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Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1930, Page 4

The Railways Statement was presented to Parliament this week. As might be expected it is largely a record of drift financially. Although the gross income from the services provided by the Department increased during the year by £39,078 to £8,288,110, the expenditure advanced by no less than £509.476 to £7,358.859. and the net earnings fell by £470.398 to £929,257, Interest charges, however, amounted to £2,132,324,. which, after I deducting the net earnings and' making n small adjustment;- left a defiicienc.v of £1,211,209. The increase in the deficit—it is £778,526 greater than last year—is attributed by the General Manager partly to changes m financial policy governing lowes on development lines, partly to increased interest payments at higher rates, and partly to causes such as a decline in passenger revenue, the- diversion of traffic to the road, the late season for live stock transport, the late distribution of fertilisers in the North Island, the reduction in the number of'woo! bales railed, and the loss of a- recovery from the Department of Agriculture; but there still remains a heavy loss due to deeper-seated causes. Since 1926 the net .earnings have suffered a steady decline - from £1,992.334 -to £921,055, while a surplus of £21,023 in 1926 has been rapidly converted -into a record deficit of £1,211,269. The percentage of working expanses to gross earnings has risen since 1926 from 76.45 to 88.88; the percentage of net earnings to capital invested has fallen in the same period from 4.35 to 1.61. It has been left to the Railway Commission to suggest remedies for this decline. Some light is thrown on the railways’ economic plight by the General Manager, who reports that money had to be bortlowed from the Consolidated Fund to meet outstanding liabilities for wages and other expenses, and that there is no prospect of repaying the , major part of the amounts so borrowed. The Minister also mentions that in view of the heavy annual losses he has been compelled to authorise the closing down of certain branch lines and isolated sections, an economy the value of which lias been largely bv the Minister’s action }n postponing the operation of his mvn orders. The present financial year being now far advanced, unless some large economies are soon effected, jt will probably show little improvement. There is to be n conference of Parties bo consider the heavy annual loss estimated on the seven lines of railways now under construction, nnd the Railway Commission has been given an extension of a month to submit its report, which is to be considered before any comprehensive changes of policy are instituted; but all this will take time. The Minister expects the revenue for the current year to reach £8,470,695, nnd the expenditure to he £6,378,003; but much will have to happen before March 31st, next If this sanguine anticipation is' to he realised,

New Spring hats opened to-day at Addisons, inspection invited.—.»clvt.

There was a light earthquake shock experienced locally last- night at 7.30 o’clock.

The annual general meeting of the Hokitika Cricket Club will be held in Keller's Sample Rooms this. (Saturday) evening at 7.30 o'clock sharp. All members and intending members are cordia iiy invited to attend.—Advt.

The Rev. L. B. Neale has been elected unopposed to the Christchurch City Council to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr J. A. Flasher. His was the only liominotion received at noon on Thursday, when nominations closed. Mr Neale stood as an Independent candidate so as to avoid the cost of an election.

A distant earthquake shock disturbed a small western city and reeked the municipal building so that the councilman, then in session, left, with out the usual ceremonies. The clerk a man of rules and regulations - / was pu;. fed how to give his record the proper official tone. Finally he evolved this masterpiece: “On the motion of the city hall, the council adjourned.”

At a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union on Wednesday at Wellington, when a letter from Taranaki Rugby Union detailing its action concerning the disqualification of E. Roebuck for striking a referee came up, further penalties were imposed, including ' disqualification for life. Roebuck is also to be warned off nil the grounds under the jurisdiction of the New Zenlnnd Union ap’d is. to be debarred for life from holding.any office in Rugby organisations,

The determination of the. Government not to he coerced by American film renters was expressed by the Acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. l£.. A. Ransom, in the House on Thursday, in reply to an urgent question by Mr W. Nash (Lab., Hutt). Mr Nash drew attention to the statement that American firms intended to boycott New Zealand on account of the increased .film, tax-and Mr Ransom’s statement was greeted with approval by the House. “The Govern-, ment ■ has no official intimation of any proposed boycott of New Zealand by the American Film Corporation,” said Mr Ransom. “On the contrary statement have appeared in the-Press to the effect, that, the film y producers, have no 'intention of withdrawingfrom the New Zealand market. If, however,- the hon. gentleman can produce evidence that such a boycott is contemplated, the Government will have enquiries made into the matter, but having regard to the fact - that the legislation imposing this taxation has : already been passed by the Horisq the Government has no intention ot being coerced by any corporation,” (Hear, hear.)

.A special meeting off the Hokitika Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon at 4.45 o’clock. Present:—. Messrs M. H. Houston (Chairman), E. \V. HeCnan, W. E, Richards, J, J, Mclntosh, J), P, Stuart and Dr Teichelmnnn, The Chairman stated that on investigation he had ifountt that the cost of the proposed repair work at the flagstaff was higher than members had thought it would be at the last meeting, and he had .thought it advisable to call the Board'together to further consider the question. Mi Ileenan said that there was a difference of opinion ns to the number, oi struts required to be put in, and tins affected the cost considerably. Yesteidny, as a result of the visit to the South wall a large quantity of iron bolts and straps had been secured, that would reduce the cost by some £SO, After discussion it was*' resolved to carry out the work on a modified scale, and if then found necessary the additional work could be effected, the details being left to the Chairman and .secretary to arrange in regard to material and workmen. In reply to an enquiry by Mr Richards as to the power of the Board in regard to the deposits in the river* from the Borough sewers, it was decided to illlow matters to stand as at present the Board not being desirous of' raising any controversy on the subject The Board rose at 3.20 p.in. .

Wo have a very fine assortment of summer dress materials, silk voiles, crepe, clarise, mousselines, Also spotted and floral prints and tobralcos.— McKay’s,—Advt, With the continued fine weather tennis players will be looking forward to early playing this season, With this in view A. W. Yarrall has landed his new season’s tennis rackets,, and is now showing all the best makes, and as usual the prices are right, ranging from 15s, Call and inspect.—Advt. Addison can show you the newest in house furnishings of every description. These have been carefully chosen anu will add charm to your home.—Advt. Whitebait are now making their appearance throughout the Coast, Patersons have just opened their new stock |of whitebait netting, BQin. at Is lid •id 2s 6d yard, Be prepared for an rly run—Advt. 1 ‘ We have much pleasure in extending to you a cordial invitation to view our ' extensive showing of our new spring and summer millinery. Special show • days: August 25th, and 27th. Schroder and Co.—Advt. Men ! We have a small number of' fancy worsted suits to clear at 99a 6d. These suits are worth from £5 10s to £6 10s,—W, H. Stopf orth’s.—Advt.

All new Spring goods now opened! up at McKay’s.—Advt.

Wailio Gorge annual sports, Mon* *, day Sept. Bth. Good variety of events. #» Dance in the evening. Good music anti supper. Efficient M.G. Admission to dance, gents 4s, ladies.2s.— Advt.

A house of six rooms owned by Mr E, Pinn, of Runanga, was destroyed by lire- early yesterday morning. Mr and Mrs Pinn and family retired at 11. p.m. on Thursday night, and at 2 a.in. Mr Pinn discovered the dining-room, in flames above the fireplace. No water was available to fight the fire, and the contents of the house, which was insured, were also lost.

Competition competitors will be plened to know that Mr Barton Gingafr \ is i.nclud’ing in his repertoire “Not -\m Understood,” “The Highwayman” and ' “The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” whilst Pryss Evans, the colobjrated Welsh poet will he illustrated in “The Sons of the Welsh, Evan, Tom and P : "k Fisherman.” Tickets may be obtained at Hrocklehurst’s, Kennedy’s and Mclntosh’s, wheife fflie booking plan is now open. The death occurred yesterday morning of Mrs Margaret Rose, aged 58 years, at the residence of her mother, Mrs D. Hamilton, Marsden Road. Tha late Mrs-Rose was the widow of Mr Joseph Rose, of Westport, who died twelve months ago. She leaves one 1 son, Mr Joseph Rose, and one daugh- - ter, Miss Lila Rose, both of Westport. She is survived by her mother, Mrs D, Hamilton, two brothers, William, of South Beach, and Andrew, of Hokitika, nnd six sisters, Mesdames Griffen, Richardson, Moss and Collins, of Grey mouth; Mrs Stratford, of Paron, and Mrs Mikkelsen, of Wanganui. Special purchase ! Six dozen boys’ strong saddle tweed shorts for school wear, sizes 3 to 6, os lid; 7 to 12, 7s 9d; 13 to 16, 9s 6d. Obtainable only at Frank Bade’s, ’phone 179.—Advt. New season’s tennis halls, 1931 marking, just arrived, 4s pair at Yarrall’s Sports Depot, Revell St.—Advt. Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure First aid for Coughs, Colds, Influents. ■, Our new frock lengths are now opened out in silk voile, art silk moreeains, / art silk crepe, figured, satins,, silk rayon, silk rayon brocade, organdie and many other novelties. All cordially invited. Schroder and Co.—Advt, Finlay’s super twill single/and double sheets selling at a special, pash discount. Limited quantity. W. H. Stopfortb’s.—Advt. , ' f