DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 37, 26 January 1912, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS.

SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, January 24. At the annual conference of representatives of local bodies to-day, petitions in favour of a Saturday halfholiday were presented. As most of the signatories are city residents, it was resolved to adjourn the question till next Tuesday in order to get an expression of opinion from the suburban districts. , A counter petition in favour of the retention of Wednesday is being promoted. LETTER CARRIER CHARGED. Thames, January 24. At the Police Court to-day, William Law, a young postal official, was charged that he did fail to deliver and did destroy certain circulars.q It appeared that before the general election a large number of circulars went through the post. By inadvertence (no criminal or wicked intent being alleged) accused failed to deliver thirty circulars, and it is alleged he destroyed them. He subsequently gave the list of names overlooked and offered to deliver the circulars, but it was too close to the election. Accused pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence. ? : ;i '! ur * FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE. Rotorua, January 24. A public meeting to-night considered a scheme for the entertainment of delegates to the Fire' Brigades’ Conference, to 1 be held here in March. On Sunday, March 3rd, the customary church parade will be held. The official welcome will be extended on Monday morning. On Wednesday the delegates will be taken for a trip to Hamurana, Okere and Tikitere. Friday afternoon will be devoted to a visit to Waikarewarewa, and in the evening a smoke concert will be held. On Saturday afternoon verious recreations, such as bowls, tennis, and croquet will be indulged in. ■ Strong committees were set up to carry out the details. MINING ACT BREACHES. Reefton, January 24. Eleven cases alleging breaches under the Mining Acts and Regulations were, brought against the Progress, Mines’ manager and resulted in four convictions. One was for not having a gate and a rigid bar on the cage ; two for not having proper “back knocking” signals; and one for inadequate ventilation. The rest were ■ withdrawn or dismissed, i The convictions were recorded with i counsel’s fee £lO 10s. These are the [first cases of ■ this kind-toi be'(heard here for many years. THE PRICE OF SACKS. Timaru, v ;January 24. , Fnnnei;&,,having .complained .to. the Chamber of Commerce about the lack of fixed prices ( to be paid to farmers for sacks when selling produce, a meeting of merohnnts and millers this afternoon agreed.-to pay Ojd.for new season’s 48in. sacks, and 6d-for smaller. i ■ S.I. BAND CONTEST. Christchurch, January 24. The band contest was resumed today. Results Flugol Horn solo.—J. Trussel (Wanganui Garrison) 90, A. Boyer (Lyttelton Marine) 75, J. Lee (Timaru Garrison) 68, E. McLean (Mornington) 66, J. Currie (Kaikorai) 65, W. B. Scott (Wanganui) 61, E. McEwan (Inangahau) 60, A. Partridge (Woolston) 55. Trombone Trios.—Wanganui Garrison 85, Kaikorai 80, Petonc Municipal 75, Woolston 70, Hibernian 65, Mornirigton 60, Inangahua 55. Euphonium solo.—R. G. Estall ("Woolston) 90, W. Hickman (Wanganui Garrison) 80, J. Williams (Wanganui Garrison) 70, A. Kaye (Petone Municipal) 65, F. Donaldson 63, J. Williams (Inangahua) 60, J. Goodall (Wellington Tramways) 58, W. Sullivan (Lyttelton Marine) 56. BB Bass solo.—J. W. Collins (Timaru Garrison) 90, T. H. Hughes (Nelson Garrison) 85, A. A. Guthrie (Wanganui Garrison) 80, W. Fenton (Woolston) 70, W. Hoskin (Lyttelton Marine) 65, J. Terry (Hibernian) 60. PRIVATE WOOL BUYING. Invercargill, January 25. Wool buyers have been active in the country districts during the past fortnight. Up to one shilling is reported as having been paid in several instances. LAND FOR SETTLEMENT. Invercargill, January 25. The cutting up of the Conical Hills estate by Government surveyors is nearly completed. The ballot will probably be held in March. POSSUM TOO PLENTIFUL. Invercargill, January 25. Opposums have multiplied to such an extent on Stewart Island as to become a nuisance, working havoc in gardens. The settlers advocate that :i general shooting of the marsupials be permitted as a remedy for the nuisance. THEATRE FOR WANGANUL Wanganui, January 25. Mr H. E. White, Wellington, has been instructed by a local syndicate to prepare plans for an up-to-date theatre at the corner of the Avenue and Maria Place. The building will be three-storied and will accommodate between 1000 and 2000 people,