DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

END OF THE OLD PLACE, (By Telegraph.—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 20. The last official function to take place at the Defence Headquarters, in Buckle Street, prior to their demolition, was held this morning, when Rear Admiral Geoffrey Blake paid an official call upon the new General Officer Commanding the New Zealand .Military Forces, Major-General Sinclair Burgess. The officers of the Permanent- Staff provided a guard of honour, and the JLN.Z.A. fired a salute, the last probably that will ring out from the- old site at Mount- Cook. The- “G.H.Q.” will now fake up new quarters in the Defence buildings at the corner of Taranaki and Buckle Streets. ! SIZE OF PARLIAMENT. ' DUNEDIN. April. 20. At a meeting of the Council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce tonight it- was decided to reply to the Associated Chambers that the Council is in favour of the .reduction ol the members of- the Legislative Council to 20, and of-a substantial reduction in the membership of the House ol Representatives. POLITICAL. ELTIIAM. April 20. It is understood Unit at a meeting of Reform supporters in the Egmont electorate', it was decided to put a Reform candidate in the field against the sitting member, Mr Wilkinson. A selection lias yet to be made. Mr Wilkinson stood last time ns an Independent. FIR K DAMAGE. WELLINGTON, April 21. Motor ears in the workshops and showrooms of W. Birkett and Sons’, garage, Thorndou Quay, were 1 hadlv damaged in a lire that swept the ground floor of the building at 11.50 last night. The brigade prevented the complete destruction of the interior of the two storied structure, hut the loss of vehicles, is heavy. A house next door was slightly damaged,