DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1931, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS

PREFERENCE FOR EX-SOLDIERS. MR COATES'S ADVOCACY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 31. A deputation to Air Coates, Opposition Leader, yesterday, from returned soldiers, asked that tlie Rehabilitation Act he put into force. Air Coates said that he would have pleasure in asking the Government to put the Act into operation. He said that he could not believe that it would he very expensive to have vocational officers appointed in the main centres, whose duty would be to try and find suitable employment lor returned men. Air Coates said ho understood that nothing was being done at all on thy question of preterence to returned men. Ai r Co ates said that one tiling that returned men had to face was the decreasing public interest. Returned men were promised preference when th.ey returned from the front; yet recently, when Government staffs were reduced, the question of giving them preference should have received thei fullest consideration. Returned soldiers with families were among the first to he turned out, and this he thought was wrong, as in some instances single men had been kept in their places. Air T. L. Drummond said: “AVe want to know whether, if you are Prime Minister, you will see to return* ed soLiieis,” Mr Coates; “{ am only too glad to say that l would see that their efforts for the country are not forgotten. It is most f regrgvtahie that their work should be forgotten, as it has been.” WELLINGTON BANKRUPTCIES. WELLINGTON, June 1. There were six bankruptcies last month in AYellington compared with three a year ago. The three last month were Miniature Golf Course Proprietors. The total for the year to date i.s 44, against 24 for five months fast year. VITAL STATISTICS. WELLINGTON, June 1. Births in Wellington in Alay totalled 192 agaii) S t 214 in May last year. Deaths were 86 against 87. Marriage notices were 110 against 103 and marriages by register 45 against 30. AN APPOINTMENT. WELLINGTON. June I. Air A. J. Murdoch announces receipt of advice that Atr Thomas Lodge C. 8., has been appointed as United Kingdom representative on the Phosphate . Commission in succession to the late | Sir George Saltmnrsh, who lost his . life in the recent railway accident in England. ■ Air Lodge served on the Board of , Trade from 1905 i# 1918. and was ! Secretary to the Afinistl’y of Shinning from 1919 to 1920 when lie retired to take up private business, He is considered to be well qualified for the ( position.