DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1918, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

CABLE LEAK CAUSED BY SHARK. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Jan. IC. The Telegraph Department was greatly surprised recently to find that the cable newly laid across the Straits had developed a fault. On inspection a shark's tooth was discovered embedded in the Insulation, which had caused a leak. ALLEGED BREACHES OF BANKRUPTCY ACT. Wellington, Jan. 1(1. In tiiv Magistrate's Court to-day Arthur Waldeman Schaef, photographer, bankrupt, pleaded not guilty of alleged breaches of the Bankruptcy Act, viz., failing to deliver up property amounting to £ISOO, concealing that property, and failing fo keep proper books. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. THE MINIMUM WAGE. Wellington, Last Night. Cabinet decided to-day that the minimum for married men in the public service, and also in the postal department, be £l5O per year. THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE Wellington, Last Night. The question of New Zealand's representation at the Imperial Conference has been postponed for a week. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL UNION. Wellington, Last Night. I The ballot of the Agricultural and Pastoral Union on a proposal to link up with the Australian Workers' Union resulted: For, 1325; against, 450. The election of officers resulted:—President: Arthur Cook (Christchurch) 785; Arthur King (Timaru), 584; J. Townshend (Wanganui), 474. Secretary: C. Grayndlor, 1465; M. Laracy, 389. Executive (14 nominations): William Boono (Christchurch), 1131; A. Middlemiss (Gore), 1045; J. Mee (Wellington), 1023; S. Borebom (Dunedin), 060; C. Baldwin (Christchurch), 917; R. Register (Blenheim), 837. The positions of the last-named three may be affected by returns still to come, but their return is considered certain. J. G. Bruce was returning officer. INDIAN TRADE. Wellington, Yesterday. Following upon the offer made by the Imperial Government, the Government of India expresses, a desire to utilise the services of his Majesty's Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, in the interests of Indian trade. As a result of this arrangement, which is part of the larger scheme for fostering inter-linperial trade, Mr. Dalton (Trade Commissioner) will be prepared to answer enquiries regarding the trade of India, and to communicate with the Government of India in cases where the required information is not already available.