DOMINION ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1932, Page 6

DOMINION ITEMS

BIG DECREASE IN CUSTOMS RETURNS. \ DUNEDIN, Feb. 29. The Customs returns for last month were £42,472 15 s fid, compared with the same period last year £60,831 16s sd; beer £20,481 5s 3d against £12,763 15s 2d ; petrol £12,180 18s against £12,023 9s; tyres £l4l against £672 17s. Vital statistics for February were as follows (figures for the corresponding month last year being given in parenBirths 113 (135), deaths 60 (68), marriages 54 (45). RADIO RECEIVING LICENSES. WELLINGTON, Feb. 27. Air H. D. Vickery, chairman of the Broadcasting Board, states that there is no intention to increase the fees for radio receiving licenses.

DUNEDIN DRAINAGE BOARD. DUNEDIN, Feb. 26. The Dunedin Drainage Board- reports that owing to the fact that only £12,000 is available for the next six months’ work, an immediate reduction in the Board’s constructional staff from 118 to 71 is necessary, and that the smaller number can only be employed on the basis of one week in four.

BULK PETROL STORAGE, WELLINGTON, Feb. 26 . Tbe directors of Associated Motorists’ Petrol Company, Ltd., have decided to erect installations for hulk ’ petrol storage at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton and Dunedin. The directors state that New Zealand or British materials and appliances will be used exclusively. The work of erection will be put in' hand in the very near future.

NEXT ASSEMBLY AT WANGANUI. CHRISTCHURCH, March 1. The Presbyterian General Assembly decided to hold the next assembly at Wanganui, on February 22nd 1933. A motion to bold the Assembly in Auckland was defeated by a large majority.

RACING OWNER. I DECIDES TO RETIRE. DUNEDIN, March 1. Georgt J. Barton, one of the beet known racing and trotting owners in New Zealand, has - decided to retire, and if possible all horses will be auctioned before Easter.

A BIG SAVING. REDUCTION OF INTEREST. AUCKLAND, March 1. In consequence of 22) per cent, reduction of interest in Australia-, Waitimata Power Board saved '£1293 on its half yearly payment of interest due in Sydney to-day. The Boarjl has been advised by the Auditor General that it is entitled to make the deduction and that any payment without deduction would .be contrary to the law.