DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

RETRENCHMENT. (Australian Press Association) WELLINGTON. February 25. Regarding the question of Civil Service retirements, when the matter was referred to the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes stated that the whole question of effecting economics was being dealt with by the Economy Committee of Cabinet set up while iu England 'File Committee was still at work, and lie was unable to say whether the question of retiring civil servants at an earlier age than now provided for had been considered or not. As .soon as the Commiltue’s report was available, it would lie‘■’considered by Cabinet. The Goveri.uneni printer Mr W. Skinner, is stated to he retiring next month. ; , RAISING OF POSTAL MATES THE INCH EASES DECIDED ON. WELLINGTON. February 25 The revised postal charges that were foreshadowed-by.-the Prime Minister in his statement dealing with the economic position of the country; will he announced in the course of a day or two. Hoplyiug to a question this afternoon, Mr .Forbes said that the Cabinet ad already decided upon the Increases to be made, and regulations covering the revisions would be published in the next few days. In the meantime, the closest secrecy is being maintained regarding the changes. THEFT OF ART UNION BOOKS. WELLINGTON, February 25. Stealing several hooks of art union tickets, after he had been employed to sell them, brought Charles Hamilton Homer to a term of four months’ hard I labour, at the hands of Mr Page, S.M. this morning. The hooks were the property of St. Michael’s Church, Christchurch,, and the object of the art union was to provide funds lor the Church Choir. Romer was unemployed, and wits sent to the promoters of the art union by the Labour Department. Romer has a long list of convictions, and at present is serving a two months term for theft at Nelson. His new sentence will ho served at the- conclusion of the existing one. BANK OF N.S.W. DIVIDEND QUESTION. WELLINGTON. February 25. The Bank of New South Wales announces that the dividend on February 26 will lie paid “on the basis of our selling rate. L'loo in New Zealand equals Cl 04 10s in Australia, | that is. a dividend of 3s 7 l-3d per | cent, per share in New Zealand our- j renev for Os per emit, per share in Australian currency.” This is the first announcement in regard to the exchange actually to he charged. It could not he announced until the lowest rate possible had been approved by the head office.