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Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1930, Page 4

“The veal effect of the Australian coal strike is to delay the readjustment of the cost of production,” said Sir Mark Sheldon, .chairman of the Australian Bank of Commerce, and formerly Australian Commissioner to the United States, in an interview, on the Aorangi at Auckland Sir Mark is a through passenger to Vancouver, en route to ijondon He is making a flying visit of a. fortnight in order to carry out a financial mission. The stoppage of production from a number of mine?, lie said, was not affecting Australia’s domestic ( ’iccds. The coal from the other pits still working was ample, hut the export trade to New Zealand, South America, and other overseas markets had been lost for the time being. The trouble was that the proposed and much-needed reduction of *ls or os a ton i,n the price of coal was being held up, and until the coal prices came down Australia could not develop an export trade in such products as steel, and industry in general must continue under a handicap. Money was certain to lie dear in Australia this year, and no relief could he expected for 12 months at the very least. Industrial trouble,'the advent of the Labour Government, the fall in wool, and the lower aggregate value of exports, all contributed to this .state of affairs, which would he reflected in New Zealand. It was unlikely that Australia would be able to borrow on atraetive terms iin either London or New York. This was not a. disadvantage at present .but rather a gain. No large necessary development works were called for. and the curtailment of borrowing would he all to the good. Sir Mark blamed the election tactics of the Federal Labour Party in a large degree for the coal trouble. The party he said, had made a number of promises which simply would not he carried out. The men had accepted them, and now could not he made to realise that tlie'y were impracticable. If Labour bad not come into office the strike would liave been ended some time ago. “As one of the largest employers in Australia T do not want In sen wages come down.” lie. said. “What T do want to see come down is tlio cost of production. The trouble is not about wages, hut about hours and conditions of work and silly disputes over trivialities.” Long experience of the Arhilration Court, oulending over 30 rears, had shown him il was 'an impediment to employment. The arbitration svstom prevented the good and industrious man from onrnitv a.s much as ho otherwise would while nvornaving the inferior worker.” The one tiling that would he disastrous is to cut down wages.” he concluded. “What Australia needs is more in return for the wages paid.”

Three severe shocks of earthquake were felt at Inangalwa Junction on Wednesday morning. One was a very prolonged shake, ami quite a number of residents became more or less alarmed. The shock was felt, slightly at Reef ton and Greymouth.

The Westland A. and P. Association meeting called for to-morrow has been postponed until Saturday, January 25th.

There was quite a large exodus by the train this morning a number having been held up by the train stoppage yesterday, and taking advantage of the through express this morning. There will lie a connection train this evening bringing the held up mails of yesterday.

The death took place on Wednesday at Christchurch of Air Thomas Candy, formerly a resident of Kumara. He was for many years mining in Kumara, and later was one of ,tlie roadmen on the Otira Gorge section, re-, tiring about five years, ago. He leaves a widow and two daughters (Airs R. T. C. Roberts, Cashmere Hills; and Airs Lewis, Opawa).

The death took place at Greymouth Hospital yesterday morning of Air A7ictor Ale-Coil at the age of 53 years. Deceased was a native of Victoria and resided at Hukarere for some time, removing to South Beach a, few years ago. Meeting with an accident whilst at work for the South Beach savmiTi a year ago, lie had been in bad health since. He leaves a wife, who is in hospital as the result of an accident in which she broke her leg, and a son and daughter.

The need for the restoration of n light for mariners on Sea View Hill is again being expressed.' With nighttrading here being revived there is said to he an urgent need for a guiding light, It is said on the last trip of the Aloa, there was some difficulty in picking up her position, and to avoid an accident the ship stood far to sea. The authorities would be well advised to take the matter up, and as electricity is now available for service on the hill, the light should he installed and maintained at a very low cost.

The timber trade from Hokitika to tlie North Island is likely to attract additional craft. A proposal is now under consideration to build a- boat .of the Zingara type, capable of carrying 150,C0T feet of sawn timber on an eight feet draught, and with ample power For working bar harbours and making reasonable speed between norts. A AYellington firm is moving in this matter, and if marine insuimice can he fixed on a satisfactory basis, the proposal is likely to he brought to function.

The Railway office advised yesterday afternoon about 4 o’clock that the Midland railway line had been cleared sufficiently to enable traffic to resume to-day. after the dislocation caused by the rain of Tuesday. A space of some thirteen miles was rendered impassable between Kowhai Bush and Avoca, as a result of slips and washouts, causing a temporary cessation of rail traffic. The obstructions have been cleared sufficiently, however,'for an express to he run to-day, while good? trains will also be enabled to pass through.

To-night should be a special fixture for those who delight in good dancing At the Soldiers’ Hall, commencing at 9 o’clock, two complete orchestras will simply a special dance programme. The occasion is a benefit for the R.S.A. building fund and a large attendance may he anticipated. The floor lias reeived special attention for the function. and with continuous music should he crowded throughout. Cool drinks and ices will he on sale- in the annexe throughout the evening. Air Fred Smith will lead the Christchurch Band, and Air Albert Lawn the Black Hand Orchestra.

McKay’s are making special reductions in Evening Frocks, priced from 14s lid to 45s—Advt. Addisons are making special reductions on all Millinery and Frocks.— Advt. The window at the Economical Crockery Shop is showing a few of the many lines that have been greatly -reduced. Fancy jugs Is each; plain glass jugs e-ac-Ei; coloured egg cups 3d each; glass lemon squeezers 4d each; glases 4d and 6d each; fancy cups and saucers 9d each; cup, saucer and plate 2s set; sandwich sets 6s Oil, 7s 6d, 8s (3d; 21-’.piece tea sets 9s 6d a set. P. Stephens, Proprietress.—Advt.

Addisons have just opened to-day a range of all the new shades in “ Lady Jane Hosiery.”—Advfc. Fluctuations of the current as experienced locally do not effect to any great extent the All Electric Majestci Radio set. A ballast tube overcomes this annoying condition and also protects the set against excessive voltage and the resultant burning out of transformers. Ring ’phone 112 and arrange for a demonstration. L. S. Ross, Majestic agent for Westland iO ■ I Your child needs a bicycle to go to school on. Buy one now at L. S. Ross’s C'vcloi Depot anti teach the child to ride before school starts. 12. 100 Tea pots all sizes to he cleared nf. the Economical Crockery Shop at very low cost of 2s 3d each. P. Stephens, Proprietress. —Advt. The vinegar of quality—Sharland’s Vinegar. Its strong, piquant flavour, and absolute purity have made it popular everywhere. In bulk or bottle.— Advt.

The order of Masses and Devotions in St. Mary’s Parish on Sunday, Jan. 19th. will lie as follows: Arahura 10 a.in., Hokitika 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 7 p.m.

Westland Hospital Board invites written tenders, closing on Jan. 25th., at noon, for the renovating of Ellis Cottages in Sewell St. See advertisement for particulars.

The Railway Department are running an excursion train to Otira and Arthur’s Pass on Sunday next. The train \cnves Hokitika at 7.30 a.m. and arrives hark at 8.38 p.m,./ Fares from Hokitika are 8s 9d return. An excursion train is also running to Otira from Christchurch.

The Hokitika High School Board is arranging for a. hostel to he opened for female pupils attending the Hokitika District High School. The hostel will be under the supervision

Evans, from whom terms can be obtained. The hostel: will lie in the Government 'House property, which at present is undergoing considerable renovation, and which should prove very suitable for the purpose.

1 doz. hearth rugs to clear at 12s 6d, at McKay’s.—Advt.

You are always in want of towels. We have just what you want in a large assortment. Prices from Is 9d per pair to 13s 6d per pair at Frank Bade’s. ’Phone 179.—Advt. Girls’ School Uniforms in all sizes with bloomers to match in navy, Zampa cloth from 7s lid at McKay’s.— Advt.

We wish to thank our numerous clients for their patronage during the past year and trust that we will be privileged to again render you the satisfactory service as in the past. Patersons for value.—Advt.

We have secured a large range of curtain nets at a price. These are selling readily at Is Gd, Is lid to 2s 9d a yard. Call early or ring ’phone number 179 and secure your requirements at Frank Bade’s. —Advt.