DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1917, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS.

By Telegraph.—'Press 'Association. Wellington, Jimp 12. 'A deputation of Waipawa residents waited on Sir Francis Bell, Acting Minister of Lands, today to request that certain properties be acquired in the 'Hawke's Bay district for the puropse of settling returned soldiers. The two properties specially mentioned mere Pourerere and Taumumu, of 6000 and 7000 acres respectively. The Minister, replying, pointed out that the Government money available for purchasing land for settlement was not unlimited, but certainly soldiers would receive first consideration. The point the Government had to see to was that the most suitable land was obtained. At present the land aavilable was equal to the demand; the Government, however, had an eye on several suitable properties with a view to future requirements, and some properties in Hawke's Bay were included among them. Westport, June 12. The Westport Coal Company and the Stockton Company have made agreements with all the employees' unions, the agreements to have currency until six months after the conclusion of the war, with a minimum of three years. The agreements provide for an increase of 17% per cent, on pre-war rates to contract men (coal heavers), and 20 per cent, to wages men, existing working conditions to continue. The men are now working to the maximum output and as the harbor is in gplendid order the only drawback to a steadily increasing coal export is the shortage of bottoms. A COMPENSATION AWARD. Auckland, June 12. The Arbitration Court awarded tlie widow and daughter of William Grace, laborer, £Hi34 and costs against the Auckland Gas Company. Deceased, while employed by the company in laying a gas service in a house received a cut on the finger from which tetanus resulted, causing his death. The court was satisfied that the injury arose out of and was sustained in the course of his employment.