DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1918, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS.

SHEARERS' ACCOMMODATION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, May 22. A deputation from the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers' Union waited on the Acting-Minister of Labor regarding accommodation for shearers and others at many country stations. The deputation described the conditions as disgraceful, Mr. Herries replied that, according to reports received, improvements had been effected in the aheds which had been the subject of complaints previously. He assured the deputation that the Labor Department was really anxious to carry out the law as it stood. Ho believed the Department had endeavored to compel employers to observe the law. All the stations mentioned would be inspected, and, if possible, improvements made. Any proposal for the amendment of the Act would be submitted to Mr. Massey, with a view to action being taken next session. ACCIDENTS ON WHARVES. Wellington, May 22. The commission of inquiry into accidents on wharves commenced its sittings hero to-day. Peter Petersen, marine superintendent for the Richardson Company, Napier, deposed that he knew of no accidents during the past two years at Wellington and Napier due to defective gear, and considered the present inspectors were "over the mark." He did not know of the victimisation of men reporting defects. The annual inspection on 3mall vessels was very strict, and the Government inspector had the right to stop work if he thought a winch or gear was defective.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATES DESTROYED.

Wellington, May 22. The medical certificates furnished by men who are called up for examination under the Military Service Act for the information of a medical board cease to be the property of the reservist concerned when once handed over, and are not, therefore, returnd to them after examination. The military authorities take the stand that information contained in medical certificates is often of a highly confidential nature, and, in order to safeguard the interests of the men examined, the medical boards have considered it advisable to destroy certificates immediately after perusal by the examining doctors. If the reservist desires to retain the certificate he has to ask his medical adviser to furnish it in duplicate, one copy being for the medical board and one for himself. CHINESE LAUNDRY ROBBED. Carterton, May 22. The premises of Sun Shing, laundryman, were entered by burglars between Friday and Monday. The owner was away for a few days, and on his return discovered that the place had been broken into and the sum of £55 stolen. The thief was evidently familiar with the premises, as ho went straight to the money, and nothing else was disturbed. EMPLOYING A DESERTER. Masterton, May 22. James Donovan was fined £SO in court to-day for having employed a military deserter.