SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 52, 2 March 1909, Page 3

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press . Association.) NELSON HARBOUR BOARD. NELSON, this day. At the statutory meeting of the Harbour Board to-day, Mr. John Graham, M.P., was re-elected chairman for the eighth time in. successsion. He pointed out that Nelson -vvas the only Board in the Dominion which had carried out harbour improvements to tne present extent without imposing any rates. ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON; this day. The following have been chosen to represent Wellington at the Champion Athletic Meeting:—Woodger, 100 yds and 200 yds; Burge, half and mile; Sharpe, three miles; Kerr, walks; Wallace, hammer; McKay, pole vault. The quarter mile and jumping representatives will be chosen later. INVERCARGILL CUSTOMS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Saturday. The total Customs returns for February show an increase of £120 over February of last year. The i_ost notable feature of the returns is an increase of £400 in duties on manufactured tobacco, which more than sets off a decrease of £280 in spirits. GISBORNE. this day. Fire destroyed a dwelling occupied by Mr. P. Ballantyne at Mangaone. In endeavouring to salvage the contents, Mrs. Ballantyne was seriously scorched, through her clothing catching fire. The house and contents vrere insured for £250 in the South British. WELLINGTON, this day. In response to representations made bj the Ironmasters' Conference, the Commissioner of Taxes has notified that in future an allowance for depreciation in as sessments for income tax will be extended to ■ five per cent on half the total value of all plant and ma-chinery. NELSON, this day. From to-morroif Nelson reverts t< Wednesday half holiday, after tryinj Saturday lor a year. It i≤ understood ai ' effort is being made by the Saturday ad I vocates to demand a poll at the cominj i municipal election. Opinion is mud I divided as to whether Wednesday or Sat ! urday is the better or equal day from ; business standpoint. DUNEDIN. Monday. The Springdale schoolhouse, near Alex , andra, was destroyed by five early oi i Saturday morning. The teacher wa away at the time, and he lost a numbe i of valuable books and other articles.