WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19942, 31 May 1930, Page 4

WEST COAST NOTES

PERSONAL. (srECUT. TO THE PRESS.) GREYMOUTH, May 30. Mr Justice Frazer (President of the Arbitration Court), with Messrs W. Cecil Prime (employers' representative), A. L. Monteith (employees' representative), and J. A. Gilmour (registrar) will leave for Christchurch to-morrow.

Arbitration Court. The sitting of the Arbitration Court scheduled for to-day at Greymouth lapsed owing to two eases on the list being settled and one adjourned. Mr Justice Frazer and Messrs W. Cecil Prime (employers' representative) and A. L. Monteith (employees' representative) met counsel in Chambers. In the case of Lorenzo Tonioleo against the Grey Valley Collieries, Ltd. Mr P. J. O'Regan, for plaintiff, announced that a settlement had been reached. The statement of claim set out that on July 27th, 1928, Tonioleo was assisting to replace on the rails in the Dobson mino a truck of coal which had become, derailed, and while doing so he suffered injuries to tho muscles and ligaments of his back, in consequence of which he was disabled. The terms of the settlement were not announced.

Victor Wright (Mr O'Regan) proceeded against tho Grey Valley Colliories, stating that on November Ist, 1928, while assisting to lift some heavy timber, he injured his heart, and was immcdately disabled from working; that ho subsequently resumed work, but was compelled to desist finally on March 18th, 1929. An offer made by tho plaintiff was accepted by respondent's solicitor.

John Joseph Busher (Mr W. J. Joyce) petitioned the King (Mr F. A. Kitchingham) for compensation. Tho statement of claim set out that on August 23rd, 1929, petitioner was employed by the Public Works Department on railway construction works at Westport, Inangahua Junction, near the Blackwater camp. While working in a cutting he suffered a jar to one hand, in consequence of which he injured his right elbow and dislocated it, and has remained totally disabled. Counsel stated that negotiations were proceeding for a settlement, though a hitch had occurred at the last moment. An adjournment to Christchurch was agreed upon for June 20th, the Court to bo advised should further, negotiations result in a settlement being agreed upon.

Hokitika High School. Tho Hokitika High School Board met yesterday afternoon. Mr J. A, Murdoch presided. The Canterbury Education Board wrote notifying tho appoint? ment of Mr W. H. Shannon as representative in place of the late Hon H. L. Michel, The chairman said that the appointment waß not in order, as tho Governor-in-Council alone had the power of appointment in the case of an extraordinary vacancy, and not the Canterbury Education Board. He ruled that tho appointment was not in order, and moved that application be made to the Governor-in-Council for tho appointment of a successor to the late Hon. H, L. Michel, and that Mr W. H. Shannon be recommended for the appointment. This was seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

The Education Department, Wellington, notified that after perusnl of a letter from tho Canterbury Education Board is was agreed that tho appointment made was ultra vires. The chairman said that his letter bore out the attitude he had taken up as acting-chair-man of the Board. 'I ./

The Director of Education, Wellington, notified the appointment of Mr J. A. Murdoch as Government representative on the Board.

Timber Trade. Mr P. J. McLean (chairman of the Groymouth Harbour Board) has roeelvcd a communication from Australia, informing him that an important increase in the export "of New Zealand timber to Australia, particularly in rimu and white pine, will soon be evidenced. The Australian Government would, withn the next few weeks, most probably amend the timber tariff schedule, aiming at a decrease on certain imported timbers. The principal prohibition would be placed on Baltic timber imported for flooring, lining, and weatherboard purposes. The immediate effect would not bo o£ much consequence owing to the trade being practically at a standstill. There should bo a strong demand, however, for New Zealand timber for Australia before the end of the year. Magistrate's Court. Mr W. Meldrnm, S.M., presided at a sitting of the Magistrate's Court at Wcstport to-day, when Percy John Aidridge was charged that, on divers dates, he stole £l3 8s Bd, at Mokihinui, the property of the Postmaster-General. Ho pleaded guilty. Tho police stated that a refund had been made of all the money but £4 4s Bd.

The Magistrate said he would take into consideration what had been said regarding accused. Ho was convicted ordered como op for sontence -within twelve months, and ordered to refund £4 4s Bd, a month being given in which to pay. ~ kynch pleaded not guilty to the theft of a coat, valued at £3, and not guilty to the theft of £5 Is 9d He was convicted and sentenced to'fourteen days' imprisonment on each charge. Cyclist Injured. workman, named Kinsella, when cycling round a corner near the Moonlight bridge to-day, on his way home, rode into a motor-car driven by Mr A. R. Thompson. He was severely injured and was attended to by Dr. Bennett, of Blackball.