DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1918, Page 8

DOMINION NEWS.

FIRE BRIGADE RESIGNS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Rotorua, Last Night. The members of the Rotorua Fire Brigade, except three who were absent from the meeting, decided to resign, alleging that file Fire Board had put into commission an unreliable motor hosereel and put the blame for Us defects upon the superintendent, who was not responsible fo» it« purchase. The superintendent resigned after the last meeting of the board. INCREASES .IN WAGES. Wellington, Last Night. Returns prepared by the Government Statistician from an inspection of Arbitration Court awards and industrial agreements, show the general increases in wages as from July, lftlO, to July, I'fllS. The highest increase is for shearers, 37 per cent., others being:—Grocers' assistants, Jl3 per cent.; woollen workers, male 24, female 20; waterside workers, 25; timber workers, 20; storemen, 23; seamen, 27; furniture makers, 20; feilmongers, 24; engineers, 21; electrical workers, 21.2; coal-miners, IS; bakers, 26. War bonuses are included in the calculation. The greater increases arc in the essential industries. Actual earnings have increased, it is noted, in greater proportion than the rates of Wages by reason of more employment, extra overtime, and various concessions.

THE SHIPPING QUESTION. Wellington, Last Night. Mr. Guthrie has communicated with the TTigh ( Connnissioiier, asking him to inform the New Zealand Government whit foundation there was for Mr. Hoover's reported statement with regard to shipping. As soon as definite information comes to hand, Mr. Guthrie will make it public, with a view to giving the fullest information to producers. A LICENSEE PROSECUTED. Nelson, Last Night. Mr- E. 0- Lewer, S.M., heard a case to-day in which W. S. IHorracks, licensee of the Tasman Hotel, was charged with supplying liquor before the lawful hours of opening, with exposing liquor before the hours, also with selling liquor before hours, and with permitting treating. The ea<;e rested on the evidence of a constable supported by certain admissions made by another defendant who wfls charged with treating, but denied by him in the box. Horracks was convicted on all charges and fined £4O for treating. £lO for supplying, and £1 each .for exposing and selling, and on the last eliarge the license was endorsed. Bass, the barman, was convicted of permitting treating, and was fined £lO. One of the men found on the premises was fined £7 lOssand another .-65. Security was given for appeal in all the cases.