DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS.

PRISON REFORM

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, January 6,

Sent by the Home Office on an Empire tour to investigate* and report on the penal systems in different imperial countries, Air J. L. Weldon, of the British Government, arrived from Australia this morning. He will spend three weeks in New Zealand before going on to America. He is studying particularly the prison organisation and treatment of juvenile offenders.

LORD BLEDISLOE

DUNEDIN', January 6

The Governor-General paid a visit this morning to the Public Art Gallery. where lie was met by Sir Lindo Ferguson (Vice-President of the Art Gallery Society) and taken through the building. A visit to the Batchelor Alaternity Home was made later, after which His Excellency lunched with Sir John Roberts. In the afternoon, accompanied by Lady Bledisloe, he. opened new cottages at the Glendining Children’s Home. To-morrow His Excellency will visit the Town Hall, Public Library, Early Settlers’ Afuseum. and the city. A social evening at the Returned Soldiers’ Club will be his evening engagement.

A MAORI CURIO. WELLINGTON, January 7. A Totara pole, placed in the bed of Poukawa Lake. Hawkes Bay by a noted Maori chief over 200 years ago which possesses considerable historical importance. has been uncovered during the lowering of the water level by the Lands Department. The pole, which is firmly embedded in the lake bottom, is reputed to have been placed in the position by one of two rival chiefs as the line of demarcation for tribal fishing rights. Tt is in a good state of preservation, situated about 20 chains from the old outlet Around its presence centres a story of a dispute between chiefs, whose deeds have been handed down through successive generation. The pole is about four inches in diameter, the surface being watenvorn and the outside encrusted vfi'tli a limestone deposit. Further investigations will be made when the lake is drained to a lower level. Hon. E. A. Ransom indicated that if the pole appears to be identical with, that placed in the lake by one of the ATaori chiefs, the Lands Department would make suitable arrangements for its protection to prevent it being damaged in any way.