DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1919, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

PROPOSED CONFERENCE OP MAYORS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Mayor Luke has telegraphed the following reply to the Christchurch Mayor's invitation to the proposed conference of mayors: "At the Municipal Conference to be held' in Wellington during the early part of the session Of Parliament all tho matters contained in your order of reference will be dealt with. I am not hostile to your proposed conference, but consider that it will overlap with the Municipal Conference comprising representatives of all boroughs." RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. Napier, June 20. A gang of men have commenced work on the Napier end of the East Coast Railway, doing preliminary work preparatory to starting formation. ASSAULT ON A POLICEMAN. Wanganui, June 20. Two young men, Victor and Roy Smith, were charged at the Magistrate's Court this morning with having caused actual bodily harm to Sergeant Jag, Reid while in the execution of his duty. Both were remanded for a week, bail being allowed. Sergeant Reid is still suffering from the effects of the injuries he received. COURT OF INQUIRY. Wellington, June 20. The finding of the' Court' of Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the disappearance of Rifleman John Russell, a returned soldier, from the M&raroa during her voyage from Wellington to Lyttelton on October 24 and 25, 1918, was made public to-day. The court finds it reasonable to suppose that Russel lost his life during i the voyage, his mental and medical condition being such as to necessitate a special escort being detailed to ensure his safety on the voyage. The first escort, Sapper Goodwin, did not discharge his duties efficiently, but the second did. With the exception of Goodwin, no member of the New Zealand military force was guilty of negligence or in any other way culpable in connection with Russell's disappearance. SOLDIERS STILL ABROAD. Palmerston North, June 20. Sir James Allen has received intimation that the following soldiers and dependents are still abroad: In France 20, in the United Kingdom 13,861, patientß in hospital in United Kingdom 1714, nurses, Red Cross, and wives and children of soldiers 203—total 15,608; already returned 31,244.

MUNICIPAL PROGRESS AT THAMES. Thames, Last Night. A poll taJcen yesterday on the question of the residential suburban area, under county government, uniting with the borough ,of Thames was carried by a six to ione rote. As a result of this the borough will now haye *a population of over 7000. A sewerage loan of £30,000 for the combined area will now be placed before the ratepayers. Rating on unimproved values was also carried by a six to one majority.

BREACH OP COMPANIES ACT. Wellington, Last Night'For a breach of the Companies Act in failing to affix its name outside its office, the Colonial Fanners' Co-operative Trading Company was ordered to pay the costs. The manager of the company, Robert Pitcaithly, was fined : £2 and costs. TROUBLE OVER VALUATIONS. Wellington, Last Night. An involved case arising out of the will of Patrick Bourke, late of Whenuakura, fanner, was commenced at the Supreme Court to-day. Testator specifically devised to his five surviving sons the realty in his estate in equal shares, it being provided that the sons receiving lands of greater value should pay to those receiving lands of lesser value sums by way of equality of partition. Two of the elder sons desired the special valuation obtained by the Valuer-General to be adhered to on the ground that the Public Trustee had, in terms of the will, adopted that valuation, while the three younger sons insisted upon the valuations made by independent valuers being the basis of the distribution. The case was not concluded. , THE RUAHINE. Wellington, Last Night. Advice has been received that the Ruahine will not arrive is Welington until July 6. THE POLICE FORCE'S PAY. . Wellington, Last Night. . The Minister for Justice referred to Cabinet to-day a schedule for increased house allowances and pay to the officers of the police force above the rank of sergeant, and Cabinet approved it. The schedule provides for a small increase of pay to constables .acting as clerks of county. 1