written by deceased Avas produced and read as follows:. “Everything seems hopeless, I- have made a mess of my life. May I be forgiven God only can say.' Nobody, seems to want me or care. I cannot get any business. Everything Ido seems to go wrong. I wonder if you will be able to think anything of me? at times I sincerely hope so. My brain seems completely turned. I would do anything to stay and amend my faults but it seems impossible.’.’ - The Cbroner returned -a verdict of death due to poisoning.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. TAUMARUNUI, October 18. The hearing of further charges of theft and fraud against John Martin Bishara, garage proprietor, and Geoffrey Alva Trayburn, general manager, otf Bishara Bros., concluded. Accused pleaded not guilty and were committed to Supreme Court for trial, bail being 'alloAved.

AN INTERIM DIVIDEND. WELLINGTON, October 18. The Board of Directors of the National Bank of Australasia decided to pay an interim dividend at the rate of ten per cent per annum in both classes of shares on November 27th.