DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1931, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

ORDER OF FORESTERS. RETURN OF GRAND SIRE. By Telegraph—Per Press Association ) WELLINGTON, November 16. Mr L. Deans-Ritchie, of Dunedin, Grand Sire of the; 1.0.0. F. Lodge in New Zealand and Australia returned to-day by the Mnkura from San Francisco after representing New Zealand and .Australia at a conference of the order in Winnipeg.. He said that the conference was an exceptionally big one, , over 7000 representatives being present. Mr Ritchie toured America and Canada. The scenic resorts’ of Canada were very beautiful, but be thought that New Zealand scenery was equal to any he had seen.

“USELESS APPENDAGE.”

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CONDEMNED.

WELLINGTON, November 16

The Thorndon Branch of the A.S.R.S. passed a resolution favouring the abolition of the Legislative Council as a measure of economy. The motion characterises it as “a useless appendage, the existence of which is without justification.” It is stated that appointments to the Council are used as gifts for services rendered to political parties and to provide pensions for derelict politicians. Everything in connection with appointment to the Council* the resolution continues, implies patronage for the political party in power, that has a decided smack of Tammany" .ism which would not he tolerated for a single moment by an intelligent and clear-thinking democracy.

“WHITE NEW ZEALAND.” CAMPAIGN AGAINST ASIATICS. WELLINGTON, November 17. The White New Zealand League), whose headquarters are at Pukekohe has circularised public bodies throughout the Dominion soliciting support in requesting the Government to bring down legislation to effect an embargo on the admission of Asiatics into the Dominion.

The circular *states that there are approximately 5000 Asiatics in the Dominion, and if Europeans and Maoris were to replace them in their avenues of employment it would greatly assist unemployment. The occupations favoured by them, including market gardening, frpiterers*hawkers, laundrymen, nurseymen and general storekeepers, could well be filled by Europeans and Maoris of a better class from the ranks of the unemployed; the league declares.