DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1919, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

PAYMENT OF MUSICIANS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 29. The settlement of the Auckland musicians' dispute by the Conciliation Council gave a substantial increase on the present rates of pay. A QUESTION OF HOLIDAYS. Blenheim, May 29. Mr. P. L. Hollings, magistrate, delivered an important judgment in a case in which W. B. Gilling was charged by the Inspector of Factories with having employed three female employees on Wednesday (the half holiday), April 9. The defence stated that the employees received a half-holiday on April 10, referendum day, at their own wish, in place of the usual half-day. Counsel contended that the case should be dismissed, as a trial under section 92 of the Justice of the Peace Act. The magistrate agreed to use hiy discretionary powers under that Act, and dismissed the case. AN INCENDIARY FIHE. Blenheim, May 29. The verdict of the coroner's inquiry into the firo at the Marlborough fruit preserving and packing factory was that the outbreak originated inside the building. Evidence showed that it was not accidental, but must have been kindled by some persons who gained access to the building after it had been closed for the day, but the evidence was not sufficient to show who the culprit was.

THE LIQUOR POLL. Wellington, May 29. The Hon. T. M. Wilford announces that the result of the liquor poll on the transport Rimutaka was:— Continuance 503 Prohibition 120 A DEVOTED SON*AND ARDENT PATRIOT. Wellington, May 29. At a meeting of the War Relief Association yesterday it was proposed to perpetuate the memory of the late Lieut. Brook Crouch, who not only died on the battlefield, but who, prior to going away to the front, left his small savings for the benefit of liiej comrades and their dependents. The following resolution was carried: "The executive committee of the Wellington War Relief Association desires to place upon record its high appreciation of the unselfish life and noble death of Lieut. Foster Brook Crouch; a devoted ton, he lived for those dependent on him; an ardent patriot, he died for humanity on the battlefield in France on March 23, 1918; a belated competency that during life would have seemed to liim wealth beyond the dreams of avarice he bequeathed without condition to the funds of the War Relief Association, his dependents having predeceased him. In such an example lies the regeneration of the British race." Tho Mayor if; being asked to convene a meeting to consider the most suitable form of memorial. A scholarship has been suggested. A CALUMNY RESENTED. Wellington, May 29. Speaking at the Farmers' Union Conference with regard to the fixing of prices for produce, the Minister of Agriculture referred to the remark by a fanner at Invercargill that every member of the Government had hit' price in connection with the sale of produce. '1 am going to Invercargill next week," said Mr. Mac Donald, "and I am prepared to tell that gentleman before the biggiest audience he can get that he is a liar." The Minister spelt out the word. Amid applause, the Minister added that he did not mind criticsm, but would alwayy resent any attack on his honor. CHEAPER CORRUGATED IRON. Wellington, Last Night. Reports show that the local market is, well supplied with corrugated iron, and prices show a downward tendency, the present price being in the vicinity of £55 per ton, a drop of nearly 50 per cent, within j.even or eight months. The wire market is rather uncertain, but the fall in price is stated to be more marked than in corrugated iron. THAT VETO ACTION. Wellington, Last Night. > Cabinet to-day reached a decision on the question of the veto exercised by the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries) against the Appeal Board's finding, and the request of the locomotive men to be enabled to negotiate with the Department under the chairmanship of an outside conciliator. The decision will not be communicated to the press until it has been sent to representatives of the men's societies.

NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION. Palmerston N., May 27. The result of a ballot by the dairy factories in the Hawlce's Bay and Bush/ districts for the selection of an official:* candidate to represent the districts named in the election of a member of. the executive of the National Dairy Association, 'Ltd, has now been announced." A heavy vote was polled, and Mr. T. Moss was returned at the head of the poll, beating Mr. E. Harding bv one vptc, The unsuccessful candidates will, it isj expected, work to secure the return of; Mr. Moss, who is well posted in dairying matters, having been chairman of the ! Wellington branch of the Farmers' Union and a member of the Efficiency Board. Mr. Moss is also chairman of the Newman Co-operative Dairy Company. The final ballot will be taken on' June 1, and the result will be announced at. the annual meeting of the-association, which will be held during the winter Bhow at Palmerston.

MOTOR BUS COLLIDES WITH TRAIN. Christchurch, May 27. A collision between a motor bug and a stock train returning to Ohristchureh occurred last night at 'Black Street railway crossing at Kaiapoi- The driver of the bus had no intimation of the approaching train till just-before it reached 1 the crossing. We swerved and struck the rear portion of the train, the bits bpine extensively damaged. There were' no passengers on the bus, and the driver (H. Mflesi escaped without injury. The Kaiapoi Thorough Council recently drew the attention of the Railway Department to the dangerous nature of the crossing. v