DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 January 1919, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS.

STATE JTRE INSUEANCE; By Telegraph.—l'resa AsaacUtio*. Wellington, Jan. 11. The interim report of the general manager of the State Fire Ollice shows that tlie net surplus on last year's operations was approximately, £;iß,oot> which 'heats the previous year's record by £2OOO. A total of £IW),UQO was invested in war loans.

PROPOSED RAISING OF SCHOOL AGE. Wellington, Jan. 11. At the New Zealand Educational Institute, Mr F. I. Evans, of Christchurch, moved "That in order to make for greater efficiency both m the individual and in the State it is imperative that compulsory education bo extended to 16 years of age without exception, financial assistance being given when necessary; further that between the ages of 16 and 18 there be compulsory attendance at continuation or vocational classes in daylight hours." The mojj/on was carried.

STANDARDISING FOOTWEAr,. Wellington, Jan. 11. The Hon. W- D. S. Mac Donald states that preparations are ready for touching a scheme of standardisation of tlio manufacture of boots. Tlio Board of Trade's expert had visited the cities and taken a range of camples of footwear representing tlie lines intended to be manufactured. Four samples wore almost ready to issue from the factories aa soon as the proprietors statu which lines tliey will undertake. Retail prices will he fixed, and by the end of March standardised boots ought to bo oa sale.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CRITICISED. Dajmovirko, Jan. 11, Tlio Borough Councillors last evening expressed some candil opinions on tlia Health Department in eoimeetlon vvlM the influenza epidemic. Dannevirko was fairly hard hit and the Council decided to support other local bodies in any action they might take to have the Department and its methods reformed

Councillor Thomson considered the Department has been vwv much at lat.lt in not taking practical measures to meet the situation. Had precautionary measures been taken he believed many people who had lost their livbs would never have died. Thi? was a serious statement, but ho thought it was deserved. Councilor J. Drummond said the Department Mid failed miserably in its efforts and deserved censure.

ORMONDVILLI! PUBLICAN PIKED. Dannovirke, Jan. 11M. Lowe, hotelkeeper at Ormondville was fined £5 and 7s costs for exposing liquor for sale in prohibited hours. Four men found on the premises wero each fined £2 and costs.

FREIGHT REDUCTIONS. Wellington, Jan. 11. Private advices announced that steamer freights from New York to New Zealand have Ibeen reduced to 40 dollars per ton measurement, and 37% dollars by weight.

LABOR DISPUTE SETTLED. Waihi, Jan. 11. A full settlement was reached by tlic Conciliation Council last night in the matter of an application for a new award between the Waihi branch of the South Auckland Engine Drivers' Union and the local mine-owners. This provisions of the old award were accepted, with certain alterations, including an increase all round of Is 3d per day and an increase of overtime Tatea.

EPIDEMIC DISTRESS. Christchurch, Jail- 11. A deputation of tlie» Canterbury Trades Council waited on Sir Jamei Allen, asking that more liberal provision be made by the Government for widows and orphans, especially in view of tlia recent influenza epidemic. Sir JamPß Allen said no amendment of the Act could ba made quickly enough to meet the case, and the matter mast come before Cabinet. The position regarding the epidemic was that it had been decided that widows and cnildrcn were to become wards of the State. J.f no help was forthcoming, he was surprised, but the matter was in the department of the Hon. G. W. llussell, to whom he would refer the matter on Ms return to Wellington. Though the Gov. eminent realised its responsibilities ii e thought local bodies should do some' thing.