N.Z.P.A. NEWS IN BRIEF

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33443, 26 January 1974, Page 3

N.Z.P.A. NEWS IN BRIEF

Trade exams Results of the Trades Certification Board's trade examinations were expected to be mailed to the 23,000 candidates by the end of this week, a board spokesman said yesterday. The examinations, held in 75 centres, were in 68 trades. Unemployment The number of unemployed Registered with the Labour Department increased by 146 from 919 at December 14 to 1065 at. January 18. The Minister of Labour (Mr Watt) said the closing of industry for the holidays had restricted placements. This

gave rise to an increase inunemployment common at this time of the year. In addition 234 men (381 at December 14) were employed on work with Government Departments, and five (six) on local body work. Christchurch unemployed numbered 70, compared with 49 on December 14. Ensign lowered The New Zealand ensign was lowered for the last time on Thursday evening as the flag of the Cook Islands, and in a moving ceremony in Avarua yesterday morning, watched by people from all parts ofthe main island, the Premier (.Sir Albert

-Henry) raised the new Cook Islands flag, which has a green background with a circle of 15 gold stars. The High Commissioner (Mr G. J. Brocklehurst) represented New Zealand at the ceremony. Sir Albert. Henry emphasised that this was merely ‘a change of flags identifying the Cook Islands, and not in any way a change in the unique and successful asso- ’ ciation between the Cook ’ Islands and New Zealand. Similar ceremonies were 'held at the same time in (outer islands. End of board The present members of i the board of the New Zea-

land Broadcasting Corpora- ’ tion will cease to hold office as such from February I as a result of the Broadcasting Act Commencement Order, gazetted last night. The ’board will be temporarily reconstituted pending the abolijtion of the corporation. Body found j The body of a man who (disappeared while crossing ! Lake Wanaka by boat on Wednesday was recovered I today by the police. He was Russell John McLay, aged 126, of Edendale.