DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1931, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS

BANKING AFFAIRS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 6. A proposal that the Post Office Savings Bunk should receive unlimited amounts was recently made to the Premier by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. To-da.v Mr Forbes replied that the proposal would practically mean turning the bank into a commercial bank, entailing a radical alteration in forms of investment of the bank's funds. Short-term commercial deposits could not safely be invested in long-term invesfments and that class of deposits would be of little use to the Government which was unable to agree to increase the present maximum amount of C 2091) on which interest was payable. Regarding increased bookkeeping charges imposed by the banks. Mr Forbes said this was to offset the additional amount of note tax, which had been increased 3 to 4] per cent. It was understood the banks do not propose to pass on the additional income tax imposed. Nevertheless Mr Forbes said lie thought the hanks might till have .refrained from increasing the charge for keeping accounts, especially at the preesnt time. He suggested the Union should discuss the matter with the banks.

ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY. HAMILTON, May fl, A salesman, Augustine Sul 1 ivon 35, who wa s remanded at Auck land from Wellington yesterday on a charge of house breaking, escaped (Tom his escort at four o’clock tlm morning by jumping from the train after it left Frankton Junction. REM A INS LDENTIF.I ED. NAPIER. May 6. The remains found in Bestall’s building some time ago are definitely established as those of Miss Joyce Elizabeth Taylor, aged 17, an assistant in the firm. -MR FORBES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 6. Air Forbes who was at his home at Cheviot this morning, s f| id he was not yet in a position to make a statement regarding Air Coates’ action in declining the Government’s offer for fusion. Art 1 Forbes s*Ud' the reply from the Leader of the‘Opposition, required consideration ’ and possibly a conference with members of his party.