DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1930, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

HOTEL BURNT.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association,

NELSON, April 8

Belgrove Hotel, owned by J. Bowers, and occupied by G. B. McDonald, a fifteen roomed two storey wooden building, was totally destroyed by are iso'ni after mid-night last night. Nine occupants escaped in their night attire One, John Galvin, was badly burned and hospftalled, and is in a critical condition. Insurances contents £(150 South British, building £2,50(1 in Queensland office.

WELCOME RAIN

PALMERSTON N., April 8

A dry period extending over the past four weeks, was broken at noon when rain set in. A light drizzle has now developed into a steady downpour, that will be welcome throughout the district.

AUTHORITY ON PARROTS

DUNEDIN, April 8

Charles Bills, a recognised authority on parrots, expresses his disbelief that the disease causing so many deaths ;n New Zealand is parrot fever. He states that the mortality among Mexicans t tid African greys hats always been abnormally high, being due to trails,pj.'tntion conditions, change of water nnci rigors of acclimatisation. He scales that of the last shipment of 50 pane's to Dunedin, 40 died within 2 nmn+tw In his opinion the disease which is causing the present deaths is sniff'es.* the first sign of which is mucus at the nostrils. He further stated that Wanganui district was notoriously unhealthy for parrots, a previous consignment there having died.

OILFIELDS REPORT. -

GISBORNE, April 8

Taranaki oil fields report for the week ended April sth—Gisborne No. 2 well worked tools down to 3900 feet, hut renewed caving in between 3800 and 3900 feet caused the drill pipe to stick and prevented further progress. Recovered drill pipe. Bottom 100 feet badly bent. Preparing to shoot and test sand below 2,635 feet.

RAIN FALLING

NEW PLYMOUTH. April 8. The drought has ended, .31 inches of rain falling last night, and is continuing fairly heavily.. The rain was very welcome to farmers, and if •it continues, should relieve the power sftortage.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

CHRISTCHURCH, April 8

The Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe arrived at Christchurch this morning and were enthusiastically welcomed. They attended a civic reception at noon, and were presented with an address.

CYSE SETTLED

CHRISTCHURCH, April 8

A case in which Douglas Cotton, a Jockey, proceeded against Frederick Pi Claridge, a trainer, for £3OO damages for alleged defamation, was called before the Magistrate'this morning, hut was adjourned to the afternoon. Counsel for defendant stating it would be settled. Subsequently a settlement was made.